Smiling woman, Dawn Josephson, with blonde hair, black leather jacket, purple top, and a necklace, posing against a pink and purple gradient background.

I love helping nonfiction authors transform their ideas and expertise into impactful books that inform, inspire, and influence. Whether you're writing to share your knowledge, tell your story, or leave a legacy, I’ll help you craft a book that’s professional, powerful, and uniquely yours.

A woman, Dawn Josephson, with blonde hair and a black patterned top smiling against a blue background.

I’m a writing coach, publishing consultant, and book editor for nonfiction authors of all kinds. That includes subject-matter experts, business professionals, memoirists, thought leaders, and yes—plenty of speakers, coaches, and consultants too. I’m also a ghostwriter for select high-profile personalities. Whether I’m guiding someone through a messy first draft, helping them navigate publishing options, or fine-tuning a manuscript before print, my goal is always the same: to help authors create books that position them as credible, compelling, and worth reading.

My writing talent emerged during childhood. In fact, I got my first piece published at the ripe old age of 8. No, it wasn’t anything Pulitzer worthy, but it was a funny joke (by 8-year-old standards) that the New York Newsday published as the opening in their Sunday “KidsDay” section. Oh? You want to hear the joke? I thought you’d never ask! Here it goes: “Who are the richest people in the world? Answer: Bakers! They have all the bread and dough they need!” (Trust me, that joke killed it on the playground.)

Since then, I’ve ghostwritten over 5,000 published articles and 30 published books, edited around 200 nonfiction manuscripts (with a few fiction titles sprinkled in), and coached hundreds of authors through the writing and publishing process. I’ve also run a full-service book publishing company and written and published several of my own books. My client list includes professional speakers, business owners, attorneys, physicians, book and magazine publishers, infomercial celebrities, business consultants and coaches, psychologists, spiritual advisors and psychics, real estate and finance professionals, Olympic athletes, college professors, and even an astronaut.

Before launching my solo business in 1998, I worked as Editor-in-Chief for a national magazine publisher, an editorial consultant for book publishers, a contributing writer to arts and entertainment magazines, an ad copywriter, and a technical writer. I freelanced my way through college and earned my BA in English from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.

Along the way, I’ve been featured in USA Today, HuffPost, Investor’s Business Daily, PR News, HR Magazine, and other national publications. I’m currently an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine.

My clients tell me I make the writing and publishing process feel doable, even when it felt overwhelming before. I blend a no-nonsense editorial eye with a down-to-earth coaching style, helping authors step into their message and create a book they’re proud of.

My Professional Life

Smiling woman, Dawn Josephson, with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing sunglasses and a blue cold-shoulder top, holding a phone, standing outdoors near a tree and a wooden barrel, with vineyard and mountains in the background.

I live just outside Portland, Oregon, with two kids, one dog, and one life partner (acquired in that order). I’m not known for slowing down, but I am known for crushing Wordle on the couch each night.

A few more things about me:

  • I am passionate about helping kids read and write better. I set aside about 10-15 hours each week to help children with learning differences master reading and writing skills. Let me tell you … seeing a child finally read and write independently after years of struggle and frustration is a high like none other!

  • I am also passionate about social issues, especially healthcare. In fact, in September 2010, I spoke at the Healthcare Affordability Act six-month anniversary. President Barack Obama introduced me and was gracious enough to pose for a photo with me after the event. You can read about the event here. 

  • I draw and paint, although not nearly as often as I’d like.

  • I speak just enough French to ask for wine, cheese, and the check.

  • I love hiking and being in nature, though not camping or sleeping in nature. I like to say that my idea of "roughing it" is a hotel without room service.

  • My perfect weekend getaway is an outing to beautiful wine country, touring vineyards, and sipping the fruits of the earth. I think this is embedded in my DNA. I wrote about my family’s history with wine in 2007. This narrative was featured as the opening chapter of the book Chicken Soup for the Wine Lover’s Soul. 

  • Here is one of my favorite quotes: “Happiness comes when your work and your words are of benefit to yourself and others.” –Buddha

I also love meeting new people, telling stories, laughing loudly, and helping others share what matters most. If that sounds like your vibe, let’s connect.

My Personal Life

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