Book Mentoring for Women Writers
The Book Journey Studios
Bring Your Story to Life — with Heart, Structure, and Beautiful Design
I support women at every stage of the book journey, from first spark to beautifully published book. As an award-winning author, seasoned book mentor, and professional designer, I guide you like a trusted co-captain — offering clarity, structure, encouragement, and inspired design so your story can set sail with confidence and grace.
Award-Winning Author & Book Mentor Supporting Women’s Stories
A Soul-Led Approach to Book Creation
Writing a book is not just a creative act — it’s a transformational one.
Together, we honor both:
• your inner journey (voice, courage, healing, self-trust), and
• the outer craft (structure, clarity, publishing, and professional design).
I’ve helped bring many books to life — guiding aspiring authors, healers, coaches, and creatives through the vulnerable, powerful process of telling their stories and shaping them into books they’re proud to hold in their hands.
I also walk this path myself.
I am the award-winning author of the SAIL Above the Clouds series — reaching readers across continents, and blending real-life adventure, resilience, mindset tools, and soulful reflection. I know what it takes — creatively, emotionally, and practically — to bring a book into the world.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Book mentoring supports you to:
• Clarify your message, purpose, and ideal reader
• Shape your story with structure, flow, and heart
• Release writing blocks and self-doubt
• Stay accountable through key milestones
• Build confidence in your voice and vision
• Editing services
• Navigate publishing options with clarity
Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, or a soul-led guide, I help you stay true to your voice while moving steadily toward completion.
Book Mentoring
From Idea to Finished Manuscript
Book Design & Creative Services
Where Story Meets Art
A book is a sacred object — it deserves to be designed with intention and beauty.
With decades of experience as a professional graphic designer, I offer full-service book design so your message is visually aligned with its soul.
Design services include:
• Custom book cover design
• Interior layout and formatting (print & digital)
• Typography and visual flow
• Author branding and visual identity
• Publishing-ready files
• Design support for marketing and launch materials
Whether I’ve mentored you through the writing or you arrive with a finished manuscript, I ensure your book looks polished, professional, and aligned with who you are.
Your Book Journey Includes*
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Soulful book coaching and story development
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Releasing writing blocks and restoring creative flow
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Support and accountability through key milestones
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Clear publishing guidance from start to finish
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Step-by-step pathways from ideas to finished books
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Professional book cover and interior design
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Author branding and launch support
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Inspired graphic design for marketing and social media
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Professional editing services
*Services tailored to your unique needs.
Who This Is For
Where Story Meets Art
This work is for women who:
• Feel called to tell their story
• Are ready to share wisdom born from lived experience
• Want support that is both nurturing and practical
• Value beauty, clarity, and soulful expression
• Desire a book that feels true — not forced
If your book is part healing journey, part creative expression, part legacy — you’re in the right place!
"Carole has been the creative force behind my signature product line for decades. Most recently, she brought my lifelong dream to life — transforming manuscript pieces, family Persian Medicine recipes, and health information into a stunning, visually captivating heirloom book. The compliments on the art and presentation have been endless. Her publishing guidance and coaching through every step of the launch was invaluable. Knowledgeable, professional, and exceptionally creative, Carole takes any project from idea to finished product with complete expertise: from books and brochures to packaging and presentations. A truly valuable asset to anyone seeking exceptional design or publishing support."
—Dr Anahitta E Jafari, Author, Founder and Director at Parsi Herbs, Inc.
The Persian Kitchen Physician (Persian Medicine)
Why Work With Me
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Award-winning author with internationally recognized books
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Proven experience bringing many books to life
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Deep understanding of both the creative and technical sides of publishing
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Compassionate, intuitive, and grounded mentorship
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Professional design expertise under one roof
I don’t just help you “make a book.”
I help you birth a story that matters — and design it so it can be received with clarity, beauty, and impact.
I've had the pleasure of teaming up with Carole on four book projects over the last couple years. It's fun to look back at the dexterity in our content, with book topics ranging from an elaborate ancient medicinal cookbook, to interesting and humorous memoirs, to a science based numerology textbook. I'm seriously curious about what will soon join this eclectic mix.
Even as a veteran copywriter, ghostwriter, and editor, Carole has become my reliable go-to for self-publishing coaching. She's walked me through the somewhat intimidating process; step by step. Her support has allowed me to recently (and confidently) expand service offerings to my clients.
A few things I deeply appreciate about working with Carole include her positive attitude, her ability to help with a variety of things throughout the process, and how she displays grace under fire with project demands. She has learned to not sweat the small stuff, and that it's pretty much all small stuff. Also, Carole knows her boundaries and is great at communicating an acceptable reality—without over-promising—which helps me be accurate with the expectations I set with my clients too!
Kristen Ujazdowski
Awareness Generation, LLC
As a first-time author, I had no idea how complex and layered the publishing process truly was. Carole saw my vision clearly and helped me give it structure. She created a personalized, step-by-step roadmap tailored specifically to my project, outlining each milestone across the writing process, production elements, and the business side of publishing—each with its own technical and creative demands. Her guidance transformed what felt overwhelming into something strategic, organized, and achievable.
Because of her clarity and leadership, I was able to move forward confidently and ultimately publish my full Spanish-language book series—a lifelong dream realized with confidence and grace.
What makes Carole truly exceptional is not only her knowledge, but her spirit. She believes in you. She sees your vision. She holds both the practical and energetic dimensions of the journey. She motivates, anchors, and uplifts you through every stage, helping you navigate each step with clarity. Even while navigating her own cancer journey, she continued to show up with integrity, generosity, and unwavering commitment—answering questions, offering clarity, and walking me through technical details when needed.
Working with Carole has been a profound blessing. Her encouragement and energy helped me stay focused and steady on my goal, and made the process feel seamless and supported. She is a radiant soul, a true sister in service, and a powerful guide for any woman who feels called to bring her book into the world with excellence, integrity, and heart.
Daniela Davidov
Log Into Your Soul – Sharing what matters
Books: Conéctate Con Tu Alma
Every life holds a secret worth sharing. 3,000 years of wisdom, humor, and heart — collected in one unforgettable book:
View the accompanying book to the acclaimed PBS documentary: Lives Well Lived
"Working with Carole was an absolute joy from start to finish. She has a rare combination of creativity, technical skill, and deep listening that made the design process for Lives Well Lived — GENERATIONS truly collaborative. Carole intuitively understood the spirit of the project and created a design that beautifully reflected its warmth, clarity, and intergenerational heart.
Her attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to translate vision into elegant design made all the difference. The book went on to become an Amazon best seller, and I know Carole’s thoughtful design played a significant role in that success. I couldn’t imagine a better partner in bringing a book to life."
Sky Bergman, filmmaker and author of Lives Well Lived — GENERATIONS
Sky Bergman Productions
About Carole
Carole Fontaine is an award-winning author, seasoned graphic designer, and book mentor who helps purpose-driven authors transform ideas into beautifully crafted, professionally published books.
With nearly three decades in graphic design — including agency work, owning and publishing Real Sailors Magazine (circulation 20,000), and 25+ years in branding, packaging, and marketing — Carole brings rare depth and expertise to every project.
Her unconventional life — 20 years aboard a sailboat, surviving cancer, and navigating profound personal transformation — shaped a grounded, intuitive creative approach that is both professional and deeply human.
A multi #1 Amazon bestselling and award-winning author herself, Carole understands the full publishing journey from the inside out. She is known for creating a warm, collaborative experience that brings clarity, confidence, and excellence to every book she touches.
Let’s collaborate!
• Book Design page (natural next step after manuscript)
• Book Series page (see Carole's own publishing journey)
• Soul Mentoring (for women needing deeper personal support)
• Graphic Design page (for broader design needs)
• Book a Discovery Call
• Meditative Writing Journey (for a healing writing journey)
• About page