BIO
My writing journey began at Princeton University, where I completed a 120-page thesis on eighteenth-century piracy to earn a degree in History. Over the past seven years, I have coached dozens of students through the process of writing their college admissions essays, many of whom I have worked with in a pro-bono capacity.
Writing has been in my DNA from the start. I began my career as a copywriter at The Godfrey Group in Chicago, then switching to the client side, I have filled many full-time and freelance writing roles since. Living in California in the 90's, I wrote articles as a freelance stringer for I.D. Magazine. At the same time, working as a technical writer for K-Line America, I built one of the earliest intranet-based documentation systems. This innovation led to my founding Advent Inc, which specialized in online documentation and website development.
Over the next twenty years, Advent morphed into an intermodal solutions company and I exited the venture to work on my first novel. I returned periodically as a consultant to coordinate large writing projects. Working with stakeholders, designers and development teams on three continents, I ensured that all product requirements were clearly documented and approved. Since many of the government stakeholders were not technical, I wrote the documentation in language that was both comprehensive and easily accessible to all. In addition, I wrote product press releases and marketing pieces.
More recently, as the founder of GoDeep, a software venture in the professional and college football market, my work on the client side of app development gave me an intimate knowledge of the pain points and success metrics of both marketing copy and technical specifications. I wrote and produced all public-facing content for the venture, whose users included Princeton University Football.
As a freelance writer, I have written on topics as diverse as sustainable home renovation, cinematic special effects and the Internet of Things. In each of my entrepreneurial ventures, I have created all of the public-facing content, including a series of instructional videos for students interested in writing college essays.
During the pandemic lockdown, I completed and published my second novel, and I am currently collaborating on a business consulting book on organizational dynamics. In my free time I enjoy reading, fitness training, debating the finer points of football, and spending time with my wife and two daughters.
Jim, GA
"We found Mike to be very personable and he put us at ease by sharing how to re-frame the writing process. This gave our daughter a new perspective and approach to writing essays. Mike also had teenage daughters, so he understood the challenge from a parent's perspective. He guided her throughout the entire process for each essay. She got into her dream school."
Anna, AL
"Even though they never met in person, Mike was able to help our daughter evaluate her life experiences and form them into essay topics. We feel that he truly helped her find and present her authentic voice in the college essays. The regularly scheduled calls helped keep her on pace, and she emerged each week bubbling with enthusiasm, confidence and ideas for her essays."
Naomi, CT
“My son worked virtually with Mike throughout his application process. Mike is soft-spoken and thorough, and he delivered thoughtful, honest, and productive feedback for all of my son’s essays. His efficiency in reviewing so many essays in such a short period of time was also impressive and much appreciated. Thank you Mike!”
Campbell, GA
"I loved working with Mike throughout the whole process of applying to colleges. Mike worked so well with me and was very easy going, so that I could find my own way in my writing. I loved that he mostly helped me through questions. Mike helped me discover how to craft my writing so that it would be as impactful as possible."
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