About Marty
I have more than 15 years experience editing college admissions essays for undergraduate and graduate level applications.
After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with degrees in journalism and English, I primarily worked as a newspaper reporter for more than 20 years. During those years, I also earned a master's in English from UNC Wilmington and taught composition, literature, and journalism there for five years. I've helped write and edit books. written for magazines and online publications, and written and published newsletters for churches and non-profit organizations.
In recent years, my professional focus has shifted to working with young writers, both in college essay tutoring and teaching journalism and academic inquiry and writing at UNC Charlotte. In the fall, I work part-time in the college counseling center at a private school as a college essay specialist while working with my own students outside of the school.
I also have extensive experience working with ESL students, including serving as an English conversation partner, editing college admissions essays for Asia-based students, and tutoring Chinese students online in writing.
Why experience matters
I am a professional writer. I understand the writing process because I write myself, and I have learned through decades of writing for newspapers, magazines, and online publications how to write effectively under a deadline.
I am a professional editor. I have edited admissions essays, book manuscripts, and newsletters for more than 15 years. I know how to provide helpful feedback and work with students to create effective writing.
I am a writing teacher. I have worked with hundreds of high school and college writing students over the years, and I know how to guide students to their best writing. I learned how to write from excellent editors, and I strive to provide the same helpful feedback and coaching to my students.