Colleen Sell – Editor

My editorial career of more than three decades encompasses broad experience in book & magazine publishing, including seven years of editorial management. As a freelance writer and editor, I have edited 200+ books in numerous categories, fiction and nonfiction--including 40 volumes of the bestselling Cup of Comfort anthology series. I've also authored or ghostwritten several nonfiction books, including the national bestseller One Simple Idea and its sequel, One Simple Idea for Startups and Entrepreneurs.

I primarily offer line & copy editing of nonfiction books, including: self-help/personal development, inspirational/spiritual, business/finance, health/wellness, parenting/family, home/garden, memoir, literary nonfiction, novels, young adult, children's. On a selective basis, I also offer manuscript evaluation and developmental editing of nonfiction books.

Recent projects include:

—The Value Code, Jack Gibson, 2026. Line/copy edit.

—Beneath the Brilliance, Shaina Lane, 2026. Line/copy edit.

—Alignment for the Soul Seeker (guided journal), Veronic Mckague, 2026. Developmental & copy edit.

—Brewed From Within, Ben McDougal, 2026. Line/copy edit.

—How Not to Grow Old, Lois Robinson, 2026. Line/copy edit.

—Getting Out of Your Own Way (finance), Michael Lewis, 2026.

—Joy in Alzheimer's, 2025 and A Lap Around the Sun, 2025; William Barron. Copyedit.

—5-Year Crusade, John Soforic, 2025. Copyedit.

—Everyone Gets Something, Ellen Krohne, 2025. Editorial assessment.

—Letting Love Flow, 2025; Healing with Spirit, 2021; Healing with Awareness, 2019; Healing through Chronic Pain, 2013 & 2019, Mary Ruth Velicki. Developmental, line, copy edit; proofread.

—Ramping Your Brand, James F. Richardson, 2019 & 2025 (Expanded). Developmental & copy edit.

—Discover the Power of Laughter, Sarah Routman & Rachael Siegelman, 2024. Copyedit.

—Feminist Manifesto, Beth Rogers, 2022. Editorial assessment & chapter outline.

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"First books are terrifying to hand to a professional. If you're where I was-- stressed, praying over the decision--I'll make it simple: work with Colleen. Your book will be better and so will you." —Jack Gibson, The Value Code

"Targeting a wider audience worked perfectly for me, and it was Colleen who saw this opportunity. She helped me attract the right audience and fulfill my book’s true potential!" —James Richardson, Ramping Your Brand. https://blog.reedsy.com/stories/james-richardson/

"Colleen's attention to detail is matched only by her knowledge of the publishing process. I've continually found her to be one of the most responsive authors and editors I've ever worked with." —Meredith O'Hayre McCarthy, Managing Editor, Simon & Schuster

"My book, One Simple Idea, reached #1 in three Amazon categories, the top 20 of all books sold on Amazon, and over 50 five-star reviews within a few weeks of release. This never would've happened without the great work of Colleen, my ghostwriter." —Stephen Key, One Simple Idea; One Simple Idea for Startups & Entrepreneurs

"Colleen has remarkable command of the English language. Her comments and questions helped me clarify and expand my message. Her changes made the text accurate and easy to read while maintaining my voice." —Mary Ruth Velicki, Letting Love Flow & The Healing Series (3 books)

"You understood what I was trying to say and aid it eloquently." —Ron Heiskell, Reduced Effort Changeover