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specialties:
Alternative Health
CNF, Creative Non-Fiction
Education
Energy Healing
Feng Shui/Interior Design/Space Clearing*
Grief and Bereavement**
Memoir
Mind/Body/Spirit
Non-Fiction
Personal Development
Psychology
Reiki***
Religion/Spirituality/New Age
Yoga and Ayurveda
*Studied with the Golden Gate Feng Shui School and Karen Kingston
**Trained hospice bereavement volunteer from Northbay Hospice
***Second-degree reiki practitioner
FOUNDER/LEAD EDITOR
“To live in the world of creation—to get into it and stay with it—to frequent it and haunt it—to think intently and fruitfully—to woo combinations and inspirations into being by a depth and continuity of attentions and meditation—this is the only thing.”
Henry James
I am a freelance writer, editor, and proofreader based in Northern California, co-coordinator of the Northern California EFA Chapter, and an editorial consultant for the magazine Venture Inward, published by the Edgar Cayce Foundation, A.R.E. I founded my editorial business, Wordsage, in 2000, which provides copyediting, developmental editing, writing, and graphic design services mostly for non-fiction projects. I have experience working in varied subjects and formats—educational books, literacy newsletters, and corporate marketing material—but am most proficient in areas related to mind/body/spirit, self-help, alternative health, or spirituality. My clients include individual authors, book packagers, book publishers, non-profits, and a public library.
I’ve worked in positions related to writing and editing for over 25 years. My publishing background includes working in the editorial department at Ballantine Books in New York, an imprint of Random House, and as marketing manager at Yoga Journal in Berkeley. I have also worked as an E-commerce bookseller, literary agent, library associate, book publicity assistant, and as an author’s assistant—all experiences that allow me to better understand and address the various needs of my clients. I strive for excellence and clarity in my work, and aim to be easy to work with and a source of encouragement for those I work with.
I have a BA in English from UC Berkeley and professional certification in editing from UC Berkeley Extension. I am a member of ACES, the society for editing, and the Bay Area Editors' Forum, as well as the Editorial Freelancers Association. Although based in Northern California, I work with clients from all over the world and from all walks of life. I am a happily married wife, mother of two spunky and adorable boys, and am currently writing a memoir about losing my father to AIDS while a teenager living in Marin County.
PRONOUNS: SHE/HER
YEARS EDITING: 20+
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Editorial Freelancers Association
(Former Northern California Chapter Coordinator)
Aces: The Society For Editing
Bay Area Editors Forum
DEGREES & TRAINING:
Certification in Professional Editing, UC Berkeley
BA in English Literature, UC Berkeley
MA Candidate in Counseling Psychology
Catherine Elliott Escobedo
sample PROJECTS
client testimonials
"Catherine is a rare gem in the publishing industry. Her knowledge and skills are surpassed only by her remarkable sense of passion, dedicated to preserving the author’s voice and the overall integrity of the work. Being an adept writer herself, she is knowledgeable of the manifold layers of details and processes in the production of a fine book. She is multi-skilled in editing, copy-editing, proofing, and an all-round book-craft genius. Catherine is in a league of her own when it comes to putting out the finest book. I highly recommend this truly magnificent professional to anyone searching for the best!"
"When I need an editor for something I’ve written, or another editor to help me with an editing project, or an editor to recommend in my place, Catherine is my go-to . . . She’s adept at all levels of editing, at writing anything from articles to marketing copy, coaching writers, and working with images and design to enhance what the words convey--with this gift, she's helped me to create beautiful magazine issues for the Association for Research and Enlightenment's membership publication. And she is a pleasure to work with--who doesn't value that? Catherine has my highest recommendation."
“Catherine Elliott Escobedo is a brilliant writer and editor. I have had the pleasure of working with Catherine at Random House and WiseBear/Miavita.com. She is highly intelligent, articulate, a quick study and detail oriented. She brings her total attention to her projects, simultaneously able to deal with big issues as well as the smallest details.
Catherine possesses a rare balance and poise. She has the ability to be an effective leader while making the work environment pleasurable because she is wise and kind.”
“Catherine is an amazingly conscientious editor. Her attention to detail is remarkable and refreshing. Not only is she a great copy editor, she has such a complete background in all aspects of writing and editing that she is able to provide feedback about the project on many levels. I am thrilled to be working with Catherine and I look forward to many more projects together!"
"In working with Cathy on several book projects I have found her to be very organized, creative, detail-oriented and inspiring. Cathy is very talented and a great communicator, multi-tasker and problem-solver. Above all she is just an absolute pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Cathy and hope to have the opportunity to work with her on future projects."
"Cathy is a pleasure to work with. She's an excellent creative writer and also excels at managing people and projects. I have worked with her on a number of projects and look forward to continuing to work with her. She has my highest recommendation."
"When I began to search for an editor, everyone informed me how difficult and time consuming it was to find a good editor. When I met Catherine, it was totally a different experience. I mentioned to Catherine that it was my first book, and she understood me immediately and the message I wanted to convey to my audience. She never tried to change my ideas, or me, as a new writer. She created a safe and comfortable space for us to communicate openly and clearly. She is a good listener and tries her best to put herself in your shoes. She is professional, knowledgeable, respectful, and understanding. I look forward to continuing to work with her."
"Catherine at Wordsage is the wind beneath my wings! Her editing, writing, and hospice training experience makes her more compassionate than a traditional editor and especially qualified to help people write about loss while going through it. Because of her professional support, my book project is set to sail somewhere special."
"Catherine is an exceptional editor: inspiring, sensitive, thoughtful, and respectful of the author's unique voice. She has a keen eye for seeing how your project is part of a bigger picture, whether it be a brochure, web copy, or magazine article and keeping you focused on your higher literary vision while tracking details and keeping your bases covered. She's a pleasure to work with and I would recommend her highly to anyone looking for an enthusiastic, first-rate editor."
SABA SOLOMON