“Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one.”
This phrase has accidentally shaped my life. Part of it stems from a desire to know everything, to be capable of doing anything. I love learning new things and grappling with problems until the solution presents itself. I never wanted to be the guy who could only do one thing.
Contained in this website are writing samples, editing projects, and even artifacts of my three-year stint as a middle school English teacher. My love of words and story should be evident.
Not shown is my prolonged frustration and continued efforts in becoming proficient with mechanical things (I’m getting better with chainsaws!), my tiny farm (two dogs, five goats, and who knows how many chickens), and most of all, my deep love for my wife and two little sons.
Peruse to your heart’s content. If you’d like to collaborate on a project, reach out at thebookishtutor@gmail.com.
Training
Education
- B.A. in English Education, Brigham Young University–Idaho
Emphasis on writing, editing, and literary analysis - Current enrollment in The University of Chicago Graham School Editing Certificate
Editing Experience
- Former writer-editor for Perspective, the faculty magazine at BYU–Idaho
- Extensive experience with both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts
- Former English teacher (grades 6–8), with deep familiarity in clarity, structure, and communication
Style Guides & Tools
- Proficient in:
- The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
- Microsoft Word (Tracked Changes)
- Google Docs (Suggesting mode)
- The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
Editing Projects
Website Copy Edit: Local Service-Based Business
I edited the business’s homepage and service descriptions for clarity, conciseness, and tone. My focus was on improving readability, aligning with the brand voice, and ensuring the language was both professional and accessible. Paid project.
Excerpt: Chapter 1 of a 20,000-word gardening guide
I provided both developmental and copy editing for this project, focusing on structure, clarity, and tone for a general audience. Paid project.
Creative Writing
I’ve taught Creative Writing for three years now. During that time, I helped dozens of students craft really lovely stories. Because of this, I add to my list of editing experience dozens of micro doses of editing short fiction/non-fiction.
Writing Projects
Creative
This is a snippet from my novel. It comes about halfway into the book. For context, know that they’re in a world that has a bit of magic, a few monsters, and a lot of mayhem.
For other writing, check out the rest of this blog!
Services Offered
All projects include a free initial consultation to determine fit and scope. Turnaround time varies by project length and depth of work. I have the most experience in the copyediting world, but I have an excellent grasp on story and what makes a novel (especially sci-fi/fantasy) really work for a reader.
Developmental Editing
Big-picture feedback on:
- Structure and pacing
- Character development or argument flow
- Theme and reader engagement
Best for: Early drafts or writers seeking detailed guidance.
Rates: Typically $0.03–$0.06 per word
Copyediting
Detailed correction of:
- Grammar and usage
- Spelling and punctuation
- Consistency in details and formatting
Best for: Near-final drafts needing a careful read-through.
Rates: Typically $0.02–$0.035 per word
Proofreading
Final polish before publishing:
- Surface-level errors (typos, punctuation, formatting)
- Last-pass quality check
Best for: Projects that have already been edited.
Rates: Typically $0.015–$0.025 per word
Website or Marketing Edits
Tight, engaging edits for:
- Service descriptions
- About pages
- Blog posts or newsletters
Rates: Flat rate or hourly, depending on scope
Not Sure What You Need?
Get in touch—I’m happy to review a short sample and recommend the best service for your goals.