Write with Mike

I help creative people in the humanities with all aspects of their writing

My passion is helping artists conceptualize their writing projects as creative endeavors.

Maybe this is you?

  • You’re overwhelmed with organizing a large-scale writing project

  • You’re frustrated with managing a writing project concurrently with your creative work.

  • You know you need to improve your writing, but are struggling to get domain-specific feedback

  • You don’t know where to begin!

If you're new to academic writing, wouldn't you benefit from more focused feedback? Wouldn't you appreciate guidance on how to structure a document? Or help staying accountable?

I get it. I can help.

I understand the pressures creative people in the humanities face when completing writing projects, even when they might have little to no writing background. Especially in the creative arts, barrier projects, personal statements, grant applications, and other documents often appear as impediments rather than growth opportunities.

I know what it's like to juggle a creative project and the task of writing about it. I'm familiar with writing in a second language and the challenges of writing for an audience outside your field.

I blend the roles of a writing coach, editor, and proofreader, taking into account structure, ideation, development, impact, and advocacy. To each, I bring my infectious enthusiasm for learning, strong editorial ability, and broad knowledge base across the humanities and arts.

About Me

I’ve been working with humanities writers since 2004. I have a doctorate in Music, and a degree in American History, and am a published author in academic and less academic writing styles.

I know what it feels like to be balancing a creative project and the pressure of writing about that creative project. I understand writing in your second language, and the challenges of writing for an audience outside your discipline.

I bring to our work a love of learning and teaching, knowledge of the arts and humanities, and a critical outsider viewpoint on less related fields.

What I Offer

I blend the roles of a writing coach, editor, and proofreader, taking into account structure, ideation, development, impact, and advocacy.

Coaching

  • Idea development

  • Planning

  • Time management

  • Research design

Developmental Editing

  • Tone, structure, trajectory

Copyediting

  • Proofreading (formatting, conventions, citations)

  • Revisions for clarity and concision

  • Practical advice for maximizing strengths

My Specialty

  • Academic writing

    • Dissertations, articles and other writing projects in the humanities

    • Research design

  • Applications

    • Personal statements

    • Project proposals

    • Grants

    • Letters of recommendation

    • 30-minute initial consultation

    • Asynchronous video feedback

    • 1 Zoom session to to offer additional feedback on second edit

    • 4 one-hour sessions via Zoom, scheduled at times of your choosing

    • Email support

    • Ideal for the writer ready to apply techniques and get feedback on to improve:

      • Copyediting and proofreading, proofreading, including citations and formatting

      • Structure and clarity

      • Ideation

      • Time management

    • 4 one-hour sessions via Zoom, scheduled at times of your choosing

    • Email support

    • Content review of up to 1,000 words in association with each call (up to 4,000 words total) added to the four-call price.

    • Content sent at least two business days prior to each call will be discussed during coaching calls

    • Let’s make a plan together!

I offer sliding scale fees for current and recent students.

What My Clients Are Saying

  • Mike is absolutely THE person to help improve your writing. He is super passionate and actually has fun with guiding you through your materials.

    Sean Charles, percussionist

  • Mike's deep knowledge base regarding a wide range of musical idioms make him an ideal sounding board for both practical performance critique as well as discussions regarding the bigger picture. I can not recommend Dr. Compitello highly enough: his mentorship changed the trajectory of my musical career in a profoundly beneficial manner.

    Conner Viets, percussionist

  • I worked with Mike at a time when I desired my writing to portray professionalism and self-assuredness while still maintaining authenticity. He greatly helped me to specify and articulate my intentions, and I’m proudest of having the confidence to address an unfamiliar audience as a sincere writer in my applications.

    Lauren Molloy, theorist and percussionist

  • Mike's knowledge of writing and grammar is as deep as his knowledge of music. He not only edits, but asks questions that address the structure, main ideas, etc. that help guide what you want to say.

    Luke Helker, percussionist

  • You should absolutely seek help from Mike! He has many ways of improving anyone's writing and will help make your work more readable and more focused. He will also make writing feel like less of a task, and more of an adventure.

    Tyler Wales, percussionist

What My Clients Are Doing

  • Finishing dissertations, articles and books

  • Writing successful grant proposals

  • Gaining admission to their dream schools, programs, and fellowships

  • Authoring program notes and articles about their creative projects

Book a Call!