Crystal Bowman

Crystal Bowman – Editor

I write and edit award-winning children's books for publishers. I coach aspiring writers to help them create a professional manuscript.

Overview

"Crystal brings much experience to picture book editing and knows today’s publishing standards. She brings my books to polished perfection as she finds plot, rhythm, and syntax problems often missed by others. Crystal is professional, efficient, and highly qualified. I count it an honor to work with her." Lisa Robbins, Author


"In a one-on-one conversation, Crystal discerned my desire for unpacking biblical metaphors for children. Instead of a storybook format, she advised that I consider a children’s devotional. That advice was truly like a light switch in this author’s mind. I ran with it. Crystal also edited all 90 entries which became a two-book series: Victor Discovers Treasure. I am forever grateful!" Sharon Deur, Author


"Crystal generously shares her experience and knowledge in writing and editing children's picture books. She provides general suggestions to promote the author’s growth and specific suggestions to refine the current manuscript. She efficiently manages her time on the project to maximize value for her services. Crystal is prompt, respectful, personable, and professional in all her interactions. It was a tremendous pleasure working with her, and I highly recommend her!" Lora Avery, Author



As a bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 Christian children's books, my desire is to use my experience to help other writers on their publishing journey. I've been writing books for more than 30 years and have been published by major Christian publishing houses such as Tyndale Kids, Zonderkidz, Tommy Nelson, Waterbrook, Our Daily Bread, and more. I've learned from the best editors in the publishing industry and began offering freelance editing and coaching services nearly two decades ago. I edit children's books for traditional publishers as well as independent publishers. I have coached dozens of writers to help them reach their dreams of publishing a children's book.


What can you expect if you work with me?

--I'll start with an honest, but kind evaluation, and provide detailed editing and coaching services that will help you create and polish a manuscript that's worthy of publication.

--I enjoy helping writers find their voice, write with age-appropriate vocabulary, and use literary devices to add style and flair to their writing.

--From developmental edits and line editing to grammar and punctuation, I'll walk beside you to help you become the best writer you can be.

--Whether you are pursuing independent publishing or traditional publishing, I will help you find the right path for your masterpiece.


Many of the writers I have worked with have become bestselling, award-winning authors and you could be one of them! If you're working on a picture book, board book, Bible storybook, or a book of devotions for kids, and whether you write in rhyme or prose, I'm here for you! Writing for kids is fun--but fun does not mean easy. Let's work hard and have fun together!


On a personal note, I live with my husband in Florida and Michigan (wherever the weather is best) and enjoy visiting my eight huggable grandkids spread across three different states.





Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Christian Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Golden Scroll Award
  • Selah Award
  • Logos Children's Book of the Year
  • ECPA Award
  • Illumination Award
  • Purple Dragonfly Award
  • 2024 Editors' Choice Award
  • Christian Market Book of the Year
Certifications
  • Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Calvin University

Work experience

EABooks Publshing

Jun, 2020 — Present

-Independent contractor providing editorial services for children's picture books and devotional books for children.

Winepress Publishing

Aug, 2010 — Jun, 2015 (almost 5 years)

Winepress Publishing Company hired me to prepare picture book manuscripts and Bible storybooks for publication. I did extensive developmental editing as well as copyediting and proofreading. The company closed in 2015.

Self-employed

Mar, 2000 — Present

-Freelance Editor and Writing Coach: Providing a full range of editorial services to select children's writers.
-Freelance Lyricist: Writing lyrics for children's piano music composed by Faber and Faber and published by Hal Leonard.
-Author: Writing award-winning Christian books for several top publishers: HarperCollins Christian/Our Daily Bread/Tyndale Kids/Waterbrook/Kregel.

Portfolio

I Love You Like A Donut

Borst, Theresa

Independently published

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Lamba's Journey with Jesus

Del Bates

Redemption Press

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
I Do Not Like Peas

Miller, Kari Leigh

KLM Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Manny the Lamb

Lancaster, Rick

Eabooks Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
What Job Is For Me?: From A to Z

Greenaway, Kari L

Kari L. Greenaway

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Eyes Different Than Mine

Johnson, Erin

FriesenPress

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Mouse In The Manger

Robert Z. Hicks

R.Z. Enterprises of Florida

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Bye-Bye Earthsuit: Hello Heavensuit

Frisinger, Donna Arlynn

Good News Express Press

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
The Wake-Up Prayer

Penny Cooke

Thea Harris Publishing, Inc.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Lena's Zinnias

Rolfe, Missy

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
The Worm Saver

Heetderks, Tom

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Proofreading

Crystal has 17 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Barbara O.

Barbara O.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
This was the firm book I've written and am a true neophyte in the publishing business. Working with Crystal on my children’s book has been an absolute delight. Her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of children’s literature have transformed my manuscript into a captivating and engaging story. Crystal provided insightful feedback that not only enhanced the narrative but also enriched th...
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Crystal B.
Thank you, Barbara, for your exceptional review. I am truly honored and humbled by your kind words. I had a blast working on this project with you because you are fun, creative, and smart. You also...
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Dionne T.

Dionne T.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
Crystal is amazing and a pleasure to collaborate with. She responds speedily and provides solid information. Crystal wants you to do well and succeed and is willing to go the extra mile. She is truly an expert in her field. I enjoyed working with her and will definitely be working with her again soon.
Crystal B.
Thank you, Dionne, for your wonderful review. I loved working with you! You have great ideas and weave valuable lessons into your stories. Your acceptance of my suggestions made this a delightful e...
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Hana B.

Hana B.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
I absolutely loved working with Crystal. Her edit suggestions were spot on, enhancing my work in ways I hadn't even considered. She was incredibly helpful with all of my questions, always providing clear and insightful answers. Her professionalism and expertise made the entire process enjoyable and educational. I can't wait to collaborate with her again on future projects!
Crystal B.
Thank you, Hana, for your wonderful review. Working with you on your story was so much fun! I appreciate how open you were to my suggestions and am so pleased with how the story turned out. I would...
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Bob H.

Bob H.

Nov, 2024

Delightful to work with Crystal! Thorough, collaborative, upbeat, timely.
Daniel K.

Daniel K.

Nov, 2024

Wow, great improvements Crystal made. I'm so impressed. Highly recommend her.
Crystal B.
Daniel's book was fun to work on and the story had an important lesson for kids and adults. He was agreeable to my coaching and editing which made for a positive experience.

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