I love stories.
These days, I help authors tell theirs—and turn the messages they care about into books that sound like them.
My own story took a few turns before I got here. I grew up with a Jewish mother and gambling addict father. In college, I set out to prove the Bible wasn’t true and became a Christian instead. I went to law school, then transferred to seminary. I became a pastor and planted a church in Virginia Beach that grew from four people to more than a thousand. Later, I moved to Las Vegas to start a church for people who live and work around the Strip.
Along the way, I wrote books of my own. Then I discovered a kind of writing I hadn’t considered.
It all started with a phone call.
One night, a friend who happens to be a bestselling author called me.
“I love your books,” he said. “Would you write the last three chapters of my next book?”
“Would I what?”
“Write the last three chapters of my book.”
“Ummm… sure?”
That book led to another with him, then one with a different author, and then more. For years, I wrote for other authors in the margins of being a pastor—about fifteen books in all. I loved the work, but I kept having to turn down requests.
About three years ago, collaborative writing became my full-time work.
Authors who trust me with their message.
I’ve collaborated on six books with Craig Groeschel, including the New York Times bestseller Heal Your Hurting Mind and Winning the War in Your Mind, which has sold more than 600,000 copies. My work also includes books with Kyle Idleman, JP Pokluda, Stephen Chandler, Heather Rice-Minus of Prison Fellowship, and many others.
I’ve developed Bible study guides based on the work of Tim and Michael Keller, Louie Giglio, and J.D. Greear. My projects include books and resources for Zondervan, Baker Books, WaterBrook, Hachette, and HarperChristian Resources.
Some of the most meaningful work has come from authors asking me to help with their next book. Craig came back for a sixth book, Kyle for a seventh project, and another author for a ninth.
I know what it feels like to carry a message you want people to hear.
Years as a Pastor
Taught me to listen for what people are really asking, handle Scripture carefully, and make biblical truth understandable.
Law School
Taught me to examine ideas and build an argument that holds together.
Writing My Own Books
Taught me how much work it takes to turn a message into something a reader wants to keep reading.
That experience shapes how I approach your book. I ask questions, help you find its strongest structure, and look for the stories and language that will make your message clear and compelling.
Through it all, I pay attention to your voice. The goal is for you to read the manuscript and recognize yourself in it—your convictions, your personality, your way of seeing the world, expressed at your best.
You have the final say. I bring ideas and honest feedback, and I welcome yours. It’s your book.
I have an amazing wife named Jennifer, two incredible kids, and one dumb dog. I grew up in a small town but now live in Sin City.
I hate math but love the Counting Crows. I also love Cameron Crowe movies, but that’s the extent of my affection for anything crow-related. I love the band Snow Patrol but avoid snow at almost any cost.
I still root hard for the University of Illinois, where I went to law school. Some loyalties survive a career change.
Let’s talk about your book.
Whether you have an idea, a collection of sermons, or a manuscript that needs strengthening, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.