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Award-Winning Author and College Admissions Expert
Ryler D.

5.0 (3 ratings)

6 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $80
Contact Ryler
Response time: 12 hours

About Ryler

Bio

Hello! I'm Ryler, a PhD grad, English instructor, award-winning poet, and author of college application essay guides. I've helped over a hundred students write their way into Ivy League colleges and tackle complex writing assignments--from the perspective of someone who has spent over a decade teaching and supporting students.

My philosophy is simple: writing is best when it arises from your unique insights and experience, not when it strives to sound like "what readers want." Using...

Hello! I'm Ryler, a PhD grad, English instructor, award-winning poet, and author of college application essay guides. I've helped over a hundred students write their way into Ivy League colleges and tackle complex writing assignments--from the perspective of someone who has spent over a decade teaching and supporting students.

My philosophy is simple: writing is best when it arises from your unique insights and experience, not when it strives to sound like "what readers want." Using expansive brainstorming and drafting techniques, we'll unlock your own personal voice--instead of stressing about perfection too early. Drawing on my extensive experience, we'll then revise your work to wow instructors and admissions boards. This method has allowed me to help every student I've consulted with gain admission into competitive colleges.

Drawing on training from the Anti-Boring Learning Lab, I'm also passionate about supporting students of all types, from neurodivergent learners to multilingual speakers to those struggling with recurring writer's block.

Here's a bit more about me: I hold two terminal writing degrees, an MFA and a PhD, and my second poetry collection won a major national award, the Agnes Lynch Starrett Prize. I've authored dozens of example essays and guides for a leading college admissions resource. I'm also a professional editor for educators earning their doctorates--a grammar and citations teacher to the teachers! I love to work with aspiring authors to develop manuscripts, hone craft, and query agents. I believe in fostering supportive and compassionate writing relationships; writing is a garden, after all, not a factory.

Let's bring to bloom whatever you're growing and ensure you reach your writerly goals!

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Education

Western Washington University
English
University of Houston
Masters
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
PhD

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $80
  • Rate details: I'm happy to meet for 15 minutes at no charge if you'd like to discuss whether I'm a good fit. Cheers! -Ryler
  • Lesson cancellation: 2 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

College Counseling

College Counseling

Since obtaining my MFA and PhD in English and creative writing, I've helped dozens of students write their way into Ivy League colleges. I've also developed extensive online resources to guide students through brainstorming, drafting, and polishing standout common application essays, respond to written follow-up questions, and reply in compelling ways to prompts about academic preparedness, personal background and diversity, program interest, and more. Students I've worked with have not only gained admission into some of the nation's best colleges, but won highly competitive scholarships and research grants based on clear and original writing. Having taught over 40 college English courses, I know what colleges are looking for when they review applications, and I absolutely love helping students achieve their dreams! Let's work together to make sure that every word you write conveys what you can offer and--just as importantly--who you'll be on campus and in the world.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

My second poetry collection was awarded the prestigious 2023 Starrett Prize and named as a finalist for the national Julie Suk Award. I've won awards from the Academy of American Poets, taught, mentored, and edited poetry and fiction for over a decade, and my first novel is under review by literary agents. I hold an MFA and PhD in creative writing and have been featured by many literary journals, the National Library of Congress, and in the Individual World Poetry Slam--where I placed eighth among over 70 of the world's best spoken word artists. For me, storytelling and poetry begin with one thing: your voice and it's unique vision. I'm here to nourish that voice! Whether you're overcoming "page fright," plotting out a memoir or novel, mastering poetry (which will take your prose to the next level!), or querying agents, we can work together to unlock your writerly goals. You can check out my work, recent lecture notes and interviews, and learn more about me at rylerdustin.com.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I've taught over 40 courses in English composition, literature, and creative writing, tutored and consulted with students in writing-dependent subjects ranging from gender & sexuality to engineering, and professionally edited dissertations for advanced education degrees. I've also helped dozens of students write their way into Ivy League medical programs. I'm passionate not only about teaching writing, but about building the confidence and curiosity that helps students engage meaningfully with coursework--and contribute their unique and valuable voice to their classes. If you're hoping to save time by drafting efficiently, decode complex assignments, demystify grammar issues, or learn skills that will help in future courses and professional contexts, then let's work together! We'll find the learning approaches that work best for you, and the methods that help you get the most from courses during your busy schedule.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

Following the success of my two poetry collections, the second of which won a major national award, I've fallen in love with fiction. My first novel is under review by literary agents, and I'm excited to share what I've learned about structure, plot, voice, and the often daunting publication process. I've taught fiction and creative writing at the introductory and upper division levels, consulted with authors ranging from high schoolers to retirees seeking to refine and publish their life's work. Let's work together to break down what makes your fiction project, or unique idea, stand out--and how to bring it into the world!
Literature

Literature

Since obtaining my MFA and PhD in English and creative writing, I've taught foundational and advanced college courses in all genres of literature, and worked as a tutor and writing coach for dozens of college and high school students--many of whom worked with me to gain admission into Ivy League universities. I've won several national awards for my poetry, created guides on effective essay writing for a leading online resource, and believe that literary analysis should be about empowering each student's unique way of engaging with a text. As someone who has graded hundreds of literary analysis assignments, and guided students through brainstorming, drafting, and finalizing their essays, I'm excited to support efficient and fulfilling practices that can help students find success--and excitement--in their literature courses.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

My love for connecting with live audiences led me to a career performing my own spoken word and poetry shows across the U.S. I've headlined at venues ranging from college campuses to the Jack Kerouac House to the legendary Nuyorican Poets Cafe. After winning the right to represent Seattle, I placed eighth among over a hundred of the world's best spoken word artists in the Individual World Poetry Slam: an all-out spoken word throwdown in which performers are judged by the audience. I went on to coach spoken word teams at the high school and college level, helping poets, essayists, and drama students win over roomfuls of strangers. As a college English instructor and lecturer, I'm all too aware of the difference that performance can make in getting your point across. Whether you're hoping to convey your ideas clearly, inspire others to get excited about a pitch, or bring literature to life, I'd love to help you unlock the power of your own unique voice.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

Since obtaining my MFA and PhD in English and creative writing, I've worked as a one-on-one consultant and editor for dozens of theses and dissertations in fields ranging from biology to education. From brainstorming to organization to flawless grammar and citations, I love helping students realize their thesis or dissertation as efficiently as possible. Wherever you're at in the process, we'll utilize time-saving practices (e.g., optimize organization before stressing about grammar, or "remodel the house before you work on the wallpaper"). We'll fine-tune the clarity of your data and claims, get around the pitfalls of the dreaded "transition sentence," and draw on my extensive editing experience to ensure your final product is error free and meets your program's guidelines. I'm excited to learn about your research and to make this final stretch of your academic journey as rewarding and painless as possible! You can read testimonials from my recent work with Doctor of Education candidates at rylerdustin.com/woodringconsulting
English
Grammar
Proofreading
Reading
Vocabulary
Writing
Ryler D.'s Photo

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Response time: 12 hours

Ratings and Reviews

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Reviews

Enthusiastic and Compassionate Writing Tutor

My session with Ryler was inspiring and instructive. While we focused on fiction, he was able to draw from experience across genres, including poetry and non fiction. His writing advice was personalized to meet my creative goals, and I feel excited about writing for the first time in forever. Whether you're just starting out or trying to revise a manuscript for an MFA program, Ryler's expertise and compassionate teaching style are an asset for any writer. I'll definitely be coming back!

Jessica, 1 lesson with Ryler

Engaged, Insightful, and Supportive Tutor

Ryler helps me with my English assignments. During our sessions, he is engaged and provides clear, constructive feedback, explaining why each change makes my writing stronger and more effective. He is also flexible with his time and stays until the assignment is fully completed to the best.

Grace, 1 lesson with Ryler
Hourly Rate: $80
Response time: 12 hours
Contact Ryler