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
Non-Fiction
Languages
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
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!
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.
Directed the creation of inspirational gift books, interactive/innovative children's titles (including Story Buddies), and more.
Carrie has 9 reviews
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Quality
Value
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Meg M.
Sep, 2023
PinnedErin L.
Feb, 2023
PinnedTravis V.
Dec, 2022
PinnedDonald S.
Mar, 2024
Catherine B.
Nov, 2023
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