Fiction, Nonfiction, And Academic Writing Lessons And Tutoring
About
Helping others write brings together two of my greatest passions: helping others and...writing...
Hm, that came out less artfully than I'd have liked.
Listen, if you're passionate about writing and aspire to be on the bookshelves, or if you're trying to get your dissertation done—if you're brand-spanking-new to this or if you're a published novelist, I can lend a hand.
I've written feverishly since 2004 and have done everything from poetry to fiction to nonfiction to academic writing. I've worked as a Managing Editor and an Editor-in-Chief even though my academic disciplines are theology and history. My favorite books and essays are meditations on the writing craft by the greats—King, Gardner, Stein, Hemingway, McKee—and I've learned to repackage their insight for others, which has worked out well for me since I'm frequently invited to speak at writers' conferences and workshops.
If you need a tutor, an editor, a critic, someone to read your cover/query letter or resume, or just an informed opinion, I'm your guy. Young to writing or old and crotchety, hit me up, and I'll help you get where you want to go.
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ABOUT DANIEL
Daniel Rodrigues-Martin is a versatile creative with expetises in writing, editing, and digital photography. He wrote several novels while earning two master's degrees, which concurrently taught him academic writing.
When not writing, editing, or pondering writing, Daniel can be found lifting at the gym, practicing a new recipe for his wife, or training for the next Super Smash local.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I need to understand a person's needs before I can help them. What's the target we're aiming at? What's the scope of the project? Once we know where we're going, we can strategize on how best to get there.
I've worked with brand new writers as well as published novelists. I'll be your mentor, your editor, your coach—it all depends on what you need and where you're headed.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Former Managing Editor (2 years full-time).
Former Editor-in-Chief (5 years part-time).
Former University Writing Tutor (4 years part-time).
Freelance editor (2 books).
Author of 5 novels, many essays, and many shorts.
Frequent presenter at writers' conferences and workshops.
Incurable student of writing, story, and culture.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My prices depend on the sort of work we're doing. A lesson is not the same as editing which is not the same as a critique.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching by being asked to speak in my areas of expertise: theology and history. I realized that I had a knack for not just speaking eloquently, but really helping people understand the topic at hand.
As my teaching skills improved, I was able to apply them to one of my passions: writing. This led to me speaking publicly about writing. As I became known as a writer and teacher of writers, I was approached by people who needed help. I was happy to oblige.
What types of students have you worked with?
There are several types of writers, and I've worked with all of them in either formal or informal settings.
"The Young Artist." This is the person who couldn't put down books as a kid and has decided to do their first novel. Frequently they lack confidence, but they're full of passion.
"The [Subject] Expert." This is the person who isn't really a writer per say, but they're an expert in (or very passionate about) a particular field and they've been told time and again that they should "really write a book [about subject]!" So they do. But then they have no idea what to do with it...not to mention that the project's a mess. It needs to be edited. Should they publish or self-publish? What does that even mean? I help these people by being their advocate. I provide full edits of their work and advise them on the best publishing options based on their goals.
"The Academic." This bookish chap (or chapette?) is writing an academic monograph, master's thesis, or doctoral dissertation...and that means they have to adhere to a style guide. I help these people by fact-checking, engaging with their ideas (academics *love* that), suggesting ways in which they might beef up their arguments, and making sure everything is formatted just-so.
"The Veteran." This person has been writing for years. They've got several novels under their belt, have been published in magazines and journals, and may even have once had a literary agent. Hell and high water have come, and they haven't quit. Most often, these people have been through the ringer enough to know that the best writers don't shirk editors, but embrace them. I help these people by editing for them, critiquing their work, and anything else they deem necessary. They're the experts; I'm the second pair of eyes.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Know what your goals are.
Be honest about your weak areas as well as your strong areas. You want to make sure that you are getting someone who can provide you what you truly need.