Becoming a published author takes a team.

Have a children’s book idea or manuscript? Whether you need a big-picture edit or final polish, Catherine Frank Editorial Services, LLC specializes in children’s publishing with personalized editorial expertise.

Editorial Expertise

With more than twenty-five years of experience in children’s publishing—including over a decade in the trenches at a Big Five publisher—I know the ins and outs of how to craft a query letter, how to find the right agent, and, most importantly, how to develop a manuscript into the best possible version of itself. And sometimes my four-legged editorial assistant even helps!

Services

Here you’ll find details about my available editorial services. Please get in touch with questions, or if you’re looking for something specific that might not be listed below. I’m happy to tailor my work to suit your needs, whether you’re an author, illustrator, publisher, or agent.

Authors

Comprehensive editorial services and consultation.

Illustrators

Portfolio reviews and project critiques.

Publishers

Editing, adaptation, and project consultation.

Agents

Manuscript review and client consultation.

Testimonials

Read what others shared. View all.

To be edited by Catherine is to know publishing at its best.

Ann Bausum

Author

Her notes are pointed, but gentle. When I disagreed with or didn’t understand an editorial note, her guidance was respectful.

Jan Car

Author

She has a knack for zeroing in on the heart of a story—that combination of emotional engagement, suspense, and satisfaction that keep readers turning pages.

Sarah L. Thomson

Author

She took a manuscript that I thought was pretty good, and transformed it into something so much better.

Rebecca Siegel

Author

I’m convinced that she knows book-magic.

Shawn K. Stout

Author

As a professional, she sees both the forest and the trees of a story in ways that bring all the pieces together.

Elaine Vickers

Author

She helped me keep track of the many strands of my story. She encouraged me when I got discouraged.

Ann Dee Ellis

Author

Before we were introduced, Catherine was described to us as a “world-class editor.” After working with her, we whole-heartedly agree.

Patti Wheeler and Keith Hemstreet

Author

Catherine is experienced, intelligent, and encouraging—a perfect combination for a children’s book editor. Her one-on-one workshop sessions have been invaluable

Whitney Stewart

Author

Catherine pushed me to explore aspects of my novel I hadn’t considered. But while pushing, she was never “pushy”—she was exceedingly pleasant to work with!

Ginger Rue

Author

I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Catherine. Her insight, her patience, and her willingness to bring clarity to my writing was amazing

William Meyer

Author

Catherine advertises her editing expertise, but she is really a coach. She maximized my strengths and helped me identify and tighten the weaknesses in my writing.

Heidi King

Author

Portfolio

My editorial experience runs the gamut from photographic, award-winning nonfiction to highly commercial, older YA and everything in between. This is a sample of the published books and projects I have recently worked on as a freelance editor (click on a book jacket to learn more).

Making Plans for Nigel Binty

The Sweet Spot

How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler

Range

This Cookie Will Change Your Life

Geo’s Fortune

The Griffin’s Boy

Buddy and Bea: Say Cheese

FAQ

Here are a few general questions I get. For more, feel free to check out the full FAQ page.

What kind of editing do you do?

I specialize in developmental editing for children’s manuscripts. I also offer a lot of other options, including: query editing, general manuscript feedback and consultation, adaptation, and partial editing. Wondering if I can help you? Just ask! (Yes, I also sometimes work on projects not intended for children.)

How would you describe your editing style?

I’m thorough and collaborative, and I’ll hold you to a high bar. I ask a lot of questions and always keep your ultimate vision for your manuscript in mind. Take a look at my portfolio to get a better sense of the work I do.

How do your rates work?

I use an hourly rate for small projects (like query letters and consultations). For manuscript editing, I provide a custom editing proposal and quote for every project. Check out my Services page for details.

Can you help me get published?

I can use my extensive editorial and publishing expertise to make sure you’re doing all you can to reach your publishing goal. With me in your corner, you’ll be that much closer.

What else should I know about you?

I’ve been a children’s book editor for more than twenty-five years. I became a freelance editor after I left NYC and wanted to keep doing the work I love. Find out more about me. Also, I love pugs.

Becoming a published author takes a team.

Editorial Expertise

Services

Authors

Illustrators

Publishers

Agents

Testimonials

To be edited by Catherine is to know publishing at its best.

Her notes are pointed, but gentle. When I disagreed with or didn’t understand an editorial note, her guidance was respectful.

She has a knack for zeroing in on the heart of a story—that combination of emotional engagement, suspense, and satisfaction that keep readers turning pages.

She took a manuscript that I thought was pretty good, and transformed it into something so much better.

I’m convinced that she knows book-magic.

As a professional, she sees both the forest and the trees of a story in ways that bring all the pieces together.

She helped me keep track of the many strands of my story. She encouraged me when I got discouraged.

Before we were introduced, Catherine was described to us as a “world-class editor.” After working with her, we whole-heartedly agree.

Catherine is experienced, intelligent, and encouraging—a perfect combination for a children’s book editor. Her one-on-one workshop sessions have been invaluable

Catherine pushed me to explore aspects of my novel I hadn’t considered. But while pushing, she was never “pushy”—she was exceedingly pleasant to work with!

I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Catherine. Her insight, her patience, and her willingness to bring clarity to my writing was amazing

Catherine advertises her editing expertise, but she is really a coach. She maximized my strengths and helped me identify and tighten the weaknesses in my writing.

Portfolio

FAQ

What kind of editing do you do?

How would you describe your editing style?

How do your rates work?

Can you help me get published?

What else should I know about you?

Selected Clients