Twenty years of helping fiction, memoir, and nonfiction authors shape manuscripts into books that readers love.
Developmental Editing by any other name.
Book Midwifery is for writers who wish to delve deep into the art of their writing. This is the intensive project where we take a rough draft, or maybe even a word salad of disparate fragments, and turn it into the polished manuscript of your dreams.
This is a deep dive into your story’s structure with an intensive focus on character development and arc, plot holes, and world-building. All the while keeping in mind theme and symbolism as well.
In every project, I look for tone and voice consistency, and maintain consideration for the reader’s journey.
After it all, you will receive a hefty booklet of detailed notes, instructions, and varying paths forward in your narrative.
My methods and processes are different with every client. There are tried and true formulas and systems, and we’ll discuss those, but one size never fits all. There is much nuance inside every narrative.
Developmental Edits are .04¢ a word. This rate is in accordance with the Editorial Freelance Association.
My Story Therapy sessions are designed as an affordable alternative to Book Midwifery, wherein we look at your book in bite-sized chunks.
I’m going to ask a lot of questions.
As a Book Midwife, together, we will find your metaphors, birth your characters, learn and amplify your voice, then care for its moods.
Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, pleasure or business.
Because this is such an intensive process, lights will get turned on, we will unearth gems, clarify your thoughts, and nurture the heart of your work.
I will ask you to go to deeper. I will ask you to find the stories underneath the stories you’re writing.
We’ll play with structure and sort out your symbols until we get it organized and just right.
We’ll find your metaphors and style through a thorough symbolic, philosophic, and thematic character and plot analysis.
This may look like book or film recommendations. It may look like writing exercises and worksheets. It may also look like exploring and experimentation. We will find a system that works best for you.
At the end of the process you will have a story that is yours and ready for submission. It will be moving and you will love it.
Many of my clients approach me with dozens of disparate chapters written. Together, we’ve organized word salads and transformed them into works of art. This is my job. To smooth clunky sentences into glittering prose. With careful dexterity, we’ll move plots and assemble symbols until the project feels complete. Feels yours.
That’s the most important thing to me. That in the end, you feel that your book says, is exactly what you envisioned.
I will work hard to see your vision.
One of the first things I’m going to ask you is: What is the story you want to tell?
I want to get to the heart of the matter, because in that answer, I’ll see your artistry, I’ll see you.
Delicate but relentless care and attention to detail will produce a better manuscript that will get you noticed. Whether you’re writing genius, high-literary fiction, or know a thing or two about your industry and you’d like a book to go with your company’s practices.
Book Midwifery is for:
- Writers who need to hire a developmental editor.
- Writers who wish to delve deeper into the art of their writing.
- Writers who are struggling with organizing their pages into a cohesive book.
- Writers who wish to sharpen their craft and explore all their opportunities.
- Writers who plan on self-publishing but want that polished professionalism we expect from traditionally published books.
- Writers who want to stand out in an agent’s slush pile.
- Writers who have big lofty dreams of writing the best book ever.
For Professionals or Business Owners:
Adding targeted blogs or even a book or ebook explaining your business and its methods is a great way for your brand to stand out in the marketplace, as well as show off your expertise. But for a lot of business owners, this task may seem Herculean, or even, Sisyphean, but together, organizing it will be easier than you think, and certainly worth it to stamp that Author of at the end of your title.
Here’s What Clients Have to Say:
“I can’t say enough about Cathy! I am a first time fiction writer and am very lucky I found her. Honestly, I am not sure I would have continued writing without her continued support and professional help. Don’t hesitate for one moment if you need guidance of any kind for your project-you won’t regret reaching out to her!”
Liz Georgiou
“Cathy does a fantastic job of finding the balance between offering unconditional support and being honest with you about what needs improvement. She truly loves the art of writing and it shows in all she does. Editor, writer, community builder, and badass—Cathy does it all!”
Heather Lynn
“I am a better writer because of Cathy.”
Kailyne Waters
“I can very genuinely say that I would not have come this far, or indeed, gone anywhere at all as a writer, without her help. Sometimes I think I should list her as co-author.”
Lily Robert-Foley
“Despite that I have limited understanding in crafting a story, I never felt like the novice that I am. Cathy supported me every step of the way, encouraging questions and answering every one of them with clarity. Her edits were abundant (exactly what I needed) and her insights are of excellent value. I especially appreciate the one-on-one time she spent with me at the end of the project. I have come away from this process a better writer and a little wiser on how to express my opinions. Considering the scope of the project, the length of time it took to complete was very reasonable. I will, without hesitation, submit my next book.”
Michael Bauch
“Cathy Borders is more than an editor because she understands the direction I’m heading. Her suggestions are spot on and help build a stronger story. I highly recommend her and I’m glad she’s on board with my writing endeavors. Five stars from me!!”
Leo Zarko
“Cathy Borders skillfully and patiently birthed my book while managing to maintain my point of view despite having no previous background in Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, or Daoist philosophy.”
Evelyn Robert
“With immense knowledge and experience in the writing world, Cathy was able to help me start realize the potential of my own. Drawing on Greek myths to vaporware, she is familiar with almost any kind of narrative there can be, and will be able to guide your project to the best it can possibly be.”
Liam
“I’ve listened to a number of writer friends complain about their books being edited but frankly, I have no complaints. In fact, it was joyful and inspiring. She made my book better and helped me think about the way I write. Anyone who has the opportunity to work with her will be lucky.”
Michael Foley
“Cathy Borders is a godsend to any writer! Whether you are a seasoned pro or a new and inexperienced writer (that’s me!) Cathy is your go to. Not only is she a talented, gifted writer and editor, but also a fantastic coach. Cathy is there for you to bounce ideas off of and ignite your imagination! I am so thankful I found her and encourage any writer who needs a second set of eyes and viewpoint to reach out to her- you will not be disappointed.”
Liz
“Cathy is an absolute joy to work with. She is a thoughtful reader who is able to offer valuable insight and guidance. I’m grateful to have found her.”
Patricia Motto
“I started writing a novel a year ago, and after writing 27,000 words, and getting a few (discouraging) comments from other authors, who had not read my work, I got completely stuck. They told me my methodology was all wrong.. I couldn’t even reread what I had written. Cathy read the whole thing and answered my question “Is this worth continuing?” She was very encouraging, and after an hour’s discussion with her, and her magic therapy, I am now back on track. With her help, I WILL finish my story, and am feeling fantastic about it!”
Joanne Telser-Frere
“Cathy is a gift to writers and readers alike! Her approach is equal parts professional and nurturing. She is a champion, friend, and kind critic for your project. Her attention to detail, as well as her ability to excavate meaning from your fragments, sets her apart. I recommend Cathy without hesitation. I am truly honored that she has chosen to help me bring my stories to life.”
KR W
“Cathy is awesome and brilliant and not afraid to be honest with me which is why she is my editor.”
H.L.
Editing Services
Serving: St. Charles | Geneva | Batavia | Elburn | Galena | Dubuque | Peosta
(630) 567-5410
Cathy@cathyborders.com