Hey! I'm a literary-minded writer and editor with an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Wyoming, experience teaching writing at the undergraduate level, and a professional publication track record in journalism and fiction. I also attended the Tin House Summer Workshop and Bread Loaf Writers' Conference. But here's the real reason you should hire me: I'm curious, energetic, and weird—an amalgam of deadline-driven journalist and artist—and I care about the delicate creative process and you. Writing can be a lonely journey, but it doesn't have to be! I love working with emerging writers and journalists who have a draft and are ready to open up new possibilities—especially if it’s a draft that scares you. I prioritize revision and craft over publication, but still keep your submission goals in mind!
Email me for rates: danaliebelson(@)gmail.com
Are you a writer from an underrepresented background applying for residencies, workshops or M.F.A. programs? Please reach out to me about a discounted rate!
THE MONTANA
For: Writers with bigger dreams What: A completed book excerpt, essay, or short story between 1-50 double-spaced pages
This package is a developmental edit where you will receive a 1-2 page editorial letter covering broad artistic questions: impressions, emotion, characterization, scenes, dialogue, time, setting, the uncanny, subtext, back story, structures, reading recommendations, obsessions, and the unknown. My letter respects your intent, voice, and context and is not intended to "solve" a project but to provide questions and guide you into a deeper level of revision. This package includes an optional 30-minute Zoom call with me to discuss the letter and questions.
Note: I like to work with a completed draft so that I don’t interfere with your early creative process—otherwise, we’ll schedule a call in advance to discuss your intent and goals.
THE WASHINGTON, D.C.
For: Writers with Virgo tendencies
What: A completed book excerpt, essay, or short story between 1-50 double-spaced pages
This package is a line-level edit where you receive inline comments in Google Docs. These comments are intended to raise specific craft questions on the sentence level, provide suggestions for improvement, and offer light editing. This edit is more intensive and prescriptive than THE MONTANA for work that is closer to completion. This package includes an optional 30-minute Zoom call with me to discuss the edits and questions.
Note: To ensure that we're addressing big-picture issues before digging into the sentence level, you may only purchase this package after THE MONTANA unless you get an exemption from your instructor (it’s me.)
THE TEXAS
For: Writers looking for a cheerleader and coach
What: A writing goal! A first draft, a finished revision, a workshop application, a reported journalism pitch…
We'll kick off with a Zoom call where you talk to me about your goal and we schedule a deadline and a series of check-ins with me, either over Zoom or email, where you can talk through how the process is going and ask writing questions—just like you would with an editor. I believe this process works best when it's driven by the writer, but I'll be your cheerleader and coach. This package does not include a developmental or line-level edit, though you are welcome to add one!