From new writers:

I knew there was a writer lurking somewhere inside of me--Michael found him. Not all at once, nothing is supposed to be that easy. But Michael took the time to reveal the weaknesses and maybe more importantly the strengths in my manuscript and writing style. Would I continue to write if I hadn't met Michael? No doubt. Would my writing be as tight? No way. His services provided more than a line edit; he did character analysis and suggested scene alternatives. He took the time to understand the goals for my characters and kept me focused on that objective. Michael's 30+ years as an editor became apparent in his margin comments--succinct, but with depth.

There is a caveat. Working with Michael can be fraught with danger ... his lessons tend to haunt your subconscious. As a result I now have an imaginary editor reading over my shoulder, correcting as I write. Michael became more than a hired proofreader, he became my mentor.

—Dr. David L. Parks

I was fortunate to have participated in a Michael Seidman workshop at a Pennwriters annual conference. Michael's hands-on approach to sharing his wealth of knowledge of fiction writing and editing provided the participants with valuable lessons in theory as well as application.

His years of award winning experience as a top mystery editor provide him with outstanding credentials. He gave me a tremendous leg up as the freelance editor of my first effort at writing fiction. He is a superb line and copy editor as well as a professional who understands the subtle nuances that can transform a story into a successful novel.

—David Wilson

From published authors:

Michael Seidman knows what each manuscript, and each writer, needs. I've entrusted my last four novels to him and have every intention of continuing to do so.

—James Sallis, author of Cypress Grove and the Lew Griffin Series

I know of no other editor working today who better understands all the elements of good fiction, from a writer's as well as an editor's point of view, than Michael Seidman. Or anyone who cares as passionately about helping to shepherd deserving novels into print. I trust his judgment implicitly.

—Bill Pronzini, author of New York Times Notable Book: Blue Lonesome and creator of The "Nameless Detective" series

As a struggling writer, it was my good fortune to have Michael Seidman see that Solo Hand was not only a book but a potential series. Through five books, I was privileged to have Michael as my editor. He knows what questions to ask, and how to shape your book without being intrusive. In short, Michael is a real editor in an age when there aren't many around anymore.

—Bill Moody, author of the Evan Horne Mystery Series

Michael Seidman's mastery of fiction allows him to nudge the writer in the right direction while allowing him to stay true to his own story. Michael was very helpful in the rewriting and editing of my novel Dead Men. He's also a master teacher and his book Fiction: The Art and Craft of Writing and Getting Published is a masterwork.

—Steve Oliver

You've just finished your first manuscript and you're experiencing those bipolar swings all writers go through. One second you're swept away in the euphoria, feeling the words ring in your brain, admiring the subtle way you've crafted plot and theme. The next, you're flooded with the conviction that it's hopeless, that it's all awful, contrived and trite.

What you need -- and it's taken me 22 published novels to learn this -- is a reality check. You won't get one in a writer's group crammed with other new novelists. They're as adrift as you are. Nor can you count on your mother or your coworkers or your Aunt Betty or the nearest retired English teacher.

If you're serious about getting published, you need professional help. Maybe a shrink to talk you out of it. Tried that and it didn't work? Okay, then take the next step. You need an editor. But not just any editor. A real editor, one who's edited some of the top names in fiction. On who understands writing inside out, knows what sells and what doesn't. And one who's mastered that rare skill of being able to understand what level you're at, where you want to go, and knows how to get you there. That's Michael Seidman.

—Cyn Mobley

From agents:

I've known Michael Seidman as an editor for many years. His knowledge of what makes a book work, honed over forty years of publishing experience, makes him an editor I'm happy to recommend.

—Mildred Marmur, Mildred Marmur Associates, Ltd., Literary Agency

Michael Seidman and I have been colleagues for many years; I know him to be a talented and thoroughly professional editor who understands the needs of writers and is uniquely qualified to help them realize their full potential.

—Jane Chelius, Jane Chelius Literary Agency

From publishers:

I worked with Michael Seidman for almost 10 years at Walker & Company, and will always have great respect for his editing and advocacy skills alike. Michael is an editorial craftsman, who has the ability to get the most of authors he works with; and he is a passionate advocate for those authors, in house and to the outer world.

—George L. Gibson, Publisher, Walker & Company

Michael's natural instincts and honed skills about fiction are invaluable to his editing. His professional demeanor, firm voice, and approachable personality make his assistance a great benefit to any book.

—Jenny Baumgartner
Acquisitions Editor, Fiction Nelson Books,
a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc.

"Michael Seidman is a highlight!" "Please tell me Michael's going to be there again this year." "Michael gave me the best writing advice I've ever had." These are some of the comments we've received from participants during our twelve years of novel-writing workshops. One of the most accessible, perceptive and humane editors we know, Michael Seidman has become a true friend. He tells it straight, tells it kindly and with good humor. And all this after being worked hard and put away wet for days at a time.

—Mary O'Dell, President, Green River Writers, Inc.

Michael Seidman has earned his place at the top of the publishing industry. He carries a wealth of knowledge and insight gained from years of experience in the heart of the New York publishing business. And he shares that wealth willingly and ably. He is a great asset and a great draw to our conference.

His lectures are among the most popular and highly rated by our conference participants whose evaluations contain such terms as "insightful and inspiring... excellent, spontaneous... the kind of seminar we need... engaging and knowledgeable... great job of relaying his expertise to the audience... available and approachable... entertaining as well as informative... a straight shooter... intelligent and witty!"

His editorial readings are in high demand and rated as very helpful, based on evaluation reports. Those sentiments from participants echo my own appraisal as conference director. I have found Michael to be a true professional, easy to work with, flexible and creative. He has been extremely responsive to my needs as director and has been instrumental in developing components that have added value to our program. And for a New Yorker, he's a damn nice guy.

He has my unreserved recommendation to writing conference directors everywhere.

—Charles Connor, Director, Harriette Austin Writers Conference
The University of Georgia

"The best part of the conference overall was the one-on-one critique with Michael Seidman. I’m going home to finish writing my book based on his advice and encouragement." That’s just one of the comments the PPWC Steering Committee received in writing.

Michael comes willing to work and does so with energy and enthusiasm, and makes it a point to visit with attendees and share his vast knowledge of the publishing industry.
We look forward to working with him again.

—Karen Fox, Pike’s Peak Writers Conference Faculty Coordinator

During the times I have been involved with planning/coordinating writers' conferences in Kansas City and St. Louis, MO, and Louisville, KY, I have been faced with the dilemma of booking speakers. The goal in selecting an editor is to find someone who can speak authoritatively about the publishing industry while at the same time empathizing with an audience comprised of seasoned as well as unpublished writers. Compounding the dilemma is finding someone who has the willingness and the ability to teach conference attendees about the inner workings of the publishing industry without embellishing either the positives or negatives of the business. My first choice is always Michael Seidman. An inspiring speaker, he is unfailingly honest in his assessment of the current state of publishing, whatever it may be at the time. He quickly garners the attention of his audience and moves them through his remarks to a participatory question and answer period. During this time, he treats each question, regardless of the naivete of the questioner, with sensitivity and respect. Seidman's no-nonsense honesty coupled with his expertise is a winner every time.

—Wanda Hoyle

For more information contact: mseidman@mseidman.com