My name is Zachary Gartenberg, but students and friends call me Zach. I grew up in Seattle. It remains my favorite place in the world. During a gap year before college, I worked at The Loft, the writing center at North Seattle Community College, where I developed an interest in editing, tutoring, and writing pedagogy. Philosophy is my major intellectual passion. But just try to stop me from rattling on about art, art history, or the American Civil War. I'm obsessed with cats—especially mine, Bun Bun and Molly. I love coffee, lapsang souchong tea, and crisp, cool weather with clear skies.

Background & experience

I have more than twenty years of experience helping writers develop their ideas and express them clearly. I began as a writing center tutor and have since worked as a private tutor, university teacher, and professional editor. I hold a BA and PhD in Philosophy from Johns Hopkins University, where I later taught in the University Writing Program, and I have been a faculty member at St. John’s College in Annapolis since 2023.

I have worked with writers at many stages of their education and careers, from high school students completing capstone projects and college students writing senior theses to applicants to undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical programs. I have also spent many years working with international and multilingual writers who want to write English with greater confidence, clarity, and precision.

As a published scholar in philosophy and the humanities, I have substantial experience with academic writing and editing as well, including journal articles, books, and longer projects by students, scholars, and professionals.