I help demystify the creative process and guide the journey from concept to creation.
Hi! I’m Carolyn. I am a Brooklyn-based writer exploring the inner lives of humans—with a particular focus on creative people and creative processes.
My work has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Scientific American, New York Magazine, TIME, Harvard Business Review, Inc., Fast Company, The New Republic, Quartz, Yoga Journal, Tricycle: The Buddhist Review and The Huffington Post, where I worked for six years as a Senior Writer.
I co-wrote a book called Wired to Create: Unravelling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind (Penguin Random House 2016), and created the Webby Award-winning CREATIVE TYPES personality test, which has been taken by over 7 million people worldwide. I regularly give talks on creativity to Fortune 500 companies, universities and non-profits.
I also lend my editorial skills and expertise in all things creativity to brands as a creative strategist, and to emerging authors as a “book doula” and developmental editor.
What is a book doula?
As a “book doula,” I support writers and thought leaders in their journey to authorship in a unique role that combines developmental editing, collaborative writing , creative strategy and intuitive guidance.
Think of it as having an editor, a coach and a creative guide, all in one. I offer both the big-picture visioning and the line-by-line editing that helps bring ideas to life with clarity, impact and authenticity.
My book doula support may include, based on the author’s needs:
Concept development
Book proposal strategy and development
Deep structural editing
Co-writing and/or supplemental collaborative writing (ie, I can write in your voice)
Creative guidance and deeper support around the challenges, emotions and opportunities that arise as part of the “inner work” of writing a book
Consultation and guidance around the various pathways to publication
Book marketing and author platform support
I meet my clients where they are—whether working with the seeds of a new idea, crafting a proposal to shop to agents, or polishing a completed manuscript—and support them in writing and publishing a book that fulfills its greatest promise and potential.
No two book journeys are the same, and the way I work with each client is unique to their needs.
Who do I work with?
I specialize in books on psychology and spirituality; books that offer wisdom for living well, understanding ourselves and sparking transformation. The authors who come to me have important wisdom to share and unique perspectives to advance within their particular domain.
My eclectic clientele includes therapists, Ivy League psychologists, consciousness researchers, Brazilian shamans, Vedic spiritual teachers, coaches, and creative entrepreneurs. More than one has called me their “secret weapon”!
With my help, my clients have channeled their ideas into six-figure book advances and bestselling non-fiction titles for the Big Five publishing houses, including Random House, St. Martin’s Press, Hay House and Hachette.
Other clients have happily chosen to self-publish or work with small publishing houses.
Whatever your path to authorship, it’s my honor to guide and support the journey.
What do I bring to the process?
I have a unique gift for seeing into the essence of an idea or project, and clearing the path to bring it to life in its purest form.
In my 15+ years as a professional writer and editor, I have written or contributed to over a dozen books on health and human potential, including Arianna Huffington’s New York Times bestsellers, Thrive and The Sleep Revolution, and a new translation of the classic philosophical work, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
I have worked as a co-writer, ghostwriter, editor, researcher and editorial consultant. I am also an intuitive energy worker (yes, this can actually be invaluable in the book writing process!), and I bring all of these roles and skills together in my work as a book doula.
I know how to create book that stand out—and transmit authenticity and heartfelt wisdom—within the crowded space of healing, human potential and creativity.
With my unique expertise in the creative process, I am also able to identify creative blocks, bring ease and inspiration to the writing journey, and facilitate the journey from ideation to execution.