I’m Catherine Forrest, ELS. I’ve been an editorial and publishing professional for more than 20 years. I'm also the writer of Shelf Life, a newsletter on all things writing, editing, and publishing. During my career, I’ve accumulated tremendous editing experience and helped hundreds of authors make their books shine. 

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I realize:

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• Not every author can afford an editor; and 

• Not every author wants to work with an editor; but

• Every author wants their book to be the best it can be.

 

You’ve finished your novel. Now what? You can:

 

• Query an agent.

• Hire a professional editor.

• Approach an acquisitions editor.

• Self-publish.

 

No matter which path you choose, one thing is true: the cleaner your manuscript, the better your chances.

 

My proven macro-to-micro editing system works for all of them. Because it teaches you to edit like a pro—starting with structure, ending with polish—so you deliver the strongest possible manuscript, whether you’re paying an editor or becoming your own.