“Good writing has an aliveness that keeps the reader reading from one paragraph to the next.”
—William Knowlton Zinsser
Services
Writing
I am a published author with four books to my credit. I have written for magazines and newspapers, academic journals, and corporate and non-profit organizations, and have also served as a ghost writer. Don’t let your message get lost due to unclear writing. Leverage my skills to ensure your project’s success. Learn more
Editing
With over 25 years of editing experience, I have the expertise to take your writing from good to great. Don’t let grammatical errors or stylistic shortcomings leave you looking less than your best. Find out how my editing services can help you present your work in the best possible light. Learn more
Academics
Whether it’s class writing assignments, journal articles, or a thesis or dissertation, I have the skills to help your academic writing shine. I’ve taught high school and college English, published multiple academic articles, and have a Ph.D., so no matter the project, I’ve been there and can help. Learn more
College Essays
Are you worried about perfecting your college application essays? Don’t be. I can help you craft your perfect application essay from start to finish so that your writing shines and your essay will wow the admissions committee. From idea generation to final proofreading, I’m with you every step of the way. Learn more
Testimonials
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Most writers that I have worked with for decades would take two to three weeks or more to do research, an interview, and then give me a written piece. Andrew always gives me his finished work in under a week. One cannot find someone more erudite or easier to work with. One experience with Andrew, and you will not need to look any further nor need any more convincing!
— Deb Anderson, Anderson Publishing
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Andrew worked with me on all three of my books. He showed great determination, presented original ideas, and always got things done. I would never engage in a literary project without his help!
— Scott Skyrm, Curvature Securities
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“Andrew worked with me on each chapter of my dissertation. Even without knowing the discursive context of my topic, Andrew was able to see which ideas worked and which did not. His suggestions made not only my writing stronger, but my argument clearer and more convincing. His edits were crucial to the success of my dissertation. His work allowed my conversations with my advisor to focus on content rather than writing style, and won me this rare compliment at my dissertation defense: ‘Your dissertation was really a joy to read.’ I could not have gotten there without his help.”
— Dr. Tracy Stonestreet, Ph.d. Virginia Commonwealth University
On the Blog:
Is There Anybody Out There?
Walter Ong once said that the writer’s audience is always a fiction. And while “always” is a strong word, I tend to agree with him. To whom are we aiming our message? Case in point, as I sit and write this, who is it that I think is going to read it? Well, you, of…
College Essay Season is Upon Us
You’ve spent late nights studying for tests. You’ve done the extracurricular activities. You’ve aced the standardized tests. The only thing standing between you and that college acceptance letter to your first-choice school is an essay. And if you’re not careful, that essay can be the difference between a virtual rain of confetti welcoming you to your dream…
Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs
The field of semiotics is one typically reserved for academics, though its applications are supremely important in every genre of writing. Briefly, semiotics is the study of the relationship between signs, signifiers, and signifieds. All of that is a fancy way of saying it’s the way that words convey meaning. For example, think of the…
Andrew B. Spencer // Writer + Editor 