Carrie Bolin

Carrie Bolin – Editor

I work on inspirational (mind/body/spirit), as well as fiction and non-fiction for kids. Worked at Hallmark and Ripley's Believe It or Not!.

Overview

I have more than 20 years’ experience helping writers in both fiction and non-fiction achieve their publishing goals. In working with you, my role is to guide, collaborate, and coach, helping you with the bigger picture (voice, purpose, flow, and audience), as well as with the details (grammar, punctuation, and clear, concise writing). I’ve worked with writers at all writing levels and am passionate about helping people create great writing, telling their stories in their authentic voice.

My areas of expertise include children’s fiction and non-fiction (from baby to middle grade), as well as non-fiction inspirational and relationship titles for adults. In my career, I've written award-winning children's books, ghostwritten the new "Alison's Adventures" book for activist and adventurer Alison Teal, launched a line of children's readers, overseen the creation of the yearly Ripley's Believe It or Not! book, and developed new titles with licensors like action sports brand Nitro Circus and popular web site IFL Science. I've worked on the creation of numerous inspirational books, worked with licensors, including Disney, Peanuts, DC Comics, and others, to create unique titles, as well as wrote and created a variety of children's titles, many of them with "extras" (interactive plush, music/sound, puzzles, etc.).

I bring my positivity and enthusiasm to every project I work on. I’d love the opportunity to consult with you about your project—be it concepts, manuscript editing, or proofreading—and help you make your book publishing dreams come true!


FROM ALISON TEAL (Alison's Adventures):

“For over two decades I’ve been trying to find someone trustworthy, caring, and smart to write my autobiography for all ages—a complex and massive endeavor on global proportions. Although this recommendation is not about me, to give you context I have worked with many of the greatest minds of all time from the most prominent institutions (I could name them if you like: Oprah, GMA, Huff Post, etc.) and although we have created world-changing content, I kept searching for the person to trust with my life story. I even wanted to meet that person in person—yes I’m a perfectionist. When I met Carrie, I not only found her to be a caring and compassionate person, but also a woman who knows how to listen and take story from concept to written word in the most supportive and collaborative way imaginable. She is not only a professional, but I’m proud to say she is now my friend. It was such a pleasure working with Carrie! Not only did she help me tell my stories in my own voice, she coached me through the process, giving honest feedback about how to best structure the writing to reach my intended audience—even if it was 3:00am, she was there for me knowing that I was in middle of the Himalayas riding a yak to the nearest wifi signal. She really listened and understood what I wanted to convey and helped me do just that. I would love to work with her again!”


Services
Fiction
Children's Contemporary Romance
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference Health & Wellbeing Inspirational
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Moonbeam Award 2018--Gold (It's a Circle! But Not JUST a Circle!)
  • Moonbeam Award 2018--Bronze (Time Warp)
  • NAAPA Award 2018 (for Sharkee & the Teddy Bear)
  • NAAPA Award 2018 (for Bremner & the Party)
  • NAAPA Award 2018 (for It's a Circle! But not JUST a Circle!)
Certifications
  • Usui Reiki Master
  • Oden Reiki Master

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2020 — Present

As The Inspired Pen, I offer freelance editing services for both fiction and nonfiction titles, as well as adult and children's books. I specialize in developmental editing and copy editing for a variety of genres, though some of my favorites are inspiration, romance, and children's.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Jan, 2017 — Present

Expanded books line from 7-10 titles per year to more than 30. Directed the creation of board books, picture books, a new line of Lexile approved readers, middle grade non-fiction titles, adult gift books, and more.

Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Sep, 2000 — Dec, 2016 (about 16 years)

Directed the creation of inspirational gift books, interactive/innovative children's titles (including Story Buddies), and more.

Portfolio

Ripley's Believe It Or Not! 100 Years

Believe It Or Not!, Ripley's

Rosie and the Night Sky (6) (STORY BOOK)

Believe It Or Not!, Ripley's

Ripley Readers LEVEL3 Dogs With Jobs

Believe It Or Not!, Ripley's

Sharkee & the Teddy Bear (1) (STORY BOOK)

Believe It Or Not!, Ripley's

Ripley's Time Warp

Believe It Or Not!, Ripleys

Carrie has 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Meg M.

Meg M.

Sep, 2023

Pinned
Carrie was extremely helpful and took the time to review my questions and provide answers. I found her insights and changes extremely helpful. She also gave me the courage to continue to move forward on my projects.
Erin L.

Erin L.

Feb, 2023

Pinned
Carrie did a fantastic job in both the developmental and copy editing for my manuscript. She identified some areas that I needed to revisit and did so in such a caring and encouraging way. I'd absolutely use her again for my next project. 10/10
Travis V.

Travis V.

Dec, 2022

Pinned
Carrie is absolutely wonderful to work with. She was patient, thoughtful, and did a great job of communicating the process. Her work far exceeded my expectations. Carrie added a great deal of value to my book! Could not be any more pleased.
Donald S.

Donald S.

Mar, 2024

Carrie is amazing!
Catherine B.

Catherine B.

Nov, 2023

It was great to work with Carrie. She was spot on for helping and guiding me to maintain consistency and flow for my book. Her communication style was also easy to follow, and it created room for opportunity when working on content editing updates that were needed.

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