Michael Ireland

Michael Ireland – Editor

I am an insightful and supportive spiritual, new age, and metaphysical book editor trained in mind, body, spirit and wellness coaching.

Overview


Hello. I’m Michael. I’m an editor, writing coach, and “book doctor” specializing in new thought, alternative spirituality, and self-development books. I hold an accredited Master’s degree in Religious Studies (I studied spiritual cultures, the wisdom traditions of antiquity, and the trajectory of ancient ideas to modern times) and two graduate degrees in metaphysics. After honing my editing skills over ten years as an editor of legal textbooks, I moved into editing prescriptive nonfiction as Managing Editor of a publishing house. I am now a freelance editor with a passion for editing mind body spirit books and books by lightworkers, mediums, psychics, healers, wellness practitioners, and others dedicated to walking a spiritual path and bringing spirit into the material world. I have edited over one hundred manuscripts, including self-transformation books, memoirs, fiction, and how-to spiritual learning manuals. I excel at helping authors make their books the best they can be.


My passion for spiritual books makes me a creative, engaged, and inspired editor. Whether we are working together to shape your book during developmental coaching, or I am doing a stylistic / content / line edit of your manuscript, I’ll bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to your project. If you are looking for an editor who speaks the language of spirit and is well-versed in “new age ideas,” human potential, self-empowerment, wellness, personal development, and mindfulness topics, I’d love to work with you. Helping you fulfill your highest potential as an author is my heart-felt goal. I’ll be with you every step of the way. Working as a team, we’ll make your transformational book sparkle.


Not sure what editors do? If want to understand how the right editor can make your good book great, let’s chat. I’ll walk you through what we editors do (and why). We’ll talk about your vision for your book and I’ll share some tips and tricks that can help you move forward on your publishing journey. Editors aren’t just word mavens - we’re mentors and guides who inspire you to tap into your muse and awaken the awesome author within you. You want to make a difference in the world, and the right editor can help you make your book amazing.


Below are two publishers’ testimonials, and a portfolio of a few books I’ve edited. Please be in touch for a long list of author kudos and a comprehensive “Books Edited” list.

“Michael’s dedication, professionalism, and expertise make all of the books she touches stand above the rest!” Kristen, PRESStinely Publishing


“Michael's experience and expertise as an editor is exceptional. Having had the pleasure of working with her over many years on numerous books, she has always delivered impeccable work. She is thoughtful, insightful, honors deadlines, and communicates thoroughly. Highly Recommended!” Jesse, Lifestyle Press


Together we'll make your book a page-turner readers can’t put down. I look forward to connecting with you!


Good luck with your book!

Michael

Services
Non-Fiction
Health & Wellbeing Inspirational New Age Religion & Spirituality Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Magical Realism Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • My own novel, The Gatekeeper, received Honourable Mention in the 2025 Hay House Writers Contest
  • My screenplay, Chasing Q, placed in the Maui Writers Screenplay Competition and earned second place in the Praxis Centre for Screenwriters and IATSE 891 Screenplay contests
Certifications
  • Graphic Design Certificate - Sessions School of Design
  • Certified Mind Body Spirit Practitioner - Mind Body Spirit Center

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2006 — Present
I am a freelance editor, writer, and spiritual writing coach with an educational background in the spiritual traditions of history and the science of metaphysics. I wrote a Master’s thesis in metaphysical science and a dissertation in parapsychology, and I'm trained in several modalities of mind-body-spirit medicine. I have fifteen years of editing experience, and I work with authors who write in the genres of self-empowerment, divine inspiration, and holistic living. With an in-depth knowledge of the spiritual traditions of history as well as the modern New Thought and metaphysical movements, I bring a treasure trove of skill and experience to my work. I am thoughtful and precise and an excellent developmental/structural editor and content/line editor. My expertise and my passion is helping authors make their words sparkle and bring Spirit into the material world, one transformational book at a time.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
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Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Transcendence: A Medium's Healing Journey

McCaw, Cynthia Rose

CynthiaRose Medium LLC

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Made with Reedsy
Awakened Motherhood and the New Earth Frequency

Victoria, Tiffany

New Earth Frequency Publishing

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Unveiled

Kim Michelle Paget

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
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Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Developmental Editing
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Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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Developmental Editing
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Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Grief Is Love

Flowers, JJ

Developmental Editing
Perfection

Wade, Ms. Kathy Wade Ms.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
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Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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Michael has 43 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Emma Rowena H.

Emma Rowena H.

Jul, 2023

Pinned
Working with Michael has been pure delight from first to last. She is warm and friendly, highly professional and extremely knowledgeable and competent in her work. She delivers all that she promises and more - quickly and accurately and with very clear directions and suggestions. She has a vast a...
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Michael I.
Thanks so much, Emma. It's been a great pleasure to work with you on your wonderful project!
Don O.

Don O.

Oct, 2022

Pinned
Michael I. has been enormously helpful in her developmental edit of my manuscript. Her edits and suggestions have been both precise and thoughtful and reflect a level of diligence and care beyond what I had imagined. It is clear that she brings years of knowledge and wisdom to her work and share...
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Michael I.
Don, I really enjoyed working with you and felt honored that you chose me as the editor for this Fantastic Book. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful opportunity to contribute to...
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donna C.

donna C.

Apr, 2022

Pinned
Michael’s expert advice guided my work with honest interest and truth. She set a high standard for me to follow which ignited my creativity even more. I truly appreciate her encouragement to have fun. She erased all the intimidation as I handed off my first manuscript. She was incredibly thorough...
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Leanne S.

Leanne S.

Apr, 2025

I absolutely adore Michael. The moment I saw her photo and read her Bio, I felt a deep knowing—she’s the one. Oh, how right my intuition was. I'm still doing a happy dance about it! Michael is, quite simply, the most amazing woman. She’s warm, grounded, professional, and genuinely so generous wi...
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Manal E.

Manal E.

Apr, 2025

There aren't enough stars to capture the insight, wisdom, detail, and inspiration Michael so generously provides. Her value extends far beyond just the words; she has significantly helped me navigate the publishing landscape. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Michael and am excited to continue...
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Michael I.
Manal, thanks so much for your kind words. Your manuscript is awesome, you are a very talented writer, and it's been an honor and pleasure to work with you. I'm looking forward to our ongoing colla...
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Most recent contributions

For nonfiction authors creating a book proposal, do you have any tips for choosing comp titles?

Dear Writers, When you are choosing comp titles: Read, read, read in your genre. Read books that your hoped-for agents have represented. You'll find these listed on their websites. Frequent your local bookstores and peruse the shelves. Where is your book going to fit on the bookshelf? What ...
Read more

Which part of the book proposal do agents and publishers care about the most?

The part of the book proposal agents and publishers care about most is All of It. Be sure to check out each agent's and publisher's Submission Guidelines (you'll find these on their websites) and read their specifications for book proposal submissions. Then, follow their directions precisely. Typ...
Read more

What common mistakes do authors make when writing their query letter?

There are a few common mistakes you can avoid when writing your query letters. Here are some "do's" and "don'ts." Include only your first and last name in the query. The agent has your email address, and that is the address they will use if they wish to contact you. Do not include any other cont...
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