About page | Cate Hogan
Storytelling has taken
me everywhere.
From the cutthroat boardrooms of AdLand to the glorious Silver Screen, storytelling has been my bread and butter.
My parents were Advertising People. (Think Mad Men, but Sydney in the eighties—so less glamor and more spray tan.) Much of my childhood was spent standing in as cheap, union-free acting talent, promoting staples like bananas, milk, shampoo, cinemas, and washing detergent. Nestled amid the crew and rigging, I’d watch in awe as all these moving parts coalesced into a single message, capable of influencing millions of people.
Eventually, I completed a fine arts degree in film production and spent the next five years surviving on intern wages and the dogged hope I’d one day be trusted with more than just the coffee order. Miraculously, it paid off. I finally had everything I’d ever wanted: A fancy office in the middle of Sydney Harbor, working with some of the most brilliant creative minds in the country. It was a career most young filmmakers would die for, and it did, in fact, almost kill me. At the tender age of twenty-nine I quit my job and found myself sitting on a beach in Bali, Indonesia. I was spiritually, creatively, and physically wrecked, but it was the breakdown that would prove to be my breakthrough moment, giving me the courage to pursue my love of storytelling on my own terms.
In the years since I’ve worked as a freelance developmental editor on Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling books represented by Big Five Publishers like Hachette and HarperCollins. I support authors who’ve graced the New York Times list and sold millions of books, as well as those working through their very first manuscripts. I’ve also been invited to judge writing awards, assess big-budget screenplays, and craft lessons on storytelling that have been featured in multiple publications, including the “Best of Novelists Inc.” (US) annual, printed exclusively for multi-bestselling published authors.
Most importantly, I get to craft stories every single day—and on that note, I’d love to read yours. After all, my journey has led me to the greatest job in the world, just as yours has compelled you to tirelessly draft a manuscript and ultimately, stumble upon these words.
So am I the editor for you, and if so, how do we discover the full potential of your story?
It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3…
Step 1
Discovery
We start with an Opening Hook Edit, where you experience the editing process firsthand to decide if it’s right for you. I’ll also create a proposal for full development, including a quote and timeline. Even if you only take this first step, it’s a great opportunity to get top-level guidance on the most important chapters of your book.
Step 2
Lift Off
After the initial edit, you might decide your manuscript needs more work prior to development. However, if you’re ready and excited to proceed, we’ll schedule your full edit. When the time comes, I’ll get to work reading, analyzing, brainstorming, refining, and workshopping your story.
Step 3
The Perfect Landing
With the editing feedback in hand, it’s time to send me your questions and thoughts. This follow-up period is when we clear up any lingering doubts and challenges, so that you can move into your advanced raft with motivation, clarity, and confidence.
