Cristen Iris – Developmental & Substantive Nonfiction Book Editor, Book Proposal Consultant, Author Coach, and Founder of My Zone of Competence

WriteNow, LLC

high-impact, commercially viable books

since 2014

Welcome Authors, Editors, and Agents.

Because we as purpose-driven writers, editors, and literary agents bring our whole, authentic—integrated—selves to our work and need others to do the same, this website offers insight into who I am and what I’ve learned about how we can individually and collectively live meaningful lives and contribute to the lives of others.

I hope everything you find here inspires and empowers you to focus your vision, find your voice, and become the high-impact individual you want to be.

Hi. I’m Cristen Iris.

I’m an award-winning developmental editor and ghostwriter with 10 years’ experience in the highly competitive book publishing industry.

I believe that writing and editing are a way of life, the constant creation and refinement of thought and action that leads to our highest level of contribution.

I also believe that all meaningful communication—written, verbal, visual, and physical—is advocacy because when we communicate we’re attempting to advocate for ourselves, for others, for an idea or an ideal. And the higher the stakes the more aware, competent, and cooperative we must be.

As a writer, editor, late-diagnosed AuDHDer (autistic-ADHD), and all around insatiably curious human, I’m interested in what people know, where they learned it, how it affects them, and how they apply their knowledge and skills in pursuit of personal and professional growth and in service of others.

I’m excited to share my journey with you and support you as you navigate yours.

Identity Determines Action, and Action Determines Impact.

While labels can be damaging, they can also help us communicate our identity, aspirations, and motivations to ourselves and others.

But labels only communicate what and why, not how.

It’s our approach to goal setting, skill development, and overcoming obstacles that can be the difference between a hero’s journey and a disillusionment story arc.

Understanding and excelling in the business of books requires knowledge, skill, and access to the right resources at the right time.

Subscribe to The Aware Author^TM Newsletter for information and support through every stage of your author journey, starting with this free downloadable resource list.

The Aware Advocate Approach™

an identity and approach to meaningful communication rooted in curiosity, compassion, and cooperative action

The Aware Author Approach™

an identity and approach to writing, pitching, and promoting high-impact, commercially viable fiction and nonfiction

The Aware Editor Approach™

an identity and approach to building a sustainable practice and helping clients write high-impact, commercially viable books

The Aware Agent Approach™

an identity and approach to finding and working with aware authors and editors for greater financial stability and impact

My/Your/Our Zone of Competence Framework™

because being “properly or sufficiently qualified; capable, adequate for the purpose” is the least we owe ourselves and others

What’s up with the Cricket and Mantis?

I find crickets and mantises fascinating and inspiring. I identify with each for different and overlapping reasons and see them as excellent representations of awareness, competence, and autonomy within community.

The cricket reminds me that we are individuals, but we are not alone and that.

in times of peace and in times of crisis our individual and collective voices can and must pierce the darkness in a celebration of life and in defiance of anyone who would silence or restrain us

The mantis with its camouflaged exoskeleton, slow approach, keen vision, and deadly accurate hunting skills reminds me that.

being loud and being seen are not always the advantage people believe them to be and that situational awareness, target acquisition, and precise thinking and movement are an excellent response to being overlooked or underestimated

And the life cycles of both crickets and mantises remind me that the only way to mature and grow is to molt. We do this by repeatedly stepping out of our old, too-tight skin and surviving the hardening process that follows.

So, whether you’re here because you need a safe space to silently learn and grow or because you’re up and hoppin’ and ready to make some noise, welcome. I’m looking forward to serving you in any way I can and to learning and growing alongside you—creating, refining, and contributing individually and collectively.

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