His debut novel, Rhubarb, was published by Fremantle Arts Centre Press in 2004. In 2005 Silvey was named as one of The Sydney Morning Herald's Best Young Novelists. Rhubarb was selected as the inaugural book for the 'One Book' series of events at the 2005 Perth International Arts Festival, and was included in the Australian national ‘Books Alive’ campaign. In 2007 Silvey authored a children's book entitled The World According to Warren, a picture book starring the guide-dog from Rhubarb, illustrated by Sonia Martinez and published by Fremantle Arts Centre Press.

In early 2008, Silvey completed his second novel Jasper Jones with the aid of an Australia Council New Work Grant. Jasper Jones was published in 2009 by Allen & Unwin Australia. It is soon to be published by Knopf Books in the United States, Random House in the United Kingdom, Seix Barral/Grupo Planeta in Spain, Neri Pozza/Giano Editore in Italy, and Calmann-Lévy/Hachette in France. The film rights for the novel have been sold to Australian director Rebecca O’Brien. (citations needed)

Silvey says of his literary influences that "I've always been attracted to Southern Gothic fiction. There's something very warm and generous about those regional American writers like Twain and Lee and Capote, and it seemed to be a literary ilk that would lend itself well to the Australian condition."

Silvey is also the singer/songwriter for the indie/pop/rock band The Nancy Sikes!. Perth Wildcats guard Adam Caporn plays guitar in Silvey's band.