First draft
Writing
Picture books, essays, memoirs, and children's nonfiction — drafted from the first spark to the final sentence, in a voice that stays unmistakably yours.
- Picture Books
- Memoir
- Poetry
- Nonfiction
Kaaland Writing — Puget Sound, WA
Writing, editing & proofreading for authors and educators — as well as those who just need help crafting letters, statements, forms, and other important documents — across the Puget Sound, from first rough draft to final, polished page.
No. 01 — About Me
The writer behind
the work
Dr. Christie Kaaland, professor emeritus, has published 3 textbooks and 36 professional articles, and writes in a range of formats that spans national blogs, brochures, editorials, and book reviews in a range of genres that includes memoir, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. In her recent editorial work, Kaaland served as associate editor of the only peer-reviewed scholarly journal for teacher-librarians, Teacher Librarian: The Journal for School Library Professionals, from 2015 to 2022.
Additionally, she served as guest editor of the ALA's professional journal, Knowledge Quest, March–April 2020, "Virile Advocacy," and the first-ever scholarly national education publication issue devoted to school library research, Vanderbilt University's Peabody Journal of Education, Jan–Mar 2023, Vol. 98, Issue 1. Kaaland's recent textbook, The Children's Literature Selection Handbook, K–8, was published through the global publishers at Bloomsbury Academic Press in 2025.
Before joining Antioch University Seattle's School of Education, Dr. Christie Kaaland was a Tacoma junior and senior high school English and drama teacher and teacher-librarian. Kaaland began writing following completion of her doctorate at University of Washington.
Though writing is her passion, she also enjoys boating, gardening, hiking, and spending time with friends and family … and her beloved Irish terrier, Breelyn.
>For a more detailed list, see the full vita.
✳ From the stacks
Every shelf holds a story
waiting for careful hands.
No. 02 — Publications
From the shelf
The Children's Literature Selection Handbook, K–8 · Bloomsbury, 2025 — visit the publisher ↗
Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Recovery in School Libraries · Bloomsbury, 2015 — visit the publisher ↗
A selection from the shelf — the full list lives in the vita.
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The Children's Literature Selection Handbook, K–8 Edition
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Associate Editor — Teacher Librarian: The Journal for School Library Professionals
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Guest Editor, "Virile Advocacy" — Knowledge Quest (American Library Association)
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Guest Editor — Peabody Journal of Education, Vanderbilt University
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36 Professional Articles — national blogs, brochures, editorials & book reviews
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Children's Picture Books
No. 03 — Services
Three ways in
to a finished page
Revision
Editing
Developmental, line, and copy editing that respects your voice while sharpening every page — structure, rhythm, clarity, and the choices only a second pair of eyes can see.
For the professional writer
- Manuscripts
- Articles
- Journal Submissions
For those seeking assistance
- Letters
- Documents
- Statements
- Forms
Final pass
Proofreading
The last careful pass — grammar, consistency, and the small details readers feel but never name. Your work, ready for the world.
- Books
- Brochures
- Newsletters
- Other Important Documents
✳ Serving writers, educators, and anyone who needs a hand with a letter, form, or statement across the Puget Sound region. Every service here is paid, professional work — but if the money isn't there and you still need the help, check the pro bono box in the form.
No. 04 — Testimonials
In their words
Christie's years of editing experience for Teacher-Librarian Journal helped me get my own writing ready for publication. Her enthusiasm for the role of libraries in education and professional connections sustained our later collaboration in developing and presenting a significant research project via professional journals and conference presentations. Christie's a patient, yet demanding editor that I recommend to anyone needing support and encouragement to take their writing to the next level.
Christie and I worked at the university together for 25 years, and much of our work included writing and editing. We wrote multiple successful $1mil federal and state grants, the process of which was often I wrote a draft of the idea, and Christie polished and edited them. She has excellent writing and editing skills that span a full range of fields and genres, including many technical writing projects.
Christie Kaaland was the developmental and initial editor for my book, Tip of the Spear. Christie was astute in grasping the core vision of my manuscript while rendering honest and helpful edits that refined its structure and message.
During the initial editing phase, she demonstrated an exceptional eye for structure, pacing, and flow. She also helped shape it into a cohesive narrative. Her feedback was always insightful and constructive, balancing a high standard of literary quality with my own personal style and taste.
Beyond her sharp editorial instincts, Christie is a wonderful person. She is always willing to go "over and beyond" and does so in a very endearing and sweet manner. Her positive outlook was a welcomed trait on those days when writing can become arduous and frustrating. Her many contributions were foundational to the success of Tip of the Spear.
I have no doubt that Christie will be a tremendous asset to any author, publisher, or creative team. I recommend her without reservation.
Christie's passion for helping people tell their stories shines through. She is a technical wizard with words but her real magic is in the heart that she puts into helping people communicate effectively so that they can reach their goals.
It was such a pleasure working with Christie for those seven years (2015–2022) when she served as the associate editor for Teacher Librarian Journal. Her editing skills are truly exceptional. She has a keen eye for both copy editing and substantive content editing, and she always managed to sharpen the writing while preserving the author's unique voice. She was also a reliable contributing author of articles that were well researched and informed, and that offered needed insights for the profession.
I can't think of anyone better suited to help people find their voice and advocate for themselves. This is a meaningful project, that I'm honored to support.