Praise
Debra Ollivier was my steadfast Sherpa throughout the wild, multi-layered process of writing a book proposal, from germination stage to final draft. The result was a fabulous book deal with a publishing dream team. None of it would have happened without her unbelievable hard work and wonderful brains. I am and will always be incredibly grateful to her. If not for Debra, I might be circling a drain somewhere! - Abigail Disney, award-winning filmmaker, producer and philanthropist
Debra stepped into my life as a trusted ally, a joyful friend, and a co-conspirator in the creation of my book. As we journey together, I am continuously touched by her generosity of spirit, deep expertise, vast curiosity, and creative openness. Of course, the fact that we can speak French to each other adds to the fun of the adventure. Debra is a consummate professional and a true pleasure to work with. She has honored and enriched the space between us and crossed the bridge to my world with her gifts, and I look forward to celebrating the finished product: a book that enlightens the world about the power of connection. - Hedy Schleifer, psychotherapist and founder of Encounter-centered Transformation
I’ve been lucky enough to work on numerous books with Debra, some of which required significant editorial rehauls. In every case Debra pulled together a cohesive new structure and strong narrative voice with exceptional flair. She has an uncanny ability to dive deep into the editorial process with a sharp eye on what’s trending. In short, Debra is unique breed of editor/writer and a joy to work with: A creative co-conspirator with a keen mix of intelligence, writing chops, and editorial acumen. - Rachel Neumann, CEO Wave Literary.
Debra is an excellent writer who truly knows her craft. She took my sprawling first draft manuscript and turned it into a well-organized, polished, and complete book that beautifully blends engaging storytelling with valuable information. I am so grateful for Debra's thoughtfulness, skillfulness, and deep expertise - I couldn't have completed this book without her!" - Nilou Khonsari, movement lawyer and author of "The Future is Collective"
This woman is a miracle worker. This has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life – taking 48 years of my life - of everything - and spinning it out into a perfect proposal about everything we envisioned it to be, and the ecosystem that it’s going to create. What a Brita filter does to water, she did to my life: filtered the essential, clarified – I can’t even put into words how meaningful this was. – Matthew Zachary, Healthcare advocate, founder of Stupid Cancer
To my editor and ghostwriter Debra Ollivier: You are not just an editor or a ghostwriter to me, you’re now a friend, a member of my tribe. You taught me proper storytelling. You pushed me to reveal the depths of my soul to better serve our readers. And the funny thing is, this served me, too. You’re like a coach who also plays the game.
– Julie Rieger, author of The Ghost Photographer
Writing a book is in many ways like birthing a baby. There’s a long gestation and, finally, delivery. I’m very grateful for the expertise and kindness of my editor, Debra Ollivier. Debra served as a wise and loving “midwife” to my words, thoughts, insights and questions over the course of writing Holding Space.” – Amy Wright Glenn, educator and author of Holding Space: On Loving, Dying and Letting Go.
Debra Ollivier may not be psychic, but she sure has a crystal ball for seeing what will make my writing stronger and helping me find my way to the heart of my book. She brings a keen eye, vast experience, generosity, curiosity, and that utterly essential quality in any editor: respect. – Claudette Sutton, editor and author of Farewell Allepo
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Debra. Her deep editorial expertise, creative insights and stellar ability to connect vision to prose helped me bring my book to life. We had a great working collaboration and became dear and trusted friends along the way. – Lisa Haisha, life coach and author of SoulBlazing