Announcing The Writer's Evolution!

30 Days to Clear, Consistent, Confident Writing

A Transformational, Affordable 30-Day Writing Challenge to Improve Your Skill

I’m excited to be announcing the start of a group that combines my passion for growth, evolution, and transformation with my six years of experience wearing different hats in the publishing industry. I’d be jazzed if you shared this with a friend looking to improve their writing. Let me tell you what I’m talking about:

The Writer’s Evolution is a 30-day challenge to a path to cleaner, clearer writing through daily feedback from a professional editor.

The Mentor

I’m Dave Dashiell (as those subscribers among you know already)! To be specific about my credentials, I’ve worked on about 400 titles in 6 years as a full-time freelance editor and proofreader, on everything from nonfiction to fantasy to pamphlets and comic books and historical anthologies. I still work regularly for five traditional publishing houses while developmental and line editing for individual clients. Here’s my website.

I’ve been able to pinpoint exactly what works and what doesn’t in writing, as it’s been my job to hone the author’s writing to best communicate his or her unique insight. I have a passion for guiding inspiration into written form and for removing all obstacles between a creator and a book.

Having spoken to many in the publishing industry and worn many hats within it, I see that there are many writers who tell themselves they can’t have the book they want. This new experience will help writers evolve through consistently creating high quality writing and gaining confidence as a creative.

Here’s what the group includes:

Daily Editorial Feedback

Each day, you submit up to 500 words practicing any skill you like: character development, scenes from your upcoming book, world-building, a vignette from your memoir, a poem, or anything else. I’ll provide daily feedback on your submission, telling you exactly what worked well and what didn’t and why, and giving you a personalized writing prompt/next step for the following day.

Community

This experience is hosted on WhatsApp, and all feedback and submissions are handled through the group message. You’ll have the opportunity to grow from the feedback with each daily submission, and you’ll also receive the benefit of hearing my advice and observations on the other writers’ work. I’ll also be leaving daily audio messages for the entire group getting into publishing advice, guidance, and reflections.

A Challenge and an Evolution

This is a personal, in-depth process, rather than an automated set of content dumps. Nothing is prerecorded — everything is in organic, dynamic response to your process. The combination of the accountability needed to show up and write each day with real, tangible action items lets your individuality and voice shine through. A 30-day writing challenge is so beneficial to evolution as a creative, and combined with detailed feedback on each submission you get the opportunity to write, get feedback, improve, and repeat. In the end, you’ll have confidence in your ability to consistently create excellent writing.

Questions

How long is The Writer’s Evolution?

30 consecutive days, beginning June 16, 2026.

Where do I sign up?

You can sign up for the group here. Choose the “First 5 Discount” and pay only $100 if it’s still available. If there isn’t space left or you want more information because you’re on the fence, sign up for the waitlist here.

How large is the group?

The group will be capped at 15 people to ensure that everyone gets my full attention and a 1:1 yet communal experience. Overflow will go into the second group, which would begin in July.

What is the investment?

This first group will be $200, due at enrollment, with a special offer of $100 for the first 5 people to sign up. For future groups, the price will be $300.

What specifically happens each day?

Before the 30 days begin, I will add you to a private group message with the other participants. For each of the 30 days you will be uploading a document with your essay, poems, songs, scene, or other writing of about 500 words directly into WhatsApp before 10am HST (4pm EST). Dave will read all submissions and provide feedback in the form of developmental edits, line edits, text prompts, or audio message feedback by 10pm HST (4am EST). Clarifying questions regarding your submission or questions about writing, the publishing process, etc. are also welcome throughout the day: There is no strict limit on follow-ups.

In addition, I will send daily audio messages with guidance for the whole group, including topics like setting intentions, tips for overcoming writer’s block, encouragement, and publishing advice.

Can I join if I have something larger I’m working on?

Yes! If you have a manuscript you are currently working on or other work that greatly exceeds 500 words, I’ll work with you to establish a schedule that allows for regular intervals of feedback while allowing you to submit essays of greater than 500 words. You’ll still be in the same WhatsApp group, with the same group interaction as the others.

I have other questions. What should I do?

I’m very open to meeting each person where they are, and I’m able to pivot within reason. Email me at davejdashiell@gmail.com and make an ask!

I’m so excited to be starting this. It’s simple, accessible, and something that will be a lot of fun for both myself and the writers involved.