Where are you in the process?
At the beginning
I’ve got an idea but am stalled at the start.
In the middle
I’m feeling stuck, with a stack of notes and nowhere to go.
Near the end
I’m endlessly polishing and unsure how to launch.
Wherever you are, I’m glad you’re here. I support people to make serious, inspired progress on the creative projects they care about — through structure, accountability, and an easeful process.
When folks work with me, they’re empowered to finish books, refresh websites, concretize book proposals, sharpen their ideas, and ultimately, speak to the communities, customers, or clients they want to serve.
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I’m a hands-on editor who brings the big-picture thinking of a brand strategist and the wisdom of a trusted thought partner to help you break through whatever is holding you (and your book, brand, or initiative) back. My decade of experience and training as a poet and writer means that (together!) we’ll use the potent tools of language to crystallize your ideas and hone your voice.
I’ll listen in between the lines of what you share, generating clarity for actionable next steps.
When we work together, you will:
Crystallize ideas so you know who you’re trying to reach and why
Develop your voice to speak clearly and convincingly
Generate deeper purpose in your story or brand
Learn new skills to become a better communicator
Create a structure that brings work closer to completion
Finish a draft of your manuscript, book, or other content
“Caroline is a gem to work with. I found her consulting on my brand strategy and content to be incredibly valuable. It was just what I needed to spark my writing fire, and with her direction, I am finding my voice.”
— Melissa Gorris, Executive and Leadership Coach with focus on women’s mental well-being
About Caroline
For more than a decade, I’ve been guiding individuals, organizations, and companies to move through their creative challenges, craft authentic stories, and navigate the rocky terrain of communicating what matters most to them. My strategic guidance, skilled editing, and ability to hold both the big-picture perspective and the nitty-gritty details lead to results — my clients finish manuscripts, launch websites, complete book proposals, and most of all, reach the very people they want to serve.
I know how challenging it can be to launch a new project you really believe in, or publish your writing for the first time — it’s scary but exhilarating. Along with supporting clients, I’ve been co-creating and launching initiatives and community-based projects to spark people’s creativity and bring groups together for a shared purpose. Each of them has required their own story and strategy, coupled with my unique understanding of how to build something from the ground up.
I earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and have facilitated classes and workshops around the world, from university settings to the Yiddish Book Center to the Negev Writers Retreat. I deeply understand how language and process can make (or break!) your creative project, which is why I’m so driven to guide people through the journey, empowering them to become better storytellers, artists, writers, and finishers-of-things.
“Caroline is an invaluable thought partner on a broad range of issues, ranging from communications to all-team convenings. She is able to easily understand and work with complicated ideas, wrestle these concepts into digestible writing, integrate others' feedback, and create pieces that make an impact. Caroline brings a strong editing eye, seamless and agile project management, and strategic questioning to all that she does.”
— Jaime Rapaport Barry, Chief of Staff & Brand Strategy, UpStart
How Can I Support You?
Editorial Guidance & Creative Strategy
Totally tailored to you and your project — brand and content strategy, writing coaching, thought partnership in a powerful 1:1 format.
Collaborative, Project-Based Editing
Strategic editing for books, book proposals, website refreshes, and other long-form projects, where you’ll learn as I hone your content.
Creative Process Classes & Workshops
Facilitated group experiences to guide you through each stage of the creative process. Coming soon!
“Caroline Kessler is a thoughtful, encouraging, diligent editor who helped me transform my first manuscript from a sprawling journal entry into a polished book. Her guidance and expertise helped me self-publish a bestselling book that led to me getting a book deal with an imprint of Penguin Random House. Most importantly, Caroline offers honest and constructive feedback, and is a joy to work with; I've hired her twice and would hire her again. I highly recommend her for developmental editing or copy editing projects of all kinds.”
— Adam Smiley Poswolsky, author of Friendship in the Age of Loneliness and best-selling The Quarter-Life Breakthrough
Our Process
I believe that process is just as important as product. You and I will start by uncovering where you’re stuck, getting clear on where you and your work need to go. I’ll create an effective structure with warm, encouraging accountability so you can make inspired progress. I’ll ask tough questions to push your ideas farther and we’ll iterate along the way, adapting as new challenges arise and choosing integrity over speed.
You’ll bring your idea, manuscript, notes, or desire to make something new, as well as a willingness to drill down deep into the content. You’ll learn how to polish the rough edges, without sacrificing what makes your work unique. Whether it’s a website refresh, your first book, a studio practice, or something else entirely, we’ll hone in on where the project is and where you want it to go — and together, close that gap.
My Work
I love working with clients at all stages in their process — from emerging startups and mission-driven organizations just getting off the ground to established leaders, executive coaches, healers, and entrepreneurs. Explore my projects and client work.
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Want to be in touch? Sign up for my mailing list or drop me a line about what you’re working on.