About

About The Sharp Pen

Tell your story powerfully, and birth dreams and possibilities — whether you’re a writing professional, or sharing your first published project.

The writing process can feel so lonely and overwhelming.

When you have questions, who can you go to?

When you set a goal or deadline, who can hold you accountable?

I launched The Sharp Pen to give writers, authors and busy professionals all the tools they need to succeed in publishing their work.

My clients are dreamers and doers with something to say.
Whether you are a rising academic or a seasoned author — when you work with me, you can expect to walk away with a finished product you’re proud to share with the world.

About the Founder

Kate E. Stephenson

Hi, I’m Kate — expert publisher, writer, editor, and certified career and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in this work.

My Journey

Storyteller, Editor, Sounding Board

I started my career as an editor at the largest book publisher in the world at the time (Pearson Education), with my eye on one day becoming the next Jackie O or Toni Morrison of publishing.

Over the years, I also worked in book sales, advertising and marketing — from big publishers to indie publishing.

Authors often joke that a good editor is their best friend, therapist, cheerleader — and even coach.

All of these years as publisher, editor and coach gave me the tools to understand how to highlight your story and see what makes you unique.

Launching the Sharp Pen

Which is why — in 2006 I founded KEMPS Consulting (now The Sharp Pen), catering to dreamers and doers with something to say.

Over the years, in my business I have:

Co-authored, ghost-authored, and edited dozens of books and hundreds of articles, working with a diverse clientele to support clear, captivating communications
Coached hundreds of professionals and facilitated group workshops across many industries
Consulted on & written hundreds of resumes, cover letters, professional bios, LinkedIn profiles and other materials that bring your story and worth to life

20+ years of Industry Experience

Having worked in the industry for many years, when you work with me I offer a broad perspective and loads of practical know-how. From close editing to insider industry expertise, I can help you with everything from proofreading to author coaching, or understanding whether to self-publish or get an agent.

Whether you are an academic or a novelist, let’s work together to create a clear plan of action, and craft a published piece you are proud to birth into the world.

Background: Kate E. Stephenson

Quick Facts:

Background

Master of Arts in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College
Professional Certified Coach (PCC) from the International Coach Federation (ICF)
Bachelor of Arts in Literature and the Arts from Vassar College
Interned at the award-winning Hudson Valley Magazine in their Advertising and Marketing department
Book sales at the award-winning independent bookstore, Bunch of Grapes, Vineyard Haven, MA

My Clients

(a curated list to demonstrate capability, not exhaustive)

Non-Profit

LAB Ministries
J.M. Caldwell Ministries
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church