Don Gervich, EdD
writing coach and editor
or email dongervich@gmail.com
Call (617) 924-1348
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your services?
• I help writers develop and complete: (a) stories and novels (b) memoirs and (c) non-fiction.
• Together we work to build compelling characters, vivid scenes, and zinging dialogue.
• We can start with your manuscript at its beginning, middle, or final draft. I provide
sentence-by-sentence edits, comments on style and clarity, plus questions to help you
revise.
How does your experience prepare you to be an editor?
• From 2005 to 2019 I was a professor of writing at Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts.
There I reviewed personal stories and essays.
• For 30+ years I have taught fiction and memoir writing at the Cambridge Center for Adult
Education in Harvard Square (Massachusetts).
• Since 2005 I have been a writing coach/editor with individuals.
What do you enjoy most about this editing process?
• I meet unique, creative people—and we develop a team that is more effective than one of
us solo.
• Together we share how exciting it is to write, read, and revise.
What are your writing accomplishments?
• I completed a doctoral thesis at Boston University on Henry David Thoreau.
• My books include two novels, two collections of short stories, and three memoirs.
• For 12 years I was a technical writer & instructional designer in medical software. In this
role I completed and published training books with two nationally known companies.
What do you advise a person who is looking to hire an editor/writing coach?
• Take the time to decide who you choose.
• Ask questions—be specific about your project and your expectations.
• Agree on a fee (per page or hour or project) before you both begin.
• Develop trust with your editor; as a team you can accomplish the unexpected.
What are your strengths as an editor?
• I listen to people to discover (a) who they are, (b) what they need, and (c) how I can
inspire them to create their finest writing.
• I am an active writer; I understand the struggles and joys of finding the language for our
experience and imagination.
How has your education prepared you to be a writing coach/editor?
• My doctoral dissertation (Boston University) is on Henry David Thoreau. This knowledge
of American studies informs how I see contemporary writers.
• My BA is in psychology and literature: these fields interweave in every writing endeavor.
• I also earned a graduate certificate in software technical writing. This gives me skills in
documentation: research & editing, layout & book design.
