Mark Ducharme Header services Workshops about FAQ contact testimonials Links

paper background background 2 evil eye graphics

 

WRITING COACH
I offer one-on-one, professional coaching geared toward your writing needs. No matter your level of experience, no matter how small or large your project, no matter whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, I can help you write the work that matters to you, the work that you have always wanted to write.

My approach is centered on your writing goals. We begin with a free 30-minute consultation during which we talk about what you want to get out of coaching. From there, we meet for private, one-on-one consultations as often or infrequently as you like.

Some clients might find that meeting regularly helps them stay on track. Others may find that meeting just once a month fits their needs and budget. Some may prefer a very project-driven approach focused on completing a major report, article or book. Others may want individualized attention in a supportive environment that draws out their natural creativity. Some may want help getting past writer's block, or to talk about how to make time and space for writing in the whirlwind of our busy lives. Whatever your goals, whatever your needs, I will work to help you meet them.

For local clients, we will meet in my home base of Boulder, Colorado. I generally meet clients in one of the many coffee shops here in town. Not local? No problem. We can conduct our sessions by phone. See the Contact page for more information.

 

EDITORIAL SERVICES
I offer a range of services designed to help your writing be its best. Give me your work in any stage and I will make it dazzle. My services include the following:

•Proofreading and "touch-up" editing. Your text is already in good shape, but needs some error correction and possibly a little light editing.
•Detailed Copyediting, sometimes called technical or line editing. Your text doesn't need very much revision, but needs line-by-line editing to correct grammar and punctuation errors, check accuracy of facts, etc.
•Light to moderate revision, sometimes called substantive editing. Your text needs work in one or more of these areas: clarity, logic, tone, style, paragraphing, transitioning, structure and organization.

 

 

Often there is some gray area between these three levels of service. For example, a text needing moderate revision likely also will need detailed copyediting.

 

TUTORING
I will gladly work with college or high school-level students to improve their writing skills, including understanding of grammar, organization, clarity, transitioning and paragraphing, writing persuasively, writing about literature, evaluating sources, incorporating source material and citing it properly, etc. I am also happy to work with adults who want to get a better grasp of writing and grammar. I am a seasoned writing teacher with several years' experience, and have worked with both college and high school students. Sessions can be geared toward specific assignments and class requirements, or to the student's individual goals and needs. Please note that I do not offer help with test preparation or with preparation for the writing of in-class essays. If you aren't local, we can conduct tutoring sessions by phone. See the Contact page for more information.

 

WORKSHOPS, CLASSES & PRESENTATIONS
I have several years of teaching experience and have taught writing and literature to elementary school students, high school students, college students, graduate students, adults and senior citizens. I have worked with learners of all backgrounds and with ESL students. I have also given public readings of my own poetry throughout the United States to large and small audiences. I am available to give workshops or presentations to your group on subjects related to writing, reading and literature. See the Workshops page for more information. Workshops, classes and presentations can also be designed or customized to suit your needs; contact me for more information. If you are located outside the Denver/Boulder/Colorado Front Range metro area, then travel expenses may apply in addition to my workshop fee.