Vesela Simic – Editor

For over twenty years, I've edited books and magazines at the intersection of faith, science, and the search for meaning, working with psychologists, contemplative teachers, and thought leaders whose ideas have given readers new ways of seeing and living. I hold a master's in English from the University of Chicago and a bachelor's in education and English from DePaul University.

Early in my career, I was a staff editor at Yoga Journal, where our team repeatedly won Folio Gold Awards for editorial excellence. I went on to serve as senior editor of Shift magazine at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, and as the editor of Venture Inward magazine at the Association for Research and Enlightenment. Over the years, I've edited many books for Sounds True and more recently began working with Ancient Faith Publishing—a relationship that reflects how deeply my reading life has grown in theology and contemplative traditions.

My freelance practice focuses on transformational and creative nonfiction, books that explore faith, psychology, contemplative practice, and the conversation between ancient wisdom and emerging science. I work with publishers and with independent authors who have something real and valuable to say, regardless of platform. I offer editorial assessment, developmental editing, substantive editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading.

What I love most about this work is the collaborative thinking—digging into a manuscript with an author to discover what they're trying to say, then helping them say it in a way that resonates. If that sounds like the kind of editorial partnership you're looking for, I'd love to hear about your book.

"Vesela is an outstanding editor. Her suggestions and recommendations are always thoughtful, she keeps everything on schedule, and she can improve your writing with a gentle touch. I highly recommend her!"

—Dr. Richard J. Davidson, founder of the Center for Healthy Minds and coauthor of BORN TO FLOURISH: How to Thrive in a Challenging World (Simon & Schuster's Avid Reader Press, 2026)

"Working with Vesela was a joy. She greatly improved our manuscript with her insightful suggestions and keen eye. Communication and deadlines were clear and smooth, and her work was top-notch. "

—Cortland Dahl, PhD, BORN TO FLOURISH (Simon & Schuster's Avid Reader Press, 2026)

"Vesela is an excellent editor. Her immersion, close reading, and thoughtful suggestions will help birth any book in its most organic form."

—Mark Nepo, THINGS THAT JOIN THE SEA AND THE SKY: Field Notes on Living (Sounds True)

"Vesela's editing is magical. She brought a wealth of information, life experience, and editing smarts to my book, making it sparkle. Everyone should be so lucky to have her wave her magic wand over their writing to make it sing and find the right audience!"

—Caroline Miller, GETTING GRIT: The Evidence-Based Approach to Cultivating Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose (Sounds True)

“Most careful editor ever! Brings insight to the text and a commitment to accuracy, continuity, and visual harmony.“

—Mirabai Bush, coauthor with Ram Dass of WALKING EACH OTHER HOME: Conversations on Loving and Dying (Sounds True)