Better writing comes from deeper thinking

We help life-changing ideas get written and published

Every thought leader needs a book
to communicate their message

Yet they don’t know where to start.
They’re not sure how to get from their big idea to a book that will sell. 
What they need is a plan and a guide—someone who has traveled
from idea to a bestseller list before.

Our process helps you . . .

1

define
your book’s question

2

develop
your writing plan

3

determine
your publishing path

Manuscripts completed

Authors helped

NYTimes Top 5

Million books sold (and counting)

Recent Blog Posts

Read our most popular thoughts on writing, publishing, and whatever inspires us.

To hell with last words.
Let’s try to make
one sentence
that’s rightly positioned
within a manageable context
so that we can utter it
to somebody else
and they’ll understand it.

—Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry discusses life

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Let’s try to make one sentence…

To hell with last words. Let's try to make one sentence that's rightly positioned within a manageable context so that we can utter it to somebody else and they'll understand it. —Wendell Berry Wendell Berry discusses life

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Who wants to become a writer?
And why?
Because it’s the answer to everything. . . .
It’s the streaming reason for living.
To note, to pin down, to build up, to create,
to be astonished at nothing,
to cherish the oddities,
to let nothing go down the drain,
to make something,
to make a great flower out of life,
even if it’s a cactus.

—Enid Bagnold

 

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Who wants to become a writer?…

Who wants to become a writer? And why? Because it’s the answer to everything. . . . It’s the streaming reason for living. To note, to pin down, to build up, to create, to be astonished at nothing, to cherish the oddities, to let nothing go down the drain, to make...

read more

It’s often good to do
a fishing trip between
the first draft and the second draft,
because that’s
where you find the howlers—
that’s where you see
the weaknesses. . . .
You need the distance to see it.

—David Seidler,
Creative Spark: David Seidler

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Between the first draft and the second…

It's often good to do a fishing trip between the first draft and the second draft, because that's where you find the howlers— that's where you see the weaknesses. . . . You need the distance to see it. —David Seidler, Creative Spark: David Seidler

read more

Keep a small can
of WD-40 on your desk—
away from any open flames—
to remind yourself
that if you don’t write daily,
you will get rusty.

—George Singleton

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If you don’t write everyday…

Keep a small can of WD-40 on your desk— away from any open flames— to remind yourself that if you don’t write daily, you will get rusty. —George Singleton

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Testimonials

Melissa and Rick are a dynamic duo that will absolutely help you produce your best work. From framing a concept into a compelling narrative, to structuring the chapters, editing, writing and supporting authors, their experience, compassion and savvy make all the difference.

Jessica Hartung

Founder, Integrated Work

As a publisher and publishing services company serving both indie authors and other trade publishers, it’s critical to find writing and editorial partners that are professional, cool under pressure, and responsive to the needs of clients. Killian Creative checks off all three of these boxes. We worked with Rick in serving a client on a tight-turn revision schedule for a novel, and he was a complete pro every step of the way, translating the client’s requests into solid prose on the page. I’m glad to work with Rick and recommend Killian Creative to others looking for professional writing and editorial services.

Matt West

Founder and CEO, Dexterity Books

Rick and Melissa are a truly dynamic team! Their combined creative writing and editing abilities are second to none. They have a unique ability to find the voice of each author and express ideas consistent with each author’s style and personality.

Ronda Ranalli

Former Director of Content and Author Relations, Destiny Image Publishers

Rick is both an accomplished writer and editor—and in the publishing world, people with both competencies are rare animals indeed. When I’m in need of a great writer or book doctor, “Killian” comes first to mind.

Kyle Duncan

Former Writer in Residence, The Fedd Agency

Working with the Killians was a joy for me. My book was so personal and to be comfortable enough with them to be open and honest with the pain in my life made this journey a successful one for me. They are professional, thorough, detailed, and most important—kind.

Staci Boyer

Founder and CEO, Motiv8n'U Personal Training & Wellness Coaching

I was a reluctant writer! Rick coached me into a love and confidence of writing that has made the whole experience enjoyable. Rick’s ability to preserve your thoughts and stories while adding an easy reading style and ordering the material to best flow for the reader is something I could not have done without him.

Jon Petersen

Founder and CEO, CityForce

All our experiences with Rick have been great. He’s easy to work with. His research is outstanding, and he masterfully incorporates it into his writing.

David Horton

Former Vice President of Editorial, Bethany House Publishers

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