"Dear Mike: What can I say? Because of your expert guidance and fine touch I'm now a published author. When we first hooked up and started working together, I worried that the job of writing my novel would be an arduous task, filled with hours of agony and tedious rewrites, but I was wrong. Your lively comments and sense of humor have made the effort truly enjoyable. You keep editing and I'll keep writing. It’s a pleasure working with you."
Jeff Sherratt, author of Detour to Murder and two other Jimmy O’Brien mystery novels.
“Ten years ago I began to write my first novel in a vacuum. I almost quit in exasperation until I heard about writing coach and editor Mike Sirota. I’m a firm believer in training. Writers are seldom born; most work hard to develop their craft. The learning curve is sped up, and pleasure in the learning process vastly increases by taking advantage of this kind of training. Mike’s coaching and critique groups optimize the learning environment, and all efforts are directed toward improvement of craft, regardless of genre. I cannot emphasize enough the benefits anyone will receive from Mike’s expert instruction.”
- Judy A. Bernstein, author of the acclaimed They Poured Fire on us From the Sky (Public Affairs Books, 2005)
"Mike Sirota is more than an editor. He is a coach and a support system that every writer from beginner to pro would find invaluable. His critiques are right on, and I learn something new every time I work with him. I've read every book on writing, magazine articles, gone to classes, and attended conferences, but Mike has truly helped me take my writing to that next level and he always lets me know that he expects it of me. That's what a great coach does. He doesn't wimp out on his critiques or edits, but he also doesn't make me feel less than, and believe me I've dealt with both kinds of editors whom I have paid exorbitant amounts to. That's the added bonus with Mike. You actually get more than what you paid for! I am now at a stage with my work where I'm getting paid and being published by a respected house, but I won't send my work on to my agent or my editor at Berkley without Mike doing his magic first. He is my editor for life!"
Michele Scott, author of A Wine Country Mystery Series, Berkley Prime Crime and over a dozen other novels.
"Mike taught me the basics of writing--something we all take for granted until we actually try to publish--and then helped to hone and improve my skills both by his keen insight into tension and story and by his expertise as an editor. He also goes the extra mile to help you get your work published, by recommending you to agents, and in my case knowing the editor-in-chief at a publishing house. Without his help, I would have never seen my years of work in print."
Dr. Paul Bernstein, author of Courage to Heal (Sunbelt Publications, 2007) and Flashblind (ZOVA Books, 2012).
"Mike - Without your unbelievable support and guidance, I wouldn’t have gotten past GO, so I shall sing your praises to my death bed."
Neva Sullaway, author of Chasing Dreamtime (Brookview Press, Spring 2005).
"Dear Mike: Thank you for referring The Stepwives. I've sold their book to Simon & Schuster and I know they will be successful."
Angela Rinaldi, literary agent
"Dear Mike: You have my undying gratitude for sending me Diane Lee Wilson, a former student in your writing classes. Diane's widely praised young adult novels, I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade (Orchard, 1999) and To Ride the God's Own Stallion (DK Ink, 2000) have made her my star client!"
Patty Campbell, literary agent
"Mike has that rare combination of patience and perception... His workshops are valuable to writers at all levels. He creates a friendly atmosphere in which serious work nonetheless happens. His help has been invaluable in my published novels."
Henry Garfield, author of Tartabull's Throw (Simon & Schuster), Moondog and Room 13 (St. Martin's Press), The Lost Voyage of John Cabot (Atheneum)
"Dear Mike: I can't thank you enough for launching my writing career. My association with you and your writers' workshop has rapidly improved my writing. Without my association with you, I probably would never have met my agent and be fortunate enough to scream, 'I'm published!'"
Diane Lee Wilson, author of Firehorse and Raven Speak (Margaret K. McElderry)
"I'm always happy to hear from Mike with any recommendation he has to make of material for me to consider. I expect consistently high quality work from his people, and that's what I get. That doesn't always mean we end up working together, but it does mean I know my time will be well-spent, and from where an agent and a writer sits, that's worth its weight in gold."
Felicia Eth, literary agent