About
Your book,
our team.
Working Draft Creative is led by founder and principal writer Diana Holquist, a Madison Avenue-trained copywriter, traditionally published author, and ghostwriter for founders, CEOs, and experts.
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“Diana is a brilliant writer, and in a world of constant distraction, she brought a deep intelligence and attention to our work together that produced a fantastic result.”
Lisa W. · Leadership Author
A Note from Diana
“I love to write. That’s pretty much all I do.”
I started as an advertising copywriter in New York City, writing award-winning ads for Pepsi, Sony, BMW, and other multinational brands. It was the world’s best training ground for writing fast, fearless, and funny, on deadline and under pressure. It was also a crash course in how the business world actually works, which comes in handy when your authors’ books cover everything from digital marketing to hiring truck drivers.
Eventually, I traded the big city for small-town Ithaca, New York, to raise a family. There, I wrote and published six novels with Hachette Book Group, a memoir with Five Directions Press, and a children’s book with Penguin Random House. My books have been translated into five languages and have earned starred reviews in Publishers Weekly.
But I missed the collaboration of my advertising days: working intensely with smart people to create breakthrough work. I discovered ghostwriting and realized it was the best of both worlds: smart people and smart books.
Since then, I’ve ghostwritten all kinds of books for all kinds of people. Some became bestsellers and won awards. Others had print runs in the single digits, with a copy for Mom, Uncle Lou, and the grandkids. Done with care, intention, and honesty, any book’s impact can be extraordinary, no matter the scale.
I’m a graduate of Columbia University with a degree in philosophy. Currently, I live on the Philadelphia Main Line with one cat, one husband, and far too many books.
— Diana
“Beyond being a talented writer, editor, and creative—and an amazing person—Diana is organized, thoughtful, and flexible. I truly found her to be a joy to work with and can’t recommend her enough.”
Kelley W. · Entrepreneurship Author
How We Work
One writer backed by a team.
Working Draft Creative is a bespoke book studio. You work directly with Diana from first conversation to finished book.
Around that core, every engagement is assembled to fit. Editors, designers, publicists, and publishing partners are brought in when your project needs them. You get the intimacy of a single trusted writer with the reach of a full publishing team, shaped exactly to what your book requires.
Developmental editors · Line editors · Book designers · Publicists · Marketers · Hybrid, self-publishing, & traditional publishing partners
Why Work With Us
Experience in all aspects of the book business.
We've placed books with major New York publishers. We know what it takes to land an agent and understand what editors are actually looking for.
We understand hybrid and self-publishing. These constantly-changing landscapes demand expert guidance.
We make your book work harder. Its ideas can live on as keynotes, articles, podcasts, and more.
We stay with you every step. A book is a long road, and nobody should walk it without a guide.
Have a book in mind?
Begin with a private conversation about your idea, your goals, and whether we're the right partner to get you there.
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