Basilic cistern in Istanbul, Turkey

Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey (2025)

Services

  • A comprehensive, big-picture evaluation of your complete draft/manuscript.

    I analyze your project's overall structure, pacing, clarity, thematic consistency, and narrative arc, providing you with in-depth comments, suggested revisions and an actionable roadmap for your next draft.

  • I will be a dedicated sounding board, thought partner and accountability buddy to guide your writing journey.

    Through regular check-ins, custom milestone tracking, and ongoing craft feedback, I provide the accountability and strategic direction you need to stay inspired and build momentum.

  • Turn your ideas into a compelling book proposal!

    Whether you are querying a literary agent with a novel or submitting a proposal to a university press, I help you organize and refine your materials. I focus on sharpening your structural hooks, polishing chapter outlines, and ensuring your project meets standard publishing expectations.

  • I apply an editorial and cinematic eye to your draft speeches, lectures, or presentations—sharpening your narrative hooks, pacing, and ensuring your message is tailored for a live audience.

  • When you aren't ready for a full review but need feedback on a specific aspect of your manuscript.

    Whether you are stuck on a tricky opening chapter, refining the conclusion, or shortening a chapter to meet a word limit, we’ll focus on your customized request.

  • Dynamic, craft-focused sessions tailored for writing groups, universities, or creative organizations.

    These collaborative workshops dive into the architecture of storytelling, how to strengthen your voice, and include practical exercises designed to spark immediate inspiration.

  • Every project has unique demands.

    If your needs don't fit perfectly into one of these options, we can create a tailored editorial or coaching package designed with your specific goals and timeline in mind.

  • “Writing is a vulnerable experience. Silvestre takes thoughtful care of you as you move along while challenging you to grow in your writing, thinking, and self-discovery. Having Silvestre as a sounding board was so helpful in combating the doubt and fear that sometimes comes with being a writer.”

    Karina Santellano, Assistant Professor of Sociology (Arizona State University)

  • "Silvestre has really helped me identify when I am leaning too much on a metaphor or jargon in place of articulating my own voice. He's helped me "see through" the jargon to identify how it is masking what I really want to say."

    Alana De Hinojosa, Assistant Professor of History (Texas State University)

  • "[Silvestre] was always available, even for a quick conversation about an urgent question or concern, and that accessibility kept my work moving forward."

    Liliana Rodriguez, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies (University of California, Berkeley)