Writing is really hard, even for people who enjoy it. But what makes it easier is having someone keep you on track. Writers don't produce great works by locking themselves in their rooms; they share their ideas and get inspired by others.
So I'm here to offer some guidance if you need it.
As a Writing Assistant at Hope College for three years, I learned how to help my peers with their writing, no matter the subject. As long as it was a writing assignment, I could help.
Now, as a college graduate with an English degree and real-world writing experience, I want to keep collaborating with people to improve their writing (and, hopefully, their peace of mind).
Robert Cormier
Do you have memoirs and stories you want to capture in ink? Have you always meant to pass something on to your loved ones or write down your family's most precious tales? I would love to help. I thrive on collaborating with people to bring out their best storyteller. Together, we can preserve the most important moments of yours and your loved ones' lives.
I have great passion and respect for nonprofit organizations making a difference in the world. Grants can be stressful if they're only one part of your job. I can be the extra pair of hands you need to get that application done!
Or talk to me about creating a Funding Strategy for your organization or program. This can provide a clear path forward with grants that have a high chance of success for your specific organization.
If someone is struggling with their English classes, I can be there to help understand assignments, readings, and themes! Studying English develops reading comprehension, written and verbal communication skills, and empathy.
Creative writing, my specialty, is also something that writers often like help with! Need another pair of eyes or someone to bounce ideas off of? I love talking to other creative writers!
Have writing assignments in other classes? I can help with those too! I may not fully understand the topic, but I can help with the flow, transitions, word choice, grammar, and every other little thing you may need assistance with so you can submit your assignment with confidence.
Do you have a speech or presentation coming up? A college application essay? A cover letter or resume? Working on a short story, or, even more daunting: a novel? Ask me about a project, and let's figure out how I can help!
Please reach me at annabelleotto97@gmail.com if you have a specific question, or want to set up an appointment right away!
I'm a very chill, friendly person who just wants to help you stress less about your writing. I ask a lot of questions and am very engaging. I only deal in constructive criticism! If you would like to hear from my references before we proceed, please send me an email.
Why would you stress us both out by doing something like that? Please, the time window before your assignment is due is at least 3 hours. That way, you can have some time to make the improvements I suggest.
Nope! My specialty is helping people find out how to become the best writer they can be. At every stage of the writing process, I can lend some advice and guidance, but there will be no plagiarism or handouts.
The exception for this is, of course, ghostwriting. And if you have questions about that, I would be happy to talk about it!
My typical rate is $20/hour for tutoring sessions which will likely take at least 30 min-2 hours.
As for other writing services, my fee depends on the project and scope of what you have in mind, i.e. my grant writing and research services are a part of a different tier than biographical work.
Currently, all sessions are remote and preferably through Google Meet (other options may be available).
“As a STEM major, writing was never my focus. When I applied to grad school, I knew I needed a stand-out personal statement, so I contacted Annabelle. We worked through several drafts as Annabelle guided me to make sure I was expressing exactly what I wanted to communicate.
I was so pleased with the results that I continued to go back to Annabelle for assistance with cover letters for my most significant job applications. Needless to say, I was accepted to grad school and my dream job!
Annabelle is professional and approachable. Her consultation sessions were specific to a piece of writing, but because she is so understandable, I have been able to apply the tools and strategy I learned from Annabelle to my everyday writing--giving me a competitive edge in my STEM field. This was one of the best professional development initiatives I have taken!”
-Elise, University of Michigan Grad Student
“As a hiring manager at a media company, I was so excited immediately when Annabelle came on as a writer for our video production system. It was her proactive nature, her positive attitude, her political awareness, her willingness to be social and engaged with everyone, her wit, her smile, her unwavering values, her love of our planet, and her stated desire to receive feedback to constantly improve her products. It did not take long for me to see her as much more than a valuable writer and facilitator of our production team.
Her willingness to step up and do whatever needed to be done in terms of developing documents - whether they be stories, or internal process sheets, or spreadsheets - immediately filled the role that I didn't even know I needed of a dedicated personal assistant. It's not often that you take someone in to your projects and they bring far more than you ever expected. Ever since she went on to pursue her own clients, we've been insatiably attempting to fill the impossibly big shoes she left behind.”
-Cilla Creswell, Producer
"Annabelle Otto worked with me for over three months to produce a presentation for the Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation titled "Women of the Kahn Family: A Quiet Dignity". She interviewed me then helped interweave my deeply personal family story, with her authentic active listening skills throughout the whole process.
This presentation included a tailored multimedia slideshow with vintage photos, video, quotations, researched sources, and an audience participation quiz. Under my direction, Annabelle designed an extensive family tree for attendees to use as a graphic aid during the presentation.
Annabelle helped prepare the speech and encouraged me with suggestions and tips to imbue me with confidence for the final presentation. I really needed that kind of supportive coaching.
Annabelle's calm prevailed as we faced the usual technical hurdles with the logistics. Annabelle never lost her patience with me, an older hard of hearing person who made many demands. She took my ideas, embellished them, and realized them.
In short, she helped me organize my thoughts, my words, and my emotions to create this amazing example of intergenerational collaboration. I plan to continue working with Annabelle as a creative writing coach."
-Carol Rose Kahn, RN, BSN,
Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation Board Member,
Granddaughter of Ernestine and Albert Kahn
"Annabelle came to my rescue when I needed someone to help me massage and complete my planned presentation on a complex historical project. She gave me valuable feedback on my narrative and put together a slideshow with pictures and videos that helped me tell the story. She was also there at the presentation to set up and run the projector so I didn't have to distract myself with those details. Based on the response from the thirty people who attended, it was a great success. If you have a project that is bogging you down, I recommend giving Annabelle a call. She will get you unstuck and can help you communicate your message in a way that will engage, entertain and inform your audience."
-Sybil K.
“Annabelle does an amazing job! She truly takes the time to understand what your nonprofit is, what they do, and how she can be most beneficial to you. She’s an added team member who’s there to support your goals!”
-Julia Tar, Two Wild Hearts Equine Rescue and Sanctuary
“She has this innate ability to make you feel comfortable with revising, as well as a knack for encouraging people to write in the most honest, yet organized tone possible. I continually sought out her help because there was always an equal focus on building confidence in my words, as well as developing a deeper sense of self-confidence along the way”.
-Samuel Vega, Hope College Graduate
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