Literary Events
Hi! I’m Cathy: Book Midwife, Story Therapist, & Writing Witch.
In addition to being a professional Developmental Book Editor for over two decades, I’m also an Event Organizer.
I’m the founder and owner of The Republic of Letters and Water Street Writers. Serving writers and readers from the Fox Valley of Northern Illinois to the Dubuque Tri-State area, we offer a vibrant reading series, writers’ networking events, and a variety of opportunities to connect, build community, and put your work—and yourself—out there.
Upcoming Events
Water Street Writers
Water Street Writers is a curated reading series celebrating our local authors.
Held at Water Street Studios in Batavia on four precious Sundays a year.
After the show there’s a Writer’s Open Mic!
Want to read with us? Featured Readers are selected by submission. Go to WaterStreetWriters.com for more information.
Writers’ Networking
Come mingle with other writers! We can talk shop, congratulate each other, gripe, plan, and hope. Plus free coffee! Bring your cards and your questions! Bring your books and a pen! Or just bring yourself! Anyway, come NETWORK. It’s better than it sounds.
Let’s make some writer friends! See you at Start Something Studio in Batavia.
Community Matters
In partnership with River Lights Bookstore, we offer Writers’ Networking Events.
Come mingle with other writers! We can talk shop, congratulate each other, gripe, plan, and hope. Plus free coffee! Bring your cards and your questions! Bring your books and a pen! Or just bring yourself! Anyway, come NETWORK. It’s better than it sounds.
Let’s make some writer friends!
For more information, please visit River Lights Bookstore’s Website.
Stay in the know, follow me on social media.
Community Matters.
The Republic of Letters connects writers with writers, and local authors with local readers.
We offer Writing Resources, Writers’ Networking, an Open Mic, and a reading series: Water Street Writers.
We’re also home to the Local Authors Directory, where readers and book clubs can search for their next book by author and genre.
We believe if you write, you’re a writer.
Water Street Writers is a curated reading series celebrating our local authors.
Held at Water Street Studios in Batavia on four precious Sundays a year.
After the show there’s the Writer’s Open Mic!
Want to read with us? Featured Readers are selected by submission. Go to WaterStreetWriters.com for more information.
Stay in the know, follow me on social media.
And if you need an editor…
You want an editor for your book that you can meet with face to face.
Meeting with a real life person, one who listens and cares about your project is everything.
In this online Zoom app world, you could hire a cheap editor at one of those big box editing companies.
But you get what you pay for.
And that’s often an alienating and generic experience.
I like meeting new people, and I like helping people write books.
I believe in community and shopping local, and that includes reading local.
Which is why I started The Republic of Letters and Water Street Writers. Both of which are organizations for the local authors in our community.
Services I offer:
Developmental Editing. Read.
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. I read for tone and voice consistency, and maintain consideration for the reader’s journey. Learn more about my Developmental Editing Services here.
Book Coaching. Read.
I call this Story Therapy. Story Therapy is an inexpensive way to hire a Developmental Editor. We simply meet for an hour and talk and have a targeted conversation about your book. Learn more about my Story Therapy practice here.
Manuscript Critique. Read.
Or, Beta Reading is where I collapse the distance between reader and text. I still consider it Developmental Editing, as I’ll be reading with an editor’s eye, but instead of detailed line by line analysis, I give you my overall impressions and suggestions. This is for more seasoned writers, or those whose drafts are considered nearly finished. Learn more about Beta Reading here.
Children’s Book Editing. Read.
Do you have a wonderful idea for a children’s picture book but need some help structuring your pages? Together, we can build an elegant, simple, and delightful children’s book using what I know about symbolism and story structure. I have taken on several children’s books in my career. Learn more about Children’s Book Editing here.
Editing for Businesses, the Service Industry, or Professionals. Read.
Would having a book explaining your work help your service business? Do you do something differently, or have years of experience you think is worth sharing? Having a book about your work will certainly elevate you a cut above the competition! Show off your expertise and convince every one of your brilliance. Together, we can make you look like one of the leaders in your industry. Learn more about Editing for Businesses, the Service Industry, or Professionals.
Ghost Writing Services. Read.
Just don’t want to write it yourself? This isn’t my main bag, but we can talk. Email me.
Tarot Reading for your Project. Read.
Just need a little magic to get unstuck? Let’s give your project a tarot reading. Perfect antidote to the dreaded writer’s block. Might just be the thing to get your creative juices flowing. Learn more about Tarot Readings.
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