Mike Loomis

Mike Loomis – Editor

25+ years in publishing. Ghostwritten 4 NYT bestsellers, edited/co-written/coached 50 Amazon #1s. Nonfiction, business, career, faith

Overview

I'm a book developer, ghostwriter, and editor.

I also coach authors on planning the best book for their goals, and crucial next steps after publishing.

I can help you from concept to completion.

I've worked with NYT bestselling authors, publishers (Simon and Schuster, Hachette, Multnomah, Zondervan, Penguin/Random House, Nelson, NavPress, and more).

I've ghostwritten 4 NYT bestsellers and edited/written/coached countless Amazon bestsellers.

But am truly honored to help first-time authors. In many ways, I find it very rewarding to help new/indie authors navigate the journey!

Wondering about a developmental edit? My "editorial assessment" service prior to jumping into a full edit could save a significant amount, and better equip you for the path ahead.

...

Book development explained… with real estate analogies! 🙂

Editorial assessment: I walk through your property and criticize the lawn and the wallpaper… and tell you what to remodel. (This is one of the best values for the dollar, and lets you evaluate our rapport)

Edit: I change out some light fixtures and carpet, figure out where those weird smells are coming from, and give your house a good cleaning.

Developmental edit: You hand me the keys to the house and leave for a week. Meanwhile, I’ve rearranged the furniture, painted, had a garage sale, and planted some flowers.

Ghostwrite: We draw up architectural plans together, and then I’m your general contractor

Book proposal: I create a flyer for your house, and explain why it’s worth double your neighbor’s house

Literary agent: I’m your realtor. And take a commission

Publisher: They buy your house… or burn it down. 🙂 Pays you a commission

Amazon: collects (intellectual) property tax. (Location Location Location)

So many first-time authors pay too much, or select services they don’t really need.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Career Guides Christian Non-Fiction Economics Health & Wellbeing Parenting & Families Political Science & Current Affairs
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • 3 New York Times bestsellers

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 2001 — Present
I've worked for New York publishers, bestselling authors, and aspiring writers.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Leap Before You Look: But God...

Mobley, Chuck

Still Alive Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Fathered by God Small Group Video Series

John Eldredge

Thomas Nelson

The Relentless War on Masculinity: Does it Ever End?

Maywald, David

Celebrating Masculinity

Love God, Love Business, Love People: A Family's Journey

Walters, Scott

Independently published

Are youWorking with a difficult colleague?Plagued with the worst of office politics,shifting alliances and silos?Looking to take your career to the next level?Then Cultivate.ThePower of Winning Relationships is for you!You cannot be successful in business, or ... read more
"Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible." - Helen KellerMore than 160 MILLION people have viewed the widely popular Facebook video of Rick Rigsby speaking on the transformative power of hope. Now he shares these truths and m... read more
Once you see your gifts from God’s perspective, your giving will never be the same. When she was a toddler, Jeff Anderson’s daughter opened his eyes to how delighted God is with our gifts. She brought him a plastic donut from her play kitchen, and he was surpr... read more
Do you want your home to be an environment of growth where each member finds forgiveness, love, acceptance, and honor? Do you want your family to know and treasure the teachings of Jesus?Renowned counselor Dr. Gary Smalley wants you to have a marriage and fami... read more
Texas governor and rising star in the Republican Party—one of the first prominent politicians to govern from a wheelchair since Franklin D. Roosevelt—Governor Greg Abbott pens his deeply personal and inspiring life story and proposes a plan to restore America ... read more
There’s nothing secret or mysterious about a successful book launch (or a podcast or product launch). It’s simply calendar-focused attention to your goals."Launching your book, podcast or product doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. Mike breaks down t... read more

Mike has 17 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ron P.

Ron P.

Sep, 2023

Pinned
This guy is not only a class act, he really knows the publishing industry. He gave me very wide ranging advice which he could only do because he’s had experience in so many areas of the book world. My first thirty minute conversation saved me thirty years of going down the wrong path. He’s a sup...
Read more
Stevan C.

Stevan C.

Apr, 2026

I was completely lost publishing my book and Mike led me home. There are not enough stars to rate Mike on his knowledge, kindness, expertise and just being a nice guy. Do not pass him by.
Andrzej G.

Andrzej G.

Mar, 2026

Mike certainly provides a level of fluency in handling the material that an author would struggle to achieve.
Ryan R.

Ryan R.

Feb, 2026

Mike has been great to work with throughout my book project. Even when I wasn’t actively working on the manuscript every day, he was always quick to respond and ready to help whenever I had questions. His guidance, responsiveness, and professionalism made the process much smoother. I highly recom...
Read more
Darren R.

Darren R.

Feb, 2026

What a classy human being. Mike Loomis has been the most informative, uplifting, driving force during this process. I am a brand new author, and he walked me through the entire process. His understanding of the process and expectations has been on point without exception. Not only was he sup...
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Most recent contributions

What are the most common craft mistakes new authors make?

The most common writing mistake I see from first-time authors is cramming too much into the first chapter. Your first chapter is a meet and greet, where you establish credibility, likability, and optimism that the book is worth the reader's time. Hook the reader, show your personality, but don't ...
Read more

What are the key red flags authors should look out for when approached by a vanity press?

It's simple. If a "publisher" approaches you about "publishing" your work, and doesn't offer to write you a check, run away. Okay, that's a bit dramatic. But understand that a true publisher buys intellectual property from creators, Some authors choose to pay to have their book developed (cover, ...
Read more

Assuming a book deal, how long can an author assume the process will take from querying to seeing their book on the shelf?

Allow a publisher's editorial board 30 - 60 days to finalize an offer and negotiate details. After that, expect 8 to 16 months before your cover sees the light of day. Why so long? Legitimate publishers allocate marketing and trade sales resources on their calendar. They also sometime like to sch...
Read more

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