Editorial

I’ve taught writing classes at places like Story Studio and coached privately (in-person, email or Skype). I can help writers, and aspiring writers, with their novels, memoirs, essays, business writing, resumes, and more. I've got an MFA in writing from Northwestern University, and am experienced with AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style. Currently, I'm helping students with a dating memoir, a young-adult novel, a children's story, and a memoir about familial loss. 

Fiction

I've worked with writers Diane Di Prima, Stuart Dybek, and Goldie Goldbloom, who passed on some serious chops. The rigorous writing critiques I did in my M.F.A. program formed the basis for developmental editing skills. As a trained storyteller, I can help authors tease out the relevant threads, themes, and characters in their narrative--making the story stronger and more readable. I'm deeply interested in the creative process à la Lynda Barry and offer a well-rounded approach. I can help coachees get started, get out of a slump, or edit/refine a project that's well underway. In other words, I can help you learn craft. 

Nonfiction

I'm an experienced editor and can help you take anything from manuscripts to cover letters to the next level. My editing services will help ensure that your copy is effective and I'm careful to preserve my client's voice while helping them develop stronger ideas and effectively communicate with readers.

To find out more, go to Contact Me or send an email to gretchen.kalwinski@gmail.com. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine what kind of support and time you need. Thanks for your interest!

Some past editing clients have included Time Out Chicago, Bitch Media, Stop Smiling Magazine, University of Chicago Press, Imagination, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, Venus Zine and Columbia College.