Mick Silva – Editor

Hi, I’m Mick.

Having been a developmental editor for publishers for over 25 years, I've edited all kinds of books. I've coached counselors, couples, executive coaches, memoirists, and various professionals to write their powerful stories of personal discovery and recovery, and I've had some NYT bestsellers, sure. But that's not what I really love about this work. The core of it is: helping authors say what they mean by refining what they said.

When I was acquiring for WaterBrook Multnomah in Colorado (I was also a developmental editor at this time, around 2005), I was lucky enough to acquire and edit "How We Love," a bestselling book on healing attachment wounds for couples. I got to edit dozens of books for them, a division of Penguin Random House, assisting new and established nonfiction and fiction authors. And it was a blast.

Then in 2010, I got to edit the NYT bestselling memoir One Thousand Gifts, and during that time I went freelance and began coaching more authors writing very personal stories of pain and growth. After eight years working independently, I accepted a senior editor role at Zondervan Books for HarperCollins and continued there until 2021. I've now returned to serving writers, but particularly those recovering from religious control, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). I'm also currently gaining certification in trauma-informed editing and consulting.

In 2017, a book I edited won an "Excellence in Editing" award from The Christian PEN (thechristianpen.com), and several books I've worked on have gained wide recognition. I'm a board member and serve as treasurer for the Academy of Christian Editors, and I sincerely love building relationships with authors and helping them find the right publisher, whether independent or traditional. My specific areas of focus have been in the categories of relationships, self-help, and the limitless market for inspirational memoir.

While editing is my day job, I've always written a bit on my own as well. So, I consider it something of a sacred task to help other writers get a fresh perspective on their work. I look to Anne Lamott, Mary Karr, and Joan Didion for inspiration and my many mentors in the field who've taught me the ropes and the art of economy and professionalism. It's such a humbling thing to be part of this incredible community, and the relationships I've built over the years are truly the greatest part of my job.

For writers on Reedsy, I offer coaching and development in your unique voice if you're looking to turn long-held pain into art that can speak deep truth. I've seen independent publishing is a viable option for most debut writers, and if you're writing for the nones, "dones," and/or spiritually curious, it's an exciting time in the market. I'm happy to discuss your situation if you're looking to hire an editor to give your words their greatest impact.