Suzanne Bjornson

Max can truly polish any writing piece and will work with you with fantastic feedback in order to get your piece where it needs to be.

Alisa Stein

I can not say enough amazing things about Max’s abilities and the work ethics she both uses and instilled in me. —Alisa Stein

Jean Hey

Cat brings to her role a keen eye, a big heart, and a level of dedication rarely seen.

Ruth Edgett, Author, A Watch in the Night

Cat and Max at Birch Bark are much more than two astute editors who help me navigate the publishing world, they are my writing mentors and indefatigable cheerleaders--and they've made me part of a whole new network of high-caliber writers.

Diane Lefer, Author, Out of Place

I knew and respected Cat Parnell from her days as editor of Consequence. When I heard she and Maxie were launching Birch Bark Editing, I asked if they would consider adding publicity to their services. I am so grateful …

Askold Melnyczuk, Writer, Editor Arrowsmith Press

One of Boston’s essential women of letters, Cat Parnell writes stories that bite you where it hurts. Her essays and fiction are fearless, funny, and unforgettable. Among writers who’ve worked with her, her meticulous and devoted labor as an editor is already the stuff of legend.

Carissa Halston, Writer

Every time I work with Catherine Parnell, she raises the bar. She works tirelessly and efficiently to emphasize the collaborative nature of an editor-writer relationship. When I was fortunate enough to have her edit my work, I felt secure in knowing she would maintain the integrity of my narrative while streamlining the language …

Maxie Jane Frazier, Grad Student Evaluations

Student 1: What can you say about a professor that has had such an extraordinary impact on your student life? Dr. Max is inspirational. She has made me a better writer and student by pushing me to think deeper. She has sculpted this course ….

Denise Pappas, Writer

It was my good fortune to meet Catherine Parnell. As my editor, Catherine shaped this biography with astute observations, patient diplomacy, and top-notch publishing expertise. Denise Pappas

Ciaran Cooper, Writer

Working with Catherine Parnell of Birchbark Editing has been an absolute pleasure. I presented to her a collection of linked stories…

JoeAnn Hart, Writer, Stamford ‘76

Catherine Parnell was instrumental in helping me pull together the final draft of my true crime memoir, which was soon accepted for publication by the University of Iowa …

George Kalogeris, Writer, Guide to Greece

I have known Catherine Parnell for over three decades; known her first as a writer of beautiful short stories, then as a superb editor, and always as a loyal and most dependable friend. Her gift as an editor is marked by …

M.C. Armstrong, Writer, The Mysteries of Haditha

“My work with Birch Bark Editing was transformative. With a close eye for the line as well as narrative ethics, Birch Bark helped me evolve an essay that later…

Jess Hellmann, Writer

"I've known Max in many different capacities. She's been a teacher, mentor, friend, and editor to me for many years. Her editing skills helped hone my very first…

Solstice MFA Student

“I have to say, Cat Parnell's How To Make a Living as a Writer was the most eye-opening [session I took]. I honestly had little hope that I could be a writer for a career …

Maryah Converse, Writer

“Max really pushed me to examine and explicate some of my underlying assumptions; she was even able to identify some assumptions that I didn't realize were there …

“Lilith House Press approached the women of Birch Bark editing with a challenging project: Edit our anthology of 33 writers with 33 styles and 33 levels of experience. The work balancing all this writing was done with expertise and kindness. The authors each raved about the process, which is the highest recommendation of all. Our anthology is titled, What She Wrote, An Anthology of Women's Voices We are so grateful for ‘What She Edited,’ the careful job that added polish to this collection of essays and poems. We'll be back and several of the writers as well. Thanks so much.”