Ghosted
An American Story
Copy editor
2025 ECPA Award for Biography & Memoir
Acknowledged by Nancy French for copy editing contributions.
Franklin, Tennessee
Words that inspire.
Editing that strengthens.
I help authors and publishers develop compelling manuscripts and prepare them for publication.
Let’s connect
My freelance book-publishing work began in 2009 and spans manuscript development, copy editing, proofreading, collaborative writing, marketing content, and more.
My work includes projects for HarperCollins and its imprints, Penguin Random House, Forefront, David C Cook, Dexterity, and others. In addition, I write magazine articles, blogs, devotionals, study guides, newsletters, and other content. I coauthored Jeremy Camp’s book I Still Believe, which was later adapted into a major motion picture.
How I can help
- Manuscript development & substantive editing
- Copy editing & proofreading
- Collaborative writing
- Cover & flap copy
- Study guides & sermon outlines
- Magazine features
- Blogs, newsletters & marketing content
The bookshelf
Selected book projects
What Happens Next
A Traveler’s Guide Through the End of This Age
Proofreading; cover & flap copy; sermon outline writing
Acknowledged by Max Lucado for proofreading contributions.
Earned
The True Cost of Greatness from One of Hockey’s Fiercest Competitors
Copy editor
The Right Angle
Tales from a Sporting Life
Copy editor
In Search of Al Howie
The Man Who Ran Forever
Copy editor
The Girl on the Bathroom Floor
Held Together When Everything Is Falling Apart
Pre-production proof editor
The Fight for Us Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video
A Practical Bible Study for Every Marriage
Writer
I Still Believe
Discovering Hope and Healing in the Midst of Life’s Deepest Valleys
Coauthor
Babe: Elaboratio
A Tribute to My Mother
First-Pages Proof
Graceful Warrior
The True Story of a Son, a Father, and a Family Who Carried Each Other Through
Proof Edit
In their words
What clients say
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful edit, proof, and review of this manuscript. In particular, we appreciate your expertise in checking and sourcing the book’s many citations, especially with such a tight turnaround!”
“Phil, thank you for your incredible work on this [pre-production proof]! You elevated this manuscript to the next level, which it desperately needed. This is exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you again!”
“Phil, you are truly a master of your craft!” … “Thank you for such thoughtful attention to detail.”
“His detailed notes made the manuscript so much better.” … “Job well-done!”
“His writing is clean and clear, and he is an effective storyteller and talented interviewer. Phil is reliable, polite, and easy to work with.”
“Phil’s articles are truly captivating, capturing the essence of each subject whose story he tells within our pages.”
Across the manuscript and beyond
More selected work
Collaborative Writing & Companion Content
- I Still BelieveJeremy Camp · Coauthor
- Senseless: To Walk By Faith, Not By SightHarris III · Coauthor
- Grown-Up FaithKevin Myers with Charlie Wetzel · Study guide and devotional book author
- Stronger Than the StruggleHavilah Cunnington · Workbook author
Developmental & Substantive Editing
- Generosity WinsMonte Wood & Nicole F. Roberts
- Ride Free: A MemoirWillie G. Davidson
- The Kindness of GodNate Pickowicz
Copy Editing
- ReGenerate: Empowering Generations to Work with (and Not Against) Each Other, Revised and ExpandedJessica Stollings and Dr. Karah Sprouse, Dexterity Books · Copy editor
- Take the Deal: Why Following Jesus Makes Life Better Here and NowBrant Hansen
- The Prescription: The Invisible Forces That Shape Every TeamSkip Prichard
- Life Is Hard, God Is Good, Let’s DanceBrant Hansen
Proofreading
- Calm Moments for Anxious DaysMax Lucado
- The Self-Aware LeaderJohn C. Maxwell
- Love Does Action GuideBob Goff
Cover, Flap, & Marketing Copy
- The Unbreakable BoyScott LeRette with Susy Flory
- The Art of WorkJeff Goins
- Friend of SinnersRich Wilkerson Jr.
Let’s connect