About

WHO I AM AND HOW I WORK

I’m an editor and consultant who collaborates with writers, applicants, and professionals on meaningful, often life-changing goals—bringing books and screenplays into the world, gaining acceptance into medical residency and fellowship, or achieving significant academic and professional milestones.

My work focuses on clarity, structure, and intentional communication. Whether I’m collaborating with an author on a book, preparing an applicant for a high-stakes interview, or helping an academic clarify complex ideas, the work itself is the same: understanding what matters most, making thoughtful choices, and helping you express your ideas effectively.

BACKGROUND AND EDITORIAL FOUNDATIONS

I began my career in 2001 as an English-language editor at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, where I worked on a wide range of documents, including CVs, policy papers, institutional reports, and speeches. One formative experience was editing draft resolutions live as they were projected on auditorium screens, while delegates from UNESCO’s member states debated and requested revisions to them in real time. That environment demanded accuracy, judgment, and the ability to work calmly and carefully under pressure.

Alongside this role, I continued developing as a writer, publishing short fiction in literary journals. In 2008, I returned to the U.S. and founded DLA to bring together rigorous editorial training, hands-on collaboration, and a focus on helping people make clear, effective choices in consequential writing and communication.

WHY CLEAR, SPECIFIC FEEDBACK MATTERS

One of the most important lessons I learned about writing came early, when I struggled in a high school English class and consistently received poor grades on my essays. Wanting to improve, I went to my teacher after class to ask what I should do differently. Her response was simply, “Just try harder.” When I asked for more specific guidance, she repeated the same advice.

That pattern continued for the rest of the year. I put in more effort, earned another low grade, asked again for guidance, and left without a clearer understanding of what wasn’t working. I finished the course with a C-.

That experience continues to shape how I work. Whether I’m editing a manuscript, reviewing an application, or coaching an applicant through a critical interview, I focus on offering feedback that is clear, specific, and usable—feedback that helps people understand not just what to change, but why.

THE WORK I DO TODAY

Today, my work centers on three main areas:

• Writers, including authors working on books and screenplays, who are looking for a collaborative editorial process that respects their voice while helping them strengthen their writing and its narrative impact.
• Applicants, particularly those preparing applications and interviews for competitive medical and academic programs, who need strategic guidance and insightful, experience-based feedback.
• Academics and professionals, who come to me for help shaping complex idea"s into clear, effective writing.

While the formats differ, the underlying work is the same: close attention, careful judgment, and an ongoing, collaborative approach.

OUTSIDE OF WORK

Outside of my editorial and consulting work, I enjoy photography, volunteering, and spending time with my wife and daughter.