I work with creative writers across styles and forms, especially fiction writers and those developing idea‑driven scholarly nonfiction. My focus is on writers who are exploring the edges of genre, form, or disciplinary norms, and who want their creative inspiration to come alive on the page.
My background spans two worlds: creative writing and academia. I’ve spent more than twenty years writing fiction and studying how stories work, and I’ve spent years inside academic life as an assistant professor in the social sciences. That combination shapes the way I read and think about writing. I understand how ideas develop, how narratives and arguments take shape, and how voice resonates with readers. I also understand how easily writing can become constrained—by genre conventions, academic culture, or the pressure to fit a mold that doesn’t match your vision.
“It is never easy to find a good editor when you’re working on very specific and niche topics. You need someone with the knowledge to actually advise you, accompany you in making choices and using the right terms and formulations, while still being understood by a broader audience. Daniel DeRock was exactly this person. With a background in political economy and academia, he was able to really help us with the language, the terms, the structure of the paper, providing advice when we had difficult choices to make. Having this kind of support is crucial to feel confident enough to submit a paper of excellent quality.”
Dr. Juliette Alenda-Demoutiez
Assistant Professor
Coaching entails personalized, one‑to‑one support that addresses both the craft of writing and the challenges that can stand in the way. Before we begin, we’ll talk through your current struggles and your goals. You might find, as I do, that "coaching" doesn't quite capture the range of possibilities. It might take the form of a personal writing workshop to problem-shoot your work in progress or sharpen particular writing skills. Or maybe you're in need of accountability, motivation, and time management support. Often, the factors impacting our writing have little to do with writing directly: issues such as imposter syndrome, lack of support from supervisors, or the impacts of disability or chronic illness. Coaching can cover any of these topics and more.
Together, we’ll work through both the practical and personal factors that shape your writing life. You can choose from a single session, a one‑ or two‑month series of weekly meetings, or a custom arrangement. If you’d like to explore whether coaching is right for you, you’re welcome to book a free 30‑minute call.
1. Send a message or book a free call. Give me an idea of what your goals are.
2. Review and approve the quote. Fees vary by project and can be adapted to your budget.
3. I’ll get to work and you will receive the edited document(s) within our agreed-upon timeframe. Or we’ll get started with coaching.
