TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve hired Kate for two beta reads now, and I hope to have her input on all my future manuscripts. She’s extremely thorough and brings to light issues you didn’t even realize might be issues. Plot, pacing, characterization, setting—she jots notes on all the story aspects and provides a detailed assessment when she’s finished. I print this out, mark it with notes and highlights, and then get to making my changes. I highly recommend her beta reading and editing services.”

~Carrie Rubin, author of Eating Bull, The Bone Curse, and The Bone Hunger

“Kate is an incredible editor and big-picture problem solver. She has been reading my drafts for years. I trust her completely to tell me what's working and what's not - and her turn-around is impressive!

I published my first novel (The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair) with Simon and Schuster in June 2018 and you'll see in my acknowledgements that Kate was instrumental in getting that first draft off the ground. Even now, Kate is still one of my first readers, offering editorial advice before the draft goes to a NYC editor at a big publishing house. Just last week, when I was having trouble nailing my premise, she read my manuscript and was able to assess and ask the questions that led me to find the missing links in the story. Kate then followed up with a phone call that lasted over an hour, until finally, we could articulate the real heart of the story. As a direct result, my agent gave the green light and we are moving forward again.

Kate's story assessment and editorial services are a huge bargain for what you receive - incredible instruction. She is really really good.”

~Amy Makechnie, author of The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair and 10,000 Tries

“I'll begin by saying Kate surpassed any expectations I had. The services rendered for the cost is a very good value proposition. I felt very satisfied with the results and so glad I reached out for Kate's services.The timeline for completion was exactly what was agreed to. The completed work was insightful and pragmatic. Kate was able to point out things other readers had missed. Kate took additional time to discuss her feedback when it was unclear to me. She was able to articulate any feedback or comments I asked for details on. She also helped clarify the entire book writing process for someone without a writing background like me. Prior to Kate's feedback, I felt directionless. After our collaboration, I felt reinvigorated and ready to eagerly work on my writing project.”

~Corey Boucher, author of Invest More, Earn More, Save More

“Kate Johnston is that rare professional whose input is characterized by equal parts knowledge, experience, compassion, and joy for the craft of storytelling.

I hired Ms. Johnston for a developmental edit of my contemporary adult fiction novella, and the critique she sent back was both thoughtful and encouraging. Even when one of her comments pointed out a lapse of characterization or snarl in the plot, I never felt disheartened. Ms. Johnston’s feedback always felt supportive. She inspires the writer to address the story’s issues with helpful questions and a perceptive reader’s perspective. Her rates and timeline are competitive, as well, and she delivers one hundred percent on all agreed counts.

Submitting work for critique can be daunting. Kate Johnston’s gentle professionalism should dispel the doubts of any author. Happy writing!”

~Mayumi Hirtzel, author of Number Seven and the Life Left Behind

“Kate is a fantastic addition to any team! She recently worked as a copy editor on my early edition release of a brand new magazine. Her helpful insights included grammatical edits and flow of the articles. She is truly one of the most talented and intelligent people I have ever met and she is also humble and sweet. She will guide you with skill and help you launch your project with confidence. I recommend her services whole-heartedly!”

~Jacqueline Malocu, owner of Dream Team Acadamie

“I recently had Kate do a developmental edit on my book. I am very pleased and happy with the results. She is very knowledgeable, patient and kind with her edits and advice. I truly enjoyed working with her and highly recommend her services.”

~Janine Wesley, aspiring author