[ Mick Silva Editing ]
After 21 years as a developmental book editor for corporate Christian publishers, most recently as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Zondervan Books, I’m once again offering freelance editing and coaching services for writers, particularly weary Christians looking to publish personal narratives whether with publishers or independently, and I may still sometimes work with Christian and nonChristian publishers and agents, but it’s rare because I’m kind of ready for change. More about that on request.
Editing
I set my rate after a chat and a review, and if we decide to go forward together, complete or partial manuscripts are generally around $12-15/pg (250wds/pg), depending on the state of things. I recommend getting a peer review before scheduling an edit because my editorial overview and substantive comments in the text can be extensive and (here’s a free pro tip!) you’ll gain much more if I can skip pointing out some of the more common issues. I’ll suggest places to clarify, increase interest, and tighten up the sentences to get to the point. I’ll also help ensure you say things as clearly and efficiently as possible, without changing your voice or your vision. I want writers with a vision who are flexible to explore, but know what they’re after. I’m happy to reread sections as you edit, but I won’t rewrite you—you will do that, with my usual jocular, gentle-but-firm prodding manner. Wink.
Coaching / Consulting
$75/hr weekly or bimonthly chats to assess your challenges and identify needed skills. Or it can be more fun than that, I’m flexible. My core areas of focus are in story structure, publishing process, platform building, overcoming your resistance, and establishing your writing process and getting to work. The torment can last 3-6 mos. depending on your fortitude. (I will read pages at $6-8/page, depending on the state of things, and up to 5k words per wk.) (And coaching is helpful, but I also know a lot of good therapists to recommend.)
Both services are billed in 2 installments, at start and completion.
Some Kind Words from Friends
* “Mick’s editing is a gift.”
~ Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts and The Broken Way
* “We put Mick to the ultimate test: corralling a husband and wife! Mick is the best!”
~ Milan and Kay Yerkovich, coauthors of How We Love
* “Mick Silva’s dedication to the craft is a rare thing. I recommend him without reservation.”
~ John Blase, author of Touching Wonder and Know When to Hold ‘Em
* “Mick is a caring editor with the expertise, insights, and ingenuity a writer needs on her side.”
~ Susan Meissner, author of ECPA Book of the Year, The Shape of Mercy
* “Mick has serious skills. Storytellers could not find a more dedicated, caring mentor.”
~ Patton Dodd, former editor-in-chief of The Washington Post’s On Faith
* “I cannot recommend Mick highly enough.”
~ Emily Wierenga, author of Atlas Girl and Chasing Silhouettes
* “Working with Mick was a true delight. His expertise was apparent from the first page. I highly recommend him.”
~ Catherine West, award-winning author of The Things We Knew and The Memory of You
