Jump to: My Journey | My Services and Philosophy
A Brief Bio You Can Steal + My Accolades | Site Copyright
Dana Sitar, Authorpreneur
Thanks for reading! My name is Dana Sitar, and I’m a writer on a journey. Officially, I claim the titles of freelance blogger, author, and entrepreneur. My mission is to guide you in the pursuit of happiness through writing. I help budding writers connect, learn, and discover the awesome work of peers through the books, blog, and community at DIY Writing.
As an “authorpreneur” I offer resources, tips, and tools to guide you along your own unique writing and career path. I work alongside emerging bloggers, freelancers, and authors as a personal coach, editor, publicist, designer, and consultant to help turn writing dreams into reality. In keeping with the DIY Writing philosophy, I don’t offer a cookie-cutter blueprint to achieve success on a path identical to mine, but rather I ask the right questions and help you decide where the answers will take you on your own journey.
My Journey
I live my life always in search of the next story, which means a lot of winding paths, forks in the road, last-minute decisions, and a lot of moving around. As of this revision, I’m based in Seattle, but I love to travel.
In 2012, I spent 8 months perpetually on the road with my boyfriend Stefan, because he’s a stand-up comedian, and I’m a little crazy. Stefan and I left behind our day jobs and homes in Wisconsin in June 2011 to drive west and pursue our artistic careers. We figured out how to survive on meager incomes and optimism, and now when people ask me what I do, I get to say unwaveringly, “I’m a writer.”
My career as a writer began in 2010 (I was 24) when I was the Senior Writer to the Nick Hart for Mayor campaign in Madison, Wisconsin. I became a full-time freelance blogger and journalist in 2011 when we moved to San Francisco, where I picked up gigs writing for SevenPonds and SF Weekly, among others.
Once I started to Follow My Dreams, I noticed a recurring trend in the conversations I had with people back home: the phrase “I wish I could do what you’re doing.” Somehow people thought I was special or lucky to be able to do what I love – I’m not! Anyone can do it, but maybe they just need a little nudge? I decided to offer that nudge.
I launched DIY Writing in 2012 to show readers all the possibilities of being a writer and give a kick in the butt to those who don’t know what to do next. In 2013 I published DIY Writing’s pilot project A Writer’s Bucket List, which quickly positioned itself as the centerpiece of my brand. Featured on top writing sites, including Writer’s Digest and Funds for Writers, Bucket List received an overwhelming response from DIY Writers and garnered praise from industry leaders like Joel Friedlander (The Book Designer), K.M. Weiland (Wordplay), and C Hope Clark (Funds for Writers, The Carolina Slade Mystery series).
My Services and Philosophy
What I do
I help artists, dreamers, and go-getters turn dreams into reality by becoming a guide when you need one throughout the creative process. Together we’ll clarify your goals, create an actionable long-term plan, decide where to start, and take the first steps. I offer writing, editing, publishing, design, and marketing services to support you along the way, or I can just be your coach and stand by to answer your questions. As long as you’re committed to writing success, I’m committed to helping you achieve it.
Why I do it
Everyone deserves the right to pursue happiness! For many that involves writing, but not necessarily along the pre-defined paths the business and publishing worlds have created. Success in writing for you may or may not involve a book, money, clients, etc. I know that even if
- you’re not aiming for commercial success,
- you’re just getting started and don’t have a lot to invest, or
- you’re driven by passion but unsure where to begin,
you still care about becoming the best writer you can be, whatever that means to you. And sometimes, that means you need a little nudge and some support. I want to offer that, and I want you to be able to afford it.
For writing and publishing industry blogs and publications:
- Articles on writing and publishing, lifestyle careers, social marketing, blogging
- Copyediting and proofreading
- Social media marketing
For small businesses and non-profits:
- Strategic consulting for your blog, brand, or specific marketing campaign
For writers, authors, and self-publishers:
- One-on-one coaching from the first word of your manuscript through the first sale of your book and beyond (or beginning and ending at any point in the process you need)
- Strategic consulting for your blog, brand, or specific publishing or marketing plan
- Review, developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, or proofreading of book- or article-length manuscripts
What I don’t do:
I don’t provide general marketing or copywriting services for for-profit companies not related to writing, publishing, lifestyle careers, social marketing, or blogging. If you’re a non-profit, even in a non-writing related industry, talk to me; we’ll see if it’s a good fit.
I don’t provide any level manuscript editing to first-time authors with no clear goals. If you’d like to work with me, we’ll first clarify your goals and outline a publishing plan, then move forward with editing or review.
I don’t post service packages or rates on my website, because every client’s needs are unique. I’m happy to bundle the services you need and work toward a rate within your budget, so don’t hesitate to ask!
A Bio You Can Steal
Feel free to copy and paste this bio for use at your website or publication (and, hey, thanks for the shout-out!)
Dana Sitar is a freelance blogger, author, and entrepreneur with a mission to guide you in the pursuit of happiness through writing. She helps budding writers connect, learn, and discover the awesome work of peers through DIY Writing (http://writersbucketlist.com). Follow her on Twitter @danasitar.
Accolades (extended bio)
Dana is the author of A Writer’s Bucket List and a contributor to 2014 Writer’s Market, Guide to Indie Publishing, and the Amazon Bestselling guide eBooks Suck! (but they don’t have to). Her writing has been published by Writer’s Digest, Brazen Careerist, Make a Living Writing, SF Weekly, Seattle Weekly, and dozens more writing and career industry blogs and publications.
Illustrations (cartoon Dana) by Ashley Perryman Quach.
Except where otherwise noted, all text and images at danasitar.com are produced and owned by Dana Sitar.
© Dana Sitar 2013. All Rights Reserved.
