Best Story Wins
Many people I know have started books, but few have finished them.
I get it.
Writing a great book that people want to read means you need certain things, like a great idea. Of course you need nuts-and-bolts items that fit onto a checklist, like organizing your thoughts, working with outlines, creating deliverables and accountabilities, etc.
But you will also have to face many parts of yourself in ways that might surprise you. It certainly has surprised me.
With five books published, and three more coming in before the end of 2026, I can tell you that writing a book is only part of the process of becoming an author.
Go Beyond Your Story
Ken Wilber and I celebrating “A Heart Blown Open.” Ken said: “Written with extraordinary heart and skill, A Heart Blown Open … is an absolute must-read for anyone with even a passing interest in human evolution, and it was brought together brilliantly by Keith."
Services Offered
Many people can write a book. But if you’re going to go to all the effort, shouldn’t it be the very best one you can write? Maybe even better than you could ever write on your own?
Help in Making Progress and Making it Great
Editing your ideas, flow, language use, and overall arc of the book
Conceiving and crafting the table of contents
Original writing suggestions to improve and strengthen presentation and impact
Rewriting what’s necessary, including whole parts of the book — in your voice
One-on-one coaching to create the healthy habits and cultivate the discipline to make progress, week-to-week.
Getting Published
Finding an agent, a publisher, or a self-publisher (and how to choose)
How to write a book proposal
Self-publishing versus traditional publishing: pros and cons
Selling Books and Attracting Attention
Creating a successful book launch
Intelligent Collaboration, rather than just build your own list, you can rely on others to support you and your book
Monetizing your book beyond just book sales
Remaking your investment of time and money, through a well-conceived launch and promotion plan
How to do a book reading and have a book tour that's well-attended (badly attended ones really suck)
Personal and vetted references for agents, publishers, line editors, book and website designers, and more
Work with Me
There are 2 ways to do it.
1. Coaching
Crossroads are a part of life, but hanging out in one is a sure way to get run down. If you’ve started a book but seem caught in an intersection of indecision or uncertainty, let’s get you moving again.
6 Places of Support:
Starting Something New: if you’re at the beginning of a project and realize you’ll need support, kudos. Having a map to follow is the easiest way to get where you want to go. I’ll help you to create one and stay on it.
Evaluating Your Potential: how good a writer do you have to be to write a good book? What about a great one? And is your idea really as good as you think it is?
Leveling Up Your Writing: good enough isn’t good enough for a book. Being a great writer, however, is a skill that can be crafted by following some relatively simple tricks, guidelines, and best practices.
Overcoming Stagnation: writing a book is like running an Ironman — it’s easy to start one, but only a select few actually cross the finish line. There are hacks, tips, and practices to help you overcome stagnation and keep moving forward.
Project Finishing and Submission: I like to say finishing a book can feel like standing naked in the middle of an intersection with a sign that says, “Tell me what you really think.” Many would-be authors start to self-sabotage as the finish line gets closer.
Accountability: without accountability, there will be no book. Disciplined, regular work is a must in creating and finishing a book.
2. Ghostwriting or Co-writing
I offer a suite of support packages for those interested in me ghostwriting (no credit) or co-writing (some credit) your book. The goal is simple: to create the very best work possible, and get it in front of as many eyes as possible.
This is often combined with some form of coaching as well, so that you can learn how to be the best writer you can be.
New Work
Terri O’Fallon, untitled: Terri, founder of STAGES International, and I are working on the creation of her first book. We also raised $30k to fund it.
First draft expected by early winter, 2026.
Shinzen Young, Untitled. This is a spiritual biography by first-time author and long-time student of Shinzen’s, Paddy Karmen. Helping with coaching and content rewrites, confidence, editing, and overall story arc.
To be published in 2026
Older Work
Junpo Denis Kelly Roshi, wrote his award-winning memoir, A Heart Blown Open, and the Q&A book, The Heart of Zen about Junpo’s teaching.
Published, 2012, 2014
David Deida, The Way of the Superior Man. One year of weekly, intimate conversation and writing around the 20th-anniversary edition of the above book.
Reissued, 2017.Thomas Rüed, Three steps into Oneness: Holistic Spirituality as a new View on Awakening including Indigenous, Traditional and Modern Wisdom. Rewriting, editing, help with table of contents, help with publication, and coaching over 12 months.
Published, 2024
Heather Bulk, untitled. Written by me, this is the story of a remarkable woman-one who's built an aerospace company, led with quiet integrity, raised wonderful kids, and lived a life that defies the usual categories.
But more than just a life story, this book is shaping up to be a meditation on a new kind of leadership: one rooted in care, consequence, and clarity.
First draft by early winter, 2026.
Debra Silverman. The Missing Element: Inspiring Compassion for the Human Condition. Book consultant and ghostwriter.
Published, 2016.
Ashley Buttler, The Power of Us: Lessons and Self-Reflections from an Urban Spiritualist. Editing, writing, and coaching over an 18-month period.
Published, 2022.Leo Widrich, Inside the Glass House: The rise and fall of the world’s most transparent startup. I helped to write this memoir for the co-founder of the tech company Buffer, about his rise to fame and fortune by 25 years of age and the collapse and rebuilding of his life for a greater purpose.
Daniel Ellenberg, PhD and Fred
Rabinawitz, PhD: Strength with Heart. 1 am co-authoring this book, one that offers a poignant, necessary and timely redefinition of what it means to be a man in a world that is rapidly evolving. At a time when traditional models of masculinity are either being discarded, vilified, or glorified, this book proposes a new and more generative path—one that honors male strength and courage while integrating emotional depth, presence, and authentic connection.
First draft completed.
Amy Ippoliti., The Art and Business of Teaching Yoga. Wrote the successful book proposal and acted as an agent to secure her first book contract.
Published, 2016.
Ameen, Sincerity Uncompromised: A path to inner liberation and self-mastery. Wrote the book proposal that landed a book contract of this author.
Published, 2021.
My Areas of Expertise
Spirituality/Buddhism/Non-duality/Mysticism
I’ve published several books on spirituality over the last ten years, have been meditating my entire adult life and am an ordained Zen priest.
Conscious Business + Capitalism
There is no model outside of capitalism that can provide a way out of our current crises. But we must transcend the limited views of profit to include people and planet as well.
Psychology
I have extensive knowledge of trauma and attachment theories, am versed in neurobiology, and have incorporated complex psychological models into my own books.
Memoir
I’ve written one memoir and co-written another, and find this medium one of my favorites. The interplay of personal stories, life lessons, humor and tragedy, and overall humanness brings good memoirs alive.
Leadership
25+ years of working as a marketing director, running my own business, and working with many CEOs and entrepreneurs have taught me that leadership is a powerful skill that desperately needs to be learned well by others.
Integral Theory
Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory is one of the most complex and beautiful I’ve ever encountered. It is a powerful meta-model of human development that is impacting more and more businesses, thought leadership, and cutting-edge cultural understanding.
Testimonials
“Writing is a labor of love that requires strategy, confidence, and execution — all of which Keith provides.
Keith truly understands that writing a book is an intimate form of art. His guidance brought a level of clarity and refinement to my project that definitely enhanced the outcome.”
– Ashley Butler
“Keith continually pushed me to go into the places that I didn’t want to go…knowing I will strike gold there.
What Keith can do is just be. He can show up as a human, vulnerable, naked. And for any great adventure, you need a real human. Not a self-proclaimed "expert", but someone who is willing to re-experience the mystery themselves and humble enough to know that that is the only way to create something great.“
– Leo Widrich
“Keith is a writer of extraordinarily talent. He can take deep and complex subjects and, somehow, make them seem eloquently simple. He has the unique ability to tailor his writing in a way that enables specific groups to understand difficult subjects.”
– Doshin Michael Nelson Roshi
“Keith’s gift is simple: he is a brilliant writer. He has also cultivated a spiritual and psychological depth that can help anyone — good writer, bad writer — get to their bottom line. He is great.”
— Debra Silverman
I sought a book coach to assist me in bringing my first English-language book to life.
Initially, it seemed like he was merely offering to refine my English for a broader audience. However, it turned into a profound and challenging 12-month journey. As I delved deep into my book, weathering both calm and rough seas, Keith served as our experienced pilot, steering our boat, adjusting the sails, and even braving the waters when necessary.
His guidance was instrumental in keeping
our journey on course, and I am deeply
grateful for his support.
— Thomas Rűedi
FAQs
The Editing Process
Do you read the manuscript before editing?
Yes. I read closely while also beginning the editing process. This lets me understand the material in context while shaping a roadmap for structure, themes, and flow.
What are the priorities you focus on with an author?
I help with restructuring the manuscript for an engaging flow, rewriting sections to bring scenes alive through “showing” rather than “telling,” and identifying key insights so they fit naturally into the narrative.
How do we work together week to week?
We commit to a consistent rhythm of hours each week. This allows me to make steady progress and keeps the work efficient. Less frequent work is possible, but it tends to slow momentum and increase ramp-up time.
What do you expect from me as the author?
I encourage you to keep writing—even rough, unpolished chapters—so that all the “pieces are on the board.” Having more material gives us more to shape, edit, and move around into a stronger whole.
How do we measure progress?
Progress is measured by milestones: first creating a roadmap, then working chapter by chapter until the manuscript is cohesive, compelling, and ready for submission.
What’s the ultimate goal of developmental editing?
The goal is to take a good manuscript and make it truly great—one that honors your voice and story while also captivating readers and meeting publishing standards.
Deliverables & Feedback
What will I receive from a developmental edit?
You’ll receive:
In-text edits (tracked in your manuscript),
Margin notes with commentary,
Rewritten sections in your own voice where needed,
A roadmap that clarifies the book’s central themes, structure, and arc.
My goal is not only to strengthen your manuscript but also to show you why changes are being made, so you can take on more of that work yourself over time.
Do you provide feedback rounds?
Most authors like me to review their revised material after my edits, but that’s entirely up to you.
Will you rewrite parts of my manuscript?
Yes — when needed, I rewrite sections in your own voice. This helps clarify ideas, sharpen storytelling, and model how to “show” rather than “tell.”
Collaboration
Will I learn from the editing process?
Yes. As I edit, I explain what I’m doing and why, so you can begin applying those same techniques yourself. Over time, this makes the collaboration lighter and helps you develop as a writer.
Do you provide a sample edit?
I don’t provide free sample edits. However, if the first round of work were unsatisfactory, I would not expect payment.
Can I speak with your past clients?
Yes. I’m happy to connect you with authors I’ve worked with so you can hear directly about their experience.
Timelines & Agreements
Do you give estimates for total hours?
Every manuscript is unique, so I can’t provide a reliable total in advance. After I begin working with your material, I can give you a clearer sense of pace.
How do you approach timelines and milestones?
We work at the pace you can realistically sustain, though I encourage authors to prioritize their book to keep momentum. A natural first milestone is the roadmap, followed by editing chapter by chapter until the manuscript is ready for submission.
Do you use formal contracts?
Most of the time, I work on the basis of good faith and clear verbal agreements with my clients. We agree on process, expectations, and communication from the start, and that has always worked well.