Overview
Essentially, I have worked both sides of the street in book publishing; on the inside, I have done fulltime acquisitions and editing; on the other, I’ve been on the outside looking in while cracking the code as an author and freelance editor. I’ve dealt with literary agents, negotiated publishing contracts, reviewed or written countless book proposals, and pitched dozens of titles at national sales conferences – I’ve covered a lot of ground, and I know how to write a compelling, marketable book. The trick to ghostwriting is helping the author piece together a solid, thorough outline that remains true to his or her material and then fine tuning a narrative consistent in voice, tone and rhythm and suitable to the author’s ear.
I mention my extensive print media background as a newspaper/magazine journalist (with more than 1,000 pieces published) because it has honed my skills as an interviewer, storyteller and discoverer of salient points that make a book narrative (or, in shorter form, a news story) sing. I know how to draw long-dormant insights, details and even old conversations out of the dust-covered memories of author wannabes. In this regard, I really enjoy developing and nurturing successful writing relationships. Writer’s block? No such thing in my book(s).
Services
Non-Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Six Tennessee Press Association awards for columns and commentary. Army-wide Keith L. Ware and Fourth Estate awards for writing for publication.
Work experience
Self-employed
Contract/consultant services for ghostwriting, writing, editing, design, print/digital production, and self-publishing. Author of Joe Biden book released Fall 2015. Contract editor/writer for clients that include Tennessee Press Association (managing editor of monthly newspaper), Dee Cee Labs, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Baton Rouge Advocate, Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins, Publications International, AthlonMedia Group, Vanderbilt law professor/political pundit Dr. Carol Swain, and Brown Books Publishing Group (to include four months as interim editorial director). Former guest blogger for Nashville Business Journal.
The Tennessean/Sumner County Publications
Directed administrative, operational and editorial functions for media company with annual $2.5M budget, encompassing 6 weekly print products to include the Gallatin News Examiner and Hendersonville Star News, 2 websites and 8 annual special publications. Made PowerPoint presentations to clubs, schools. Organized / moderated political debates / forums.
The Tennessean
Managed 4 fulltime reporters and staff of 5 part-timers while coordinating college, high school, NASCAR and community sports coverage for major metro newspaper. Planned and executed daily print and online news-breaking coverage as well as long-term enterprise projects.
Towlehouse Publishing
Launched book-publishing company that produced more than 30 titles and $1.6M in gross revenues in 6 years. Performed editorial, marketing, sales and media relations functions with scant assistance.
Rutledge Hill Press
Acquisitions editor responsible for screening thousands of submissions a year and coordinating executive board’s selection of 30-plus titles a year. Edited 12-15 books annually. Participated in semi-annual sales conferences with national and regional sales reps.
Freelance
As author, co-writer or collaborator have written more than 20 titles for an assortment of publishers to include WND Books, Rutledge Hill Press, Triumph Books and Cumberland House, among others.
The Summit Publishing Group
Managed editorial department for niche book publisher. Managed freelance editorial team of 12 editors.
• Wrote or edited series of business-direct books on ostrich farming, basketball strategy with legendary coach Bob Hurley and applying the Americans with Disabilities Act to golf courses.
• Acquired and ghostwrote best-selling personal golf journal “Byron Nelson’s Little Black Book.”
• Edited books authored by likes of Roger Clinton, Louise Mandrell and preacher Joel Gregory.
Portfolio
Mike has 2 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Dawn M.
Dec, 2021
G W.
Mar, 2020
