About Us

Maryan Pelland and Dan Pelland combined skill sets to create OnText.com, a comprehensive platform for writers, authors, self-publishers, and their side hustles. From the latest news and resources on artificial intelligence, freelance writing, and blogging to in-depth guides on self-publishing and print-on-demand books, OnText.com empowers you with the right tools to make more money with your writing.

Whether you’re an aspiring author, a freelance writer looking to expand your portfolio, or an author seeking to put your books in front of more people, OnText hands you the tools, resources, and knowledge you need to succeed and grow your side hustle or micro business. Live your dream.

Follow Maryan, Dan, and the OnText.com community down a path toward success, exploring the endless possibilities of the written word, perfecting your skills, and becoming empowered to achieve your dreams. Subscribe right now and get your signup benefits!

Here’s the dynamic duo behind OnText.com, Maryan Pelland, and Dan Pelland. With decades of experience in writing, editing, and publishing, Maryan and Dan have created OnText.com as your one-stop destination. They are serial side hustlers, ready to share all of their tricks with you

Maryan Pelland: passion for the written word

Maryan Pelland portrait

With a background in journalism and a passion for helping others find their voice, Maryan Pelland has dedicated her life to the art of writing. She has well over 1,000 bylined articles and features on a wide range of topics from lifestyle and travel to technology and business. Her work has been published in renowned newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. Maryan has authored or ghostwritten more than a dozen books, which all sell consistently. Want her secrets?

Maryan has also worked as an editor, helping countless authors bring their stories to life. Her keen eye for detail and her commitment to the craft make her a sought-after professional in the publishing world. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Maryan guides and mentors writers and self-publishers through every step of their creative journey.

We provide editing, content writing, and mentoring/coaching services on request. Think of us a your ace-in-the-hole, and reach out when you need a partner. Jump to our contact page. Thanks for being here.

Dan Pelland: The technical mastermind

Behind every great content platform lies a technical genius, and for OnText.com, that’s Dan Pelland. As a skilled programmer and web developer, Dan ensures that OnText.com runs smoothly, providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience. His expertise in web design and development allows him to create a visually stunning and user-friendly platform that caters to the needs of writers and self-publishers. Need tech advice about your website? Ask Dan.

With a background in photography and graphic design, Dan also contributes to the visual elements of OnText.com. His artistic flair, content development skills, and technical know-how make him an invaluable part of the OnText.com team.

The Ontext.com mission is to empower writers, self-publishers, and side hustle micro-businesses with intuitive and user-centered resources for successful and profitable writing as you live your dream. We foster a rich ecosystem of creative minds and ethically harness the power of technology and artificial intelligence to streamline workflows and elevate writing.

Dan Pelland framing a photograph
five-stars

What people say about OnText

five-stars

“The consummate professional”. –Claudia Suzanne, Ghostwriter Certification Training

I was impressed with the factuality of your 10 Tips For Healthy Winter Eating and would like to use it for my nurse’s newsletter.  –Jean Morrison 

Your book is, without question, the most specific, succinct book for writers. –Eunice K. Reimer

Writing for Content Mills reveals the truth. Generously sharing her first-hand experience, Maryan shows the new freelance writer how to make their first $s online. I recommend the book.  –Donetta Harrison (Philoscribe)

Engaging and well-written, Writing for Content Mills is an eye-opening primer.  Sporting a nice Who’s Who of the major players and definitions of slippery contract terms, this ebook positions the would-be content writer at the front of the game. I found the tips for organizing writing goals applicable to print publication as well.  –Robyn Chausse

Thanks for the time and effort you spent.  I couldn’t be happier.  –Libby Hellman

Maryan, thanks so much for the awesome work on my project.  – Jessica D

Fantastic Maryan! We got a huge bump in sales, thanks to you!  —Jerry G.

Your writing exemplifies quality, excellent presentation, and high standards. –Guy W. Lecky-Thompson

Thank you for helping tell our story so wonderfully. –Thistle Farms Program for Women

I would like to express my gratitude for Maryan Pelland’s writing about my therapy dogs, Zeus and Zoie. Maryan Pelland did an excellent job! –Monica Lovett Spring Hill Schools

My son is in Iraq. You managed to edit me and express what only I can feel.  God Bless. —Susan Powers

What a good writer you are. Good job!!  –Rebecca Kibbey

A great shout-out from all of us here in Centre Stage. Thank you.  –Phil Richardson

I’m blown away. Thank you! –Mike Lacy

C’mon, admit it, you’re a Pulitzer candidate in hiding. —Sally McDowell, Chicago Daily Herald

And a few more…

Mayan Pelland is a woman of integrity who represents the best interest of the agency.  —Karen R. Stunkel, Home of the Sparrow 

Nothing is as fascinating as reading my words, captured in a beautifully written article, on a subject dear to my heart. You added to my reputation in my field. —Barbara Schmit, Professional Organizer

Maryan Pelland is a professional.  Her stories arealways well-written and on time. —Melissa

Thanks again for being such a prolific contributor to the Chicago Tribune. George de Lama Deputy Managing Editor/News

Book Reviews: Ivy and Her Not Magical Tablet

Amazon Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for the kiddos!!! I ordered this for my 8yr old bonus daughter 🙂 Although I haven’t given it to her yet, I sat and read it myself with my co-worker. What an awesome message. Very thoughtfully written and fun! I love the little girl’s hair! Super Cute 🙂

Alison 5.0 out of 5 stars Great story for littles! This book has such a great message to help kids understand why they should stop screen time and enjoy other things! Cute story and illustrations- easy and fun read with littles! My 3yo loves it!

Emknavy 5.0 out of 5 stars Such a fun read I just purchased this and read it for story time to my 3- and 5-year-old. When we got done my 5-year-old asked if we could go outside tomorrow!!! Thank you, Maryan we needed this story.

CAROL J 5.0 out of 5 stars A lesson we all should learn! Great message for kids and busy grownups too! There is a big beautiful world to explore, and it’s REAL, not virtual. Helpful

Prairiefox53 5.0 out of 5 stars Cute book. Very cute illustrations and a very good message for today’s plugged-in kids.

S. Meyer 5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have if you have or know kids. A fun read, great illustrations and a message on point for today’s world. Good job!

Maryan Pelland CV and Background

Maryan Pelland CV

Freelance Content Development and Editing (print and online)

  • Writing/editing projects for a variety of editors and publishers
  • SEO marketing and logistics for a variety of clients. Six years ago, I built a subscription-based website from scratch. Within 6 months, I had 5,000 paid subscribers in 11 countries. Doubled traffic for a law school review site in 6 months. I have a clear understanding of SEO and keyword management from an a-typical point of view. Specifically, strategies using long-tail keywords and keywords that don’t necessarily bring the highest visitor count.
  • Regular contributor to Beach Blvd magazine, At the Casinos Magazine, Biloxi Sun Herald, Suite101.com, Examiner.com, WomenDaybyDay.com, Ontext.com
  • Web-based content development for Pleaides.com, FinanacialPoise, DailyDac, HandBuildersMonthly, Context.com  photogs.com/bwworld/, wwwiz.com., themestream.com, lauralewis.com, druryinns.com, CableWorld Magazine, patrickhomes.com
  • Writing on assignment for Chicago Tribune, Sun Newspapers, Copley Press, Star Newspapers, Aurora Beacon, Elgin Courier, Paddock Publications (Chicago area Daily Herald), Arcadia Press, St Petersburg Times
  • Ghostwriting, public relations, proposal writing, newspaper and magazine assignments, business articles, personal interviews, and photographs
  • Authored two nationally published regional history books (7/2001 and 4/2007)
  • Rewrote entire procedure and policy manuals for a multi-million dollar electronics firm and converted them from a paper-based system to an electronic intra/internet system.
  • Editing, line editing, copy editing for internationally known websites and numerous publications.

 

Publisher/Editor 

Created and published a 10,000-circulation monthly magazine

  • Co-coordinated assignments and production  – managed all budgets
  • Researched and wrote features, edited the publication, published it through a major print periodical publisher

Editor in Chief

  • Small-town weekly newspaper publishing
  • Weekly publishing of 30-page magazine

 

Training, Marketing, Administrative, and Grants Writing 

  • Public speaking engagements – Internet and Small Business Development
  • Radio advertising sales and marketing 
  • Sales training and teaching experience
  • Developed and wrote sales and management training programs and manuals for a $100 million /yr corporation.
  • Researched, planned, prepared, wrote, negotiated, tracked, and reported on major grant proposals to government entities, private corporations and foundations, and local organizations for clients with budgets of half a million to two million dollars annually.
  • Obtained grants totaling a quarter million dollars for a single organization. Half a million for another local organization. Created relationships between clients and funders.
  • Organized and revised resource development tracking and filing system 
  • Created an effective workflow and team approach for managing resource development

 

Other Credentials

  • Certified Professional Ghostwriter
  • Journalism BA University Illinois CC
  • University of Illinois Non-Profit Management Certification Program – 2002-2003
  • University of Wisconsin Non-Profit Management Program 2003
  • Managing Change and Development, University of Wisconsin 2003
  • Managing a Non-profit in Economic Downturn, U of I  2003
  • Association of Fundraising Professionals, member McHenry County Historical Society, prior member board of directors Family Alliance, prior member board of directors Crime Stoppers, member Women in Management
  • Facilitator and instructor of onsite classes in Web Development, Windows, Internet use, and HTML for local business
  • Illinois School District 47 Learning Leadership Team member
  • Society of Professional Journalists, member
  • Chicago Writers Association, member