Home - Catherine Dorton

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With over twenty years of editorial experience with major publishers,
I can help you polish your words to make them shine.

I work across genres, but with a special affinity for

• memoir and narrative nonfiction

• literary and commercial fiction

• books for young people

I’m available to assist you with

• all types of editing

• manuscript consultation

• one-on-one coaching

Editing is a crucial part of the writing process. I can ensure your voice is clear, authentic, and connects with your readers. Learn more about me, my services, my portfolio, and what other people say about my work.

Recent Projects

Memoir

Life in the City of Dirty Water: A Memoir of Healing
by Clayton Thomas-Muller

Allen Lane, August 2021

proofread

CBC CANADA READS 2022 CONTENDER

Fiction

Speak, Silence
by Kim Echlin

Hamish Hamilton, March 2021

proofread

WINNER OF THE 2021 TORONTO BOOK AWARD

Fiction

The Strangers
by Katherena Vermette

Hamish Hamilton, September 2021

proofread

WINNER OF THE 2021 ATWOOD GIBSON WRITERS' TRUST PRIZE FOR FICTION

Middle Grade

Beatrice and Croc Harry
by Lawrence Hill

HarperCollins Canada, January 2022

copy edit

Children’s

Germy Science: The Sick Truth about Getting Sick (and Staying Healthy)
Written by Edward Kay
Illustrated by Mike Shiell

Kids Can Press, October 2021

copy edit

Endorsements

Catherine did a bang-up job copy editing the manuscript. She caught many slip-ups and shared a number of clever, creative suggestions as well.

—Lawrence Hill, author of the forthcoming Beatrice and Croc Harry and the award-winning The Book of Negroes

Catherine copy edited my novel Worry, and I was absolutely ecstatic with the wonderful job she did. She made so many fantastic catches (saving me from myself many times over). Her work was incredibly thorough, considerate, and spot-on. Her thoughtful suggestions helped me immeasurably, galvanizing and inspiring me to make important adjustments to the story and fill some gaps. My novel is so much richer thanks to Catherine’s hand in it, and any writer would be lucky to have her as their copy editor. She’s a gem.

—Jessica Westhead

Catherine applies her meticulous, thorough, and rigorous editorial skills to every project, both fiction and nonfiction. Her feedback is always insightful and detailed. She delivers her edits on time and is a pleasure to work with.

—Rivka Cranley, Managing Editor, Annick Press

Catherine is one of our go-to copyeditors and proofreaders at Kids Can Press. There isn’t a deadline she can’t meet, nor a grammar question she can’t solve. Whether it’s a picture book, a novel or a nonfiction title, we know our books are in expert hands. Her keen eye for detail and thoughtful editorial notes are always greatly appreciated. Our books are all the better for having Catherine’s eye on them.
—Jennifer Grimbleby, Managing Editor, Kids Can Press

Catherine has provided extremely valuable and expert support in many projects — from editing a five-hundred-page architectural design guideline to operational guidelines and formal reports. In addition to having the technical editing skills and the ability to assist with content development, she has also played an indispensable role in facilitating the work of teams of technical experts as they have worked across disciplines to develop policies and procedures. Catherine is meticulous, thoughtful, and has proven herself to be very skilfull in working with diverse teams under challenging circumstances.

—Richard Christie, Senior Manager, Sustainability, Toronto District School Board

about me

Let me introduce myself ...

I am a seasoned editor who’s spent my professional life dedicated to crafting words. After working for a major publisher for over a decade, I launched my own business. I edit all kinds of books: fiction, memoir, history, sports, travel, crime, culture, and cookbooks, as well as books for young people, including picture books and graphic novels. My publishing clients include Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Kids Can Press. I also work with organizations such as the Toronto District School Board, as well independent authors.

I have a degree in English and Women’s Studies from the University of Toronto. Early on, I worked as a bookseller while taking courses in the publishing program at Ryerson University. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to professional development, participating in conferences, workshops, and seminars to hone my skills. As a member of Editors Canada and ACES, I am committed to excellence in the industry. I have served on the Editors Toronto branch executive committee for four terms, most recently as co-chair (2019–21). One of my favourite parts of the position has been supporting and mentoring new editors.

Recently, I’ve returned to my own writing and signed on as a volunteer assistant editor with a literary journal. When I’m not editing, I’m often outside biking, hiking, sitting on my porch enjoying a coffee and a book, or sharing a story with neighbours and friends.

I offer a variety of editing and consulting services and have built up an extensive portfolio. If you like what you see and would like to find out more about how I can help you, please contact me. I’d love to hear from you.