Ellen Rethwisch
Creative writer & copy editor
My name is Ellen Rethwisch, and I’m a recent graduate from Columbia University, where I earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing. I currently work at the New York Athletic Club as Assistant Editor and Special Projects Coordinator.
Photographed by Jessica Focht
Originally from Minneapolis, I moved to New York in 2017 upon graduating with honors from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. After attending the NYU Summer Publishing Institute, I landed a job at Penguin Random House, where I learned a great deal about sales and marketing. Upon leaving my job at PRH, I spent two years at Columbia University, taking courses with renowned instructors and working on my thesis, which eventually earned me a Master of Fine Arts degree. Since January 2022, I have been working at the New York Athletic Club as Assistant Editor and Special Projects Coordinator.
Fiction
In addition to writing my own works of fiction, I was a reader for the Columbia Journal (2020-21), where I reviewed submissions for publication. Writing and reviewing fiction requires a set of skills that are similarly important in fields such as marketing and copywriting, including intentional word choice, voice and tone consistency, and the ability to foster and maintain emotional stakes.
Copywriting
Partnering with Laundr, a start-up company based out of Fort Lauderdale, and now working within the Communications Department at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), I have had the opportunity to refine my copywriting and design skills. Laundr and the NYAC have distinctly different tones and branding preferences, which is why it was imperative that I quickly observe each of their styles and adapt accordingly.
copy editing
In addition to writing my own material, I have experience copy editing both creative and academic works. With a Master of Fine Arts degree and a Bachelor’s degree in writing, I offer a range of copy editing services, including proofreading, line editing, cross-referencing, and style editing. Please send inquiries to ellenrethwisch@gmail.com.
