Hello there, explorer!
Whether you’re a bestselling author or total newbie, I’m here to help you write and sell a fantastic book. Together, we can workshop your preliminary outline, develop your manuscript, and/or craft book descriptions and author bios. Every writer has unique needs, and each
project comes to me at a different stage of its evolution. This is why I start with an Opening Hook Edit, to determine the best service and investment for you. Alternatively, feel free to contact me and we’ll discuss your project.
A word from LJ...
“Cate is living proof a good editor squeezes the most potential out of a story."
L.J. Shen, New York Times bestselling author
Opening Hook Edit
$535
Before you submit your opening hook to agents, publishers, or readers, this is your chance to get in-depth, developmental guidance from an editor with Big Five publishing experience. Read more…
Outline Development
From $865
Is your protagonist compelling, and your plot satisfying and well-structured? I answer these questions (and dozens more) by analyzing and developing your outline, saving your editing budget and a lot of re-writing down the line. Read more…
Beta Development
From 4c per word
Described by one client as "a podcast series for my book", beta development analyzes the story at an act, chapter, and scene level. Is the plot compelling, are the characters believable and engaging, is the pace well-structured, and ultimately, what kind of fixes and new ideas does the story need to become commercially successful? Read more…
Manuscript Development
From 5c per word
This comprehensive deep dive is the most popular service I offer, including feedback on the story as a whole, plus written notes that cover insights and recommendations on a chapter-by-chapter, and scene-by scene basis. Read more…
Structural & Line Development
From 6c per word
If your wider story structure is solid, the scenes are flowing, and your character and plot arcs feel well-rounded, it’s time to start refining the story journey on a line and paragraph basis. This is the most intensive editing service on offer and includes wider structural feedback as well. Read more…
Book Descriptions
$425
Along with book covers, book descriptions play a vital role in hooking readers and converting sales. They must be compelling, engaging, and stylish; a tasty enticement to take a bigger bite. Many writers know the heart of their story, but are too close to the work to identify the most effective marketing hook. Read more…
Author Bios
$375
I'll send you a series of insightful interview questions, capturing your unique offering as a storyteller. The end result will be a smart, feature-style bio you'll be proud to share. And if you're yet to win awards or publish a dozen books, don't worry. I can dig a winning angle out of novices and bestselling authors alike. Read more…
Children's Books
From $600
A children's book must transport a young reader on a full and compelling story journey in an extremely tight word count. But never fear! Together, we'll develop a character and plot that win young hearts and minds. Read more…
Opening Hook Edit
$535
Before you submit your opening hook to agents, publishers, or readers, this is your chance to get in-depth, developmental guidance from an editor with Big Five publishing experience. Read more…
Outline Development
From $865
Is your protagonist compelling, and your plot satisfying and well-structured? I answer these questions (and dozens more) by analyzing and developing your outline, saving your editing budget and a lot of re-writing down the line.Read more…
Beta Development
From 4c per word
Described by one client as "a podcast series for my book", beta development analyzes the story at an act, chapter, and scene level. Is the plot compelling, are the characters believable and engaging, is the pace well-structured, and ultimately, what kind of fixes and new ideas does the story need to become commercially successful?Read more…
Manuscript Development
From 5c per word
This comprehensive deep dive is the most popular service I offer, including feedback on the story as a whole, plus written notes that cover insights and recommendations on a chapter-by-chapter, and scene-by scene basis.Read more…
Children's Books
From $600
A children's book must transport a young reader on a full and compelling story journey in an extremely tight word count. But never fear! Together, we'll develop a character and plot that win young hearts and minds.Read more…
Opening Hook Edit
$535
Before you submit your opening hook to agents, publishers, or readers, this is your chance to get in-depth, developmental guidance from an editor with Big Five publishing experience. Read more…
Structural & Line Development
From 6c per word
If your wider story structure is solid, the scenes are flowing, and your character and plot arcs feel well-rounded, it’s time to start refining the story journey on a line and paragraph basis. This is the most intensive editing service on offer and includes wider structural feedback as well.Read more…
Children's Books
From $600
A children's book must transport a young reader on a full and compelling story journey in an extremely tight word count. But never fear! Together, we'll develop a character and plot that win young hearts and minds.Read more…
Book Descriptions
$425
Along with book covers, book descriptions play a vital role in hooking readers and converting sales. They must be compelling, engaging, and stylish; a tasty enticement to take a bigger bite. Many writers know the heart of their story, but are too close to the work to identify the most effective marketing hook. Read more…
Author Bios
$375
I'll send you a series of insightful interview questions, capturing your unique offering as a storyteller. The end result will be a smart, feature-style bio you'll be proud to share. And if you're yet to win awards or publish a dozen books, don't worry. I can dig a winning angle out of novices and bestselling authors alike. Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions
I specialize in developing narratives of all kinds. Feel free to contact me regarding your project and if it’s well-suited to my process, I’ll offer a quote and timeline for the input required.
My developmental editing services cover memoir and fiction across various formats, as outlined above. Non-narrative works, like instructional how-to books, self-help, essays, web and marketing copy, articles, poetry etc., are better served by editors who specialize in those formats. If you’re looking for help in these areas, let me know and I’ll do my best to refer you to someone better placed to assist.
As I specialize in developmental editing I refer technical processes to other editors.
Every project ranges in terms of its scope and requirements, but most full-length development projects take anywhere from 5 to 15 days to complete. Having said that, my calendar is generally booked 8 to 12 weeks in advance. Earlier dates become available when clients request deadline extensions, so if you’re hoping to get started earlier, there’s a good chance we shave a month or so off your wait time.
Yes. Like all specialty services, full-time professional editors are booked in advance. If you don’t mind an 8 – 12 week wait, you’re welcome to touch base at any time. Of course, creative projects require a certain amount of energy and momentum, so in general I feel it’s best to line up production ahead of time, and keep the ball rolling. As soon as you feel you’re within striking range of finishing your draft, contact me ahead of time and we can put some dates aside for your project. And if you’re ready now and hoping to get started sooner, I can also add you to my waitlist in the event an earlier booking becomes available.
Simply send the manuscript as an MS Word doc. file via email to cate (at) catehogan (dot) com.
First you pay a small non-refundable deposit to secure your booking. One month prior to your edit, I’ll contact you to confirm you are on track to proceed. One week prior to your edit, you submit your manuscript and we confirm your final word count, at which point I send you an invoice for the total and full payment is required, minus the initial deposit. You can view accepted payment methods here. All prices quoted are $USD.
All projects include a post-edit Q&A. This means you can send me follow-up questions for feedback, and we’ll discuss the notes to ensure you feel confident moving into your next draft. If you update your draft and want me to read and edit it a second time, this is treated as a new project and charged accordingly.