Colleen Sell

Eugene, OR USA
Contact

Professional Experience

Seasoned writer, editor, content manager. Creator of bestselling books, award-winning magazines, and highly effective marketing content. Provide editorial & content development services to authors, publishers, businesses, and organizations -- including: * Book ghostwriting, collaboration, work-for-hire * Book developmental editing, line editing, copyediting * Book proposal, query letter, and synopsis writing * Manuscript critique: book (fiction & nonfiction), article, essay * Magazine: content development, editorial management, editing, feature writing, columnist; print & digital; consumer & trade * Content marketing: brand narratives, blogs, social media, newsletters, email blasts * Copywriter: advertising, marketing, public relations, web landing pages * Corporate writing and editing; business bios, executive bios, business plans, proposals, annual reports, policies and procedures, HR materials * Proofreading: print, digital, online

Expertise

Editor
25 Years
Writer
25 Years
Other, Specify
18 Years

Specialty

Books & Literature
22 Years
Lifestyle
25 Years
Other, Specify
20 Years

Industries


Magazine - Large Consumer/National magazines
15 Years
Magazine - Trade magazines/publications (B2B)
12 Years
Book Publishing Consumer
22 Years

Total Media Industry Experience

25 Years

Media Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

GRAND Magazine (10+), Sherri Donovan (attorney, activist, author) (1-2), Wally Duffy (MD, author) (1-2), Janet Baker (author) (1-2), Mary Ruth Velicki (author) (1-2), Donna Conrad (author) (1-2), Glenn Shepard (MD, author) (1-2), Power Story Publishing (6-10)

Other Work History

Clients have included self-published authors as well as the following publishers and businesses: Adams Media, F+W Media, McGraw-Hill, Solution Tree Press, Bonus Books, Fair Winds Press, Hunter House Publishing, Prima Publishing, Rockport Publishing, HTC Media, NTC Publishing, Big Ideas Press, Crossing Press, Presidio Press, Morris Book Publishing, BowTie Press, Volt Press, Forester Media, Active Interest Media, Hobby Farms Publications, Good Times, Masonry Designs magazine, Just Marketing, Ogilvy & Mather, Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, Austin Assoc. Advertising, Oracle Corporation. Former staff positions include: Editor-in-Chief: Biblio magazine and Mercator's World magazine Associate Editor: Small Business Reports Sr. Technical Writer: Paradigm Group Marketing Communications Manager: Skyway Freight Systems

Technical Skills

*Chicago Manual of Style (know it inside-out) *APA (American Psychology Association) formatting and style guide *MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting and style guide * MS-Word editing tools (Track Changes, Comments, etc.) * Adobe AIR editing tools * Wordpress * FTP * Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and other social media

Computer Skills

Word, Excel, Wordpress, FTP

Equipment

PC desktop, PC laptop, laser printer, scanner, fax, audio recorder, digital camera (Nikon 35 mm) Audio recorder and transcriber Digital camera 35mm camera

References

Stephen Key (author, inventor, entrepreneur) Paula Munier (literary agent, former editorial director) Mitchell Schlimer (CEO, entrepreneur) Meredith O'Hare (editorial director, F+W Media) Richard Krevolin (author, producer, story consultant) Sherri Donovan (author, attorney) Gary Krebs (publisher) Christine Crosby (publisher, GRAND Media) John Trotti (editorial director, Forester Media) Mary Ruth Velicki (author, physical therapist) Glenn Shepard (author, physician)

Awards

Under Colleen Sell's direction as editor-in-chief, Mercator's World magazine received a Folio "design excellence" award and Biblio magazine was ranked #3 of the best new consumer magazines of the year by the New York Times.

Showcase

Books

The Yoga Zoo Adventure
(Hunter House 8/28/2008)
This nonfiction children's book by Helen Purperhart uses the postures and movements of zoo animals to teach yoga movements to young children (4-8 years). Line editor and copy editor for the Dutch-to-English translation of this book, Colleen Sell
The Everything Kids Gross Cookbook
(Adams Media 7/17/2007)
By: Colleen Sell; Illustrations by: Melinda Sell Frank This annotated and illustrated cookbook for kids features 50 kid-friendly, nutritious, and deliciously gross recipes, plus pencil puzzles, jokes, trivia, cooking tips, and nutritional facts.
Stand in the Heat: Lessons from Legendary Entrepreneurs
(Glenn Carver 3/1/2013)
Self-published nonfiction book by Glenn Carver. Business, entrepreneurship, inspiration. Copyedit and proof by Colleen Sell.
nonfiction book proposal
(Sherri Donovan, Esq. 5/10/2015)
Developed this proposal for a nonfiction self-help / pop-culture book. Includes chapter summaries & two sample chapters. Book to be ghostwritten in collaboration with Sherri Donovan (author), a prominent New York City divorce attorney. Agent currently shopping book to publishers.
Hit Him Where It Hurts: The Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Divorce
(Adams Media 1/1/2007)
By Sherri Donovan; Ghostwriter Colleen Sell. For this nonfiction trade title authored by prominent New York City divorce attorney Sherri Donovan, I served as the researcher, ghostwriter, and editor.
Sacred Travels: 275 Places to Find Joy, Seek Solace, and Learn to Live More Fully
(Adams Media / F+W Media 6/18/2011)
By Meera Lester Developmental and line edit, Colleen Sell
One Simple Idea for Startups & Entrepreneurs
(Stephen Key / McGraw-Hill 11/12/2012)
Spooky Michigan
(Globe Pequot Press 8/1/2007)
By S.E.E. Schlosser. Illustrated by Paul Hoffman. Published by Globe Pequot Press. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
Texas Curiosities
(Globe Pequot Press 5/3/2011)
Nonfiction book by John Kelso and Sharry Buckner. Travel, local history, U.S. history. Published by Globe Pequot Press. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
Be the Hero of Your Own Story
(Eliana Barbosa & Richard Krevolin 5/2/2012)
Self-published nonfiction book, self-help, by Aliana Barbosa, the "Oprah Winfrey of Brazilian TV," and Richard Krevolin. Published by Power Story Publishing. Line edit, copyedit, and proof by Colleen Sell. Design and layout by Ana Magno, Magno Design.
The Zombie Game
(Glenn Shepard / Mystery House 1/31/2015)
Self-published novel by Glenn Shepard, MD. Book #2 in the Dr. James Scott thriller series. Line edit, copyedit, and proof by Colleen Sell. Story consulting by Richard Krevoin, Power Story Consulting and Publishing.
Healing Through Chronic Pain
(Mary Ruth Velicki / 9/22/2013)
Self-published nonfiction book by Mary Ruth Velicki, MS, DPT. Self-help, health, inspiration. Line edit, copyedit, proof by Colleen Sell. Design and layout by Ana Magno of Magno Design.
Making Light in Terazin
(Richard Krevolin / Power Story Publishing 5/6/2013)
Self-published nonfiction book by Richard Krevolin and Nancy Cohen. Copyedit & proof by Colleen Sell. Design and layout by Ana Magno, Magno Design. True story: In WWII's darkest days, prisoners of the Terezin Jewish ghetto (outside Prague) found joy & hope through theater, song, dance, poetry.
Screenwriting from the Soul
(Richard Krevolin 9/23/2013)
Writing reference book by Richard Krevolin. Originally published by Adams Media in 1998. Self-published in 2013. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
Shooter: Combat from behind the Camera
(Globe Pequot Press 10/17/2012)
Nonfiction book, photo essay, memoir, by Stacy Pearsall. Published by Globe Pequot Press. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
Deja Boom!
(Wally Duff 1/1/2015)
Self-published novel by Wally Duff, MD. Mystery/thriller; book #1 of the Hamlin Park Irregulars series. Story consulting by Richard Krevolin, Power Story Consulting & Publishing. Design and layout by Ana Magno, Magno Design. Developmental edit and line edit by Colleen Sell.
More than Petticoats: Remarkable Missouri Women
(Globe Pequot Press 2/1/2012)
Nonfiction book by Elaine Warner. Travel, history, women's issues, folklore. Published by Globe Pequot Press. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
Haunted Pet Tales
(Globe Pequot Press 7/19/2011)
Nonfiction book by Mary Beth Crain. Travel, history, folk lore, myth, pet stories, animal stories, ghost stories. Published by Globe Pequot Press. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
Hidden Faces of the Soul: Ten Secrets for Mind-Body Healing from Kabbalah's Lost Tree of Life
(Adams Media 7/1/2000)
Nonfiction book By Sheldon Z. Kramer, PhD, and Mardeene B. Mitchell. Religion, spirituality, New Age, alternative medicine. Published by Adams Media. Developmental edit and copyedit by Colleen Sell.
The 7 Mindsets to Live Your Ultimate Life
(Ultimate Life Media 12/9/2014)
Self-published nonfiction book by Scott Schickler and Jeff Waller. Self-help, inspirational, psychology, personal growth. Editorial consulting, publishing consulting, ghostwriting by Colleen Sell.
Ayurveda: A Quick Reference
(Manisha Khsiragar & Ana Magno 2/16/2012)
Nonfiction reference book co-authored by Manisha Khsiragar & Ana Magno. Health, fitness, alternative medicine, spirituality. Published by Lotus Press. Design and layout by Ana Magno, Magno Design. Copyedit and proof by Colleen Sell.
Best You Ever: 365 Ways to Be Richer, Happier, Thinner, Smarter ...
(Adams Media 10/15/2010)
Nonfiction book by Rebecca Swanner. Self-help, health, fitness. Published by Adams Media. Copyedit by Colleen Sell
The Everything Giant Book of Easy Crosswords
(Adams Media 12/18/2009)
Nonfiction book by Charles Zimmerman. Crosswords puzzles. Published by Adams Media. Copyedit and proofread by Colleen Sell.
Beef Cattle: Keeping a Small Herd for Pleasure and Profit
(Hobby Farms / Bowtie Press 12/1/2006)
Nonfiction book by Ann Larkin Hansen. Farming, animal husbandry, ranching, lifestyle. Published by Hobby Farms, a division of Bowtie Press. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
Beautiful Skin: Every Woman's Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age
(Adams Media 5/1/2000)
Nonfiction book by David E. Bank, MD, and Estelle Sobel. Health, fitness, beauty, self-help. Published by Adams Media. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
Selling for People Who Hate to Sell
(Prima Lifestyles 9/4/1996)
Nonfiction book by Bridgid McGrath Massie and John K. Waters. Self-help, business, sales, marketing. Published by Prima Lifestyles. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
How I Sent My Hug Around the World
(Donna Conrad 5/15/2015)
Self-published children's picture book by Donna Conrad. Editor and proofreader: Colleen Sell
Developing Connective Leadership: Successes with Thinking Maps
(Solution Tree 10/17/2011)
Academic book by Larry Alper, Kimberly Williams, and David Hyerle. Published by Solution Tree. Line edit and copyedit by Colleen Sell Education, brain science, cognitive development, psychology.
Vermont Icons
(Globe Pequot Press 7/3/2012)
Nonfiction book by Matthew P. Mayo and Jennifer Smith-Mayo. Travel, history, photo essay. Published by Globe Pequot Press. Copyedit and proof by Colleen Sell.
Tutor in a Book: Better Grades as Easy as 1-2-3
(Adams Media 8/8/2012)
Nonfiction book by Alexandra Mayzler and Ana McGann. Self-help, education, family, children, childhood development. Published by Adams Media. Line edit and copyedit by Colleen Sell.
Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa
(Tobea Melora Correal / Crossing Press 1/28/2003)
By Tobea Melora Correal. Published by Crossing Press. Ghostwriting, development edit, and copyedit by Colleen Sell. Nonfiction, self-help, religion, spirituality, New Age, folk tales, mythology
Spooky Indiana
(Globe Pequot Press 8/2/2012)
Nonfiction book by S.E.E. Schlosser. Travel, history, folklore. Illustrations by Paul Harmon. Published by Globe Pequot Press. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
The Everything Microsoft Word 200 Book
(Adams Media 3/1/2000)
Nonfiction book by John K. Waters. Software manual, self-help, computer. Published by Adams Media. Technical edit and copyedit by Colleen Sell.
The Everything Get Published Book
(Adams Media 6/5/2006)
Nonfiction book by Meg Schneider and Barbara Doyen. Writing reference, self-help. Published by Adams Media. Copyedit by Colleen Sell.
One Simple Idea: Turn Your Dreams into a Licensing Goldmine
(Stephen Key (author); McGraw-Hill (publisher) 3/15/2011)
By: Stephen Key (ghostwriter: Colleen Sell) In this nonfiction trade title, entrepreneur and product development and licensing expert Stephen Key (for whom I ghostwrote the book) shares the secrets to developing and licensing product ideas ... quickly, easily, and profitably. Includes a forward by
10-Minute Zen: Easy Tips to Lead You Down the Path of Enlightenment
(Fair Winds Press 10/1/2002)
By Colleen Sell and Rosemary Roberts. This self-help/spirituality nonfiction book demystifies ancient Zen concepts and translates them into simple practices for peaceful, joyful modern living.
10,000 Steps a Day to Your Optimal Weight
(Bonus Books 4/1/2006)
By celebrity fitness trainer Greg Isaacs; Ghostwritten by Colleen Sell. This self-help / lifestyle book, outlines a thirty-day walking program, weight training, and balanced diet to facilitate weight loss and to improve health and fitness.
Matters of Consequence: Creating a Meaningful Life and a World that Matters
(Big Ideas Press 1/14/2010)
By the late Copthorne MacDonald; foreword by Paul H. Ray. Developmental and line edit by Colleen Sell. This erudite nonfiction book offers a comprehensive analysis of the history of humanity and current events and a brilliant blueprint for a sustainable future that optimizes self, world, and cosmos.
The Missile Game
(Glenn Shepard / Mystery House 1/15/2015)
Self-published novel by Glenn Shepard, MD, book #1 in the Dr. James Scott thriller series. Line edit, copyedit, and proof by Colleen Sell. Story consulting by Richard Krevolin, Power Story Consulting & Publishing.
Run!
(Janet Baker 5/1/2015)
Science fiction novel by Janet Baker, to be self-published. Line edit, copyedit, and Colleen Sell. Cover image to come.

Magazines / Journalism

The Peak Performance of a Grand Man
(GRAND: The Digital Magazine for Grandparents & Their Families 1/1/2012)
Intrepid adventurer, entrepreneur, and wellness guru Werner Berger takes it higher and higher. Celebrity profile / cover story by Colleen Sell.
We've Come a Long Way ... Maybe: Household Waste
(MSW Management magazine 8/31/2010)
Cover story by Colleen Sell. Trade magazine. Over the last decade or so, both the number and volume of household products classified as household hazardous waste have grown steadily and significantly.
Of Beauty and Durability: Retaining Walls in the Urban Infrastructure
(Erosion Control magazine / Forester Media 9/1/1999)
Cover story, feature article by Colleen Sell. September/October 1999 issue of Erosion Control, a trade journal published by Forester Media.
The Text and Subtext of a Joker
(Biblio: Exploring the World of Books 8/1/1998)
Editor-in-chief, Colleen Sell; Celebrity profile by Colleen Sell This cover story on actor & bibliophile John Larroquette is one of the few articles I wrote during my 5 years as editor-in-chief of Biblio.
A World-Class Racetrack in the Desert Goes Full-Throttle on Water Efficiency
(Water Efficiency 11/1/2006)
By Colleen Sell Cover story / feature article for Nov/Dec 2006 issue of this trade journal
Love Is as Love Does
(GRAND Magazine 9/1/2011)
Michael Bernard Beckwith, co-author of The Secret and founder of Agape, and his wife, inspirational singer-songwriter Ricki Bylar Beckwith, share "the secret" to divine grandparenting. Celebrity profile and cover story by Colleen Sell.
No More Mr. Tough Guy
(Grading & Excavation Contractor / Forester Media 6/1/2000)
Cover story, feature article by Colleen Sell Ergonomic equipment packs a load of creature comforts and productivity gains. May/Jun 2000 issue of Grading & Excavation Contractor magazine, a trade journal, published by Forester Media.
Diane Ladd & Charles Hunter: The Dynamic Duo of Love & Light
(GRAND Magazine 3/1/2012)
Diane Ladd, star of screen and stage, and her husband, Charles Hunter, former CEO of Pepsico, are dedicated to helping make the world a better place for their grandchildren and yours. Celebrity profile / cover story by Colleen Sell.
Small Business Reports
(Business Research & Communications 8/1/1989)
As associate editor of this national monthly business magazine, I researched and wrote articles, edited content, and interviewed subject matter experts. My feature article on product pricing in this issue was used in the curriculum of a masters-level business course at Arizona State University.
Golden Grandparents' Rule #1
(GRAND magazine 11/1/2011)
Hit-maker Chip Taylor sings the praises of being there. Celebrity profile and cover story by Colleen Sell, featuring singer-songwriter ("Wild Thing"), music producer, and entertainer Chip Taylor, brother of Jon Voight and uncle of Angelina Jolie.
A Force for Good
(GRAND magazine 7/1/2011)
Entrepreneur Sandy N. Tillotson, co-founder & senior vice president of Nu Skin Enterprises, demonstrates that the beauty of success is more than skin deep. Celebrity profile and cover story on entrepreneur by Colleen Sell.
Concrete Masonry Designs
(Concrete Masonry Association 12/1/2001)
Several feature articles written by Colleen Sell. Trade journal for concrete and masonry contractors.
Dances with Tomatoes
(The Dispatch 5/1/2001)
Narrative essay (creation nonfiction), by Colleen Sell, published in the "Women and Wellness" insert of a regional newspaper (Tacoma, Washington)
A Novel Retreat by the Sea for Booklovers
(Biblio Magazine / Aster Publishing 1/1/1998)
Editor-in-Chief, Colleen Sell. Feature article by Colleen Sell. The January 1998 issue of Biblio featured Oprah Winfrey on the cover and my travel article, "A Novel Retreat by the Sea for Booklovers."
Wetlands Restoration
(Erosion Control magazine / Forester Media 1/1/1996)
Feature article by Colleen Green (Sell) Bimonthly trade magazine
Natural Woman
(Log Home Designs 4/1/2007)
By Colleen Sell Cover story, feature article in national consumer shelter magazine

Editorial / Content Management

Cup of Comfort book series
(Adams Media 3/15/2011)
By Colleen Sell (anthologist & editor) Bestselling book series, more than 2.5 million copies sold. As series editor for 10 years, I compiled & edited 39 anthologies and one annotated cookbook; pub dates 2001-2011. I also wrote the Cup of Comfort newsletter, blog, catalog copy, & web landing pages.
Mercator's World: The Magazine of Maps, Exploration and Discovery
(Aster Publishing 5/1/1999)
Bimonthly consumer magazine focused on map collecting, map-making, mapping technology, globes, cartographic history, geography, astronomy, oceanography, exploration, discovery, adventure travel. During 4+ years as editor-in-chief, responsible for all content, editorial/design staff, planning, budget
GRAND: The Digital Magazine for Grandparents & Their Families
(GRAND Media 6/1/2014)
Editor-in-chief (November 2012 through June 2014): Colleen Sell. Consumer, lifestyle, digital magazine for grandparents and their families, featuring celebrity profiles. Bimonthly.
BIblio Magazine: Exploring the World of Books
(Aster Publishing 5/31/1999)
Monthly consumer magazine for book lovers and book collectors. During my 4+ years as editor-in-chief, I was responsible for all content, editorial & design staffs, budgeting, planning, promotion, advertising liaison, spokesperson for magazine, editorial direction, etc.