I'm here to serve you. As a coach and editor, I balance the close and careful reading of your work and a rigorous analysis of its strengths and weaknesses with constructive criticism and the sensitive, supportive guidance of a fellow writer who knows what it's like to see his handiwork slashed to ribbons by an editor's red pencil.
More about me, my approach to editing and coaching, and the various services I offer here.
What I Bring to the Table: I've published five books with major commercial publishers as well as university presses, taught journalism and criticism at the university level, written thousands of articles for national media outlets, and been an executive editor at print and digital magazines. I bring that wealth of experience and editorial wisdom to every client I work with—along with a deep commitment to realizing your vision of your work.
I've worked with storytellers of every kind—novelists, memoirists, poets, essayists, critics, academics, even visual artists and musicians—to bring their ideas into sharp focus, strengthen their grasp of structure, and guide them to a mastery of compellingly readable prose that communicates ideas or stories with clarity and emotional impact. Drawing on my deep knowledge of craft, honed over a lifetime of writing and teaching, I'll work with you to demolish mental roadblocks and unlock your creativity.
Whether you're a first-time author who's got a great idea but no clue how to get off the launch pad or a seasoned pro ready to take your work to the next level, I'm the reader, editor, and mentor you've been looking for.
Interested? Contact me via this website or directly at markdery@gmail.com to discuss your project and which of my services is the best fit for you.
Here are just a few of the many testimonials I've received, over the years:
"Mark was absolutely essential to the successful development and publication of my book. His constructive criticism and coaching in the writing phase were always insightful and very precise. His guidance during the submission and contract phases of the project enabled me to secure the ideal publisher for my volume. Overall, I can't recommend Mark highly enough for anyone who is seeking outstanding professional help with any phase of the writing process."
— Ben Neill, composer, professor of music, author of Diffusing Music: Trajectories of Sonic Democratization
"Mark's editorial notes were so incisive that we were able to greatly improve our novel. He did an amazing job and, as important, was wonderful to work with."
– Anthony and Christina Adams, authors (as "A.C. Adams") of Chasing Shadows
"I would recommend Mark Dery's manuscript critique and writing coaching to anyone, particularly inexperienced writers of nonfiction who may not have worked with an editor before. I really appreciate how much time and energy he put into my memoir-in-progress. He did a masterful job of cutting material that slowed down the narrative and his editorial comments gave me a surge of intellectual and compositional adrenalin."
— Eric Newhall, Professor Emeritus in English, Occidental College, author of the memoir, Always Resisting: Choosing Prison Over Vietnam and Awakening to American Racism
"I've been an admirer of Mark Dery's sharp, witty prose for almost three decades. When I had the chance to work with him, I was astonished by his formidable knowledge of grammar and style. His constructive criticism and editorial suggestions were honest, generous—and brilliant."
— Naief Yehya, cultural critic, author of Drone Visions: A Brief Cyberpunk History of Killing Machines
"Mark Dery's precise edits and keen insights helped me reconceive and revise my book proposal. His suggestions were detailed yet encouraging. I couldn't have done it without him."
— Gerald McCarthy, author of the memoir, Hitchhiking Home from Danang: A Memoir of Vietnam, PTSD and Reclamation