Thrillers/Mystery/Suspense (Speciality)
Urban Fantasy (Speciality)
Romantasy
Women’s Fiction
UpLit/Feelgood romance

I’m Catherine Thorsen, and I’m a developmental editor and writing coach.

I work with debut and novice authors who want to learn how to develop high-quality manuscripts for self-publication and querying. My specialties include strong women protagonists, cat-and-mouse-games, stalkers, cults, unreliable narrators, small-town and family dynamics, LGBTQIA+, witches, ghosts and magic.

I use a supportive editing style, based on encouraging, constructive feedback and an open dialogue about your goals and ambitions. It’s my job is to lead you to solutions, but your manuscript is your manuscript, always. I’ll work with you to elevate your work, strengthen your ideas and keep your voice authentic. We’ll try to have some fun along the way, too.

I have 5 years’ experience as an editor and 17 years’ experience as a beta reader. When I’m not editing, I’m a judge at a prestigious international literary awards program and a beta reader at a leading Australian writers’ centre. My background includes journalism, fitness and agriculture. I’ve lived in Norway and the UK, and now call Australia home.

I also like to read, hike, solve puzzles and kill plants in increasingly creative ways because the internet told me to. I live on a beach in Western Australia with my partner and our two cats.

I completed my editorial training with the EFA, ClubEd, CIEP and Australian Writers’ Centre.

*Content warnings

I prefer to be warned about animal abuse of any kind, including off-page.