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
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Read our most popular thoughts on writing, publishing, and whatever inspires us.
Meet Wendell Berry
I wanted to share this video interview of Wendell Berry. Mr. Berry is a wonderful storyteller and a man who has lived his principles of balancing classical values with today's technologies and ability to innovate. Enjoy it....
Read moreWrite. Start writing today. Start writing right now. Don’t write it right, just write it—and then make it right later. Give yourself the mental freedom to enjoy the process, because the process of writing is a long one. Be wary of “writing rules” and advice. Do it your way.
―Tara Moss
Don’t write it right, just write it…
Write. Start writing today. Start writing right now. Don’t write it right, just write it—and then make it right later. Give yourself the mental freedom to enjoy the process, because the process of writing is a long one. Be wary of “writing rules” and advice. Do it...
B4B Review: Essentialism by Greg McKeown—”Less Is Better”
Is the secret to accomplishing more doing less? Greg McKeown believes that it is. In fact, he believes it so much that he wrote Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less to prove it—and the book makes his point pretty...
Read moreStart telling the stories that only you can tell, because there’ll always be better writers than you and there’ll always be smarter writers than you. There will always be people who are much better at doing this or doing that—but you are the only you.
―Neil Gaiman
No one can write what you can…
Start telling the stories that only you can tell, because there’ll always be better writers than you and there’ll always be smarter writers than you. There will always be people who are much better at doing this or doing that—but you are the only you. ―Neil...
What’s your writing process?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrvawtrRxsw#t=16 This reminded me very much about how I got started writing. Check out what Dustin Lance Black has to say about the process. What I really like is that he goes so old school with his organization. Sometimes it's...
Read moreLearning to write is learning to think.
You don’t know anything clearly unless you can state it in writing.—S. I. Hayakawa
Writing is thinking…
Learning to write is learning to think. You don’t know anything clearly unless you can state it in writing. —S. I. Hayakawa
The 7 benefits of good editors (part two)
(If you haven't read part one, you can click here.) There’s no question about the value of a “second set of eyes” looking over your manuscript, because we all know we can suffer from being a bit “blinded by our own brilliance” when it comes to writing. Having someone...
Read moreShow up. Show up in front of the computer or the typewriter. And if I show up long enough—it happens.
—Isabel Allende
Show Up!
Show up. Show up in front of the computer or the typewriter. And if I show up long enough—it happens. —Isabel Allende
The 7 benefits of good editors (part one)
What good is an editor? I hate to admit it, but even as an editor and writer myself, I think it’s a valid question. Editors are expensive. In the overall process of traditional publishing, I wouldn’t be surprised if the editorial portion of the cost of a book didn’t...
Read moreI have advice for people who want to write.
I don’t care whether they’re 5 or 500.
There are three things that are important:First,
if you want to write, you need to keep an honest, unpublishable journal that nobody reads, nobody but you. Where you just put down what you think about life, what you think about things, what you think is fair and what you think is unfair.And second,
you need to read. You can’t be a writer if you’re not a reader. It’s the great writers who teach us how to write.The third thing
is to write. Just write a little bit every day. Even if it’s for only half an hour—write, write, write.―Madeleine L’Engle
Three things…
I have advice for people who want to write. I don’t care whether they’re 5 or 500. There are three things that are important: First, if you want to write, you need to keep an honest, unpublishable journal that nobody reads, nobody but you. Where you just put down what...
What’s killing your writing?
Carbon monoxide is deadly—mainly because it is fast. Relatively small amounts are fatal because it bonds with hemoglobin over 200 times faster than normal oxygen molecules. If there is enough in the air, every carbon monoxide molecule will bond with your blood because...
Read moreLet’s get one thing clear right now, shall we? There is no Idea Dump, no Story Central, no Island of the Buried Bestsellers; good story ideas seem to come quite literally from nowhere, sailing at you right out of the empty sky: two previously unrelated ideas come together and make something new under the sun.
Your job isn’t to find these ideas but to recognize them when they show up.—Steven King
Where good stories come from…
Let’s get one thing clear right now, shall we? There is no Idea Dump, no Story Central, no Island of the Buried Bestsellers; good story ideas seem to come quite literally from nowhere, sailing at you right out of the empty sky: two previously unrelated ideas come...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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