Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
What is a writing coach, and how can you help me or my child?
As a writing coach, my focus is on helping students to strengthen their technical skills (clarity, fluency, precision, organization, etc.) alongside their mental resilience. Writing can be a challenging task for anyone; for those who have difficulties with working memory, it can feel insurmountable. And yet, writing can also be intensely rewarding! I help students to find aspects of writing that they enjoy and feel good about, while also teaching them techniques to work around mental blocks such as procrastination and perfectionism. Working together on academic assignments is part of the process, but the ultimate goal is for the student to be able to internalize these skills and apply them to writing tasks beyond the classroom – in higher education and career paths down the line.
What types of writing do you specialize in?
I support students with all types of academic and creative writing, including literary analysis essays, research-based papers and projects, admissions essays and personal statements, creative nonfiction, and narrative fiction.
What age of students do you work with?
I work primarily with adolescents and young adults (ages 13-21).
Do you work with older adults?
I have worked one-on-one and taught creative writing workshops to older adults in the past. If you are no longer in formal education and are interested in working with me, please use the “Contact” page to send me a message outlining your project and/or writing goals in more detail.
Is there a phone number that I can use to contact you directly?
Because I also work as a teacher at a local high school, I do not publicly post my phone number. However, I do have a number that parents or students can use to contact me once we’ve set up our first coaching session. I am generally very responsive to email, and potential students and families are able to get in touch with me directly by emailing hello@writewithGG or through the Contact page. :)
Session Details
What can I expect during a coaching session?
The exact format of a coaching session varies depending on the goals and needs of each student, but generally includes some or all of the following: fun warm-up activities to get the student “out of their head” and engaged with the creative potential of writing; time to review and discuss a piece of writing that the student has completed outside of the session; time to practice specific writing strategies to improve a piece of writing or begin a new one; time to plan ahead for the coming week and identify goals for independent practice before the next session. (Often these goals will involve implementing certain writing strategies on other academic assignments over the week.)
How long is each coaching session?
The length of a coaching session depends on the needs of the student and is something that is discussed with the parent/guardian and student in the initial consultation session. General academic writing sessions tend to be one hour, which gives us time to warm-up, practice writing strategies, look over and discuss new or revised pieces of writing, and plan ahead for the coming week. Admissions essay coaching sessions are often shorter (30 or 45 minutes) and more frequent, as students benefit most from receiving and going over feedback that they can immediately apply to a new draft.
How often should I schedule sessions?
Generally, I recommend meeting weekly to encourage accountability and maintain momentum, but everyone’s needs are different. What is important is that the student has enough time in between sessions to get some independent practice with the writing tools and strategies that we’ve been working on together.
Can I work with you remotely, or do I need to be in person?
I primarily work with students over Zoom. I can arrange an in-person session for students who are available to meet in the city of Alameda, CA.
Services and Focus
Do you offer help with specific types of writing, such as essays, research papers, or creative writing?
Yes, generally, my services fall into 3 broad categories of writing:
Academic support, which encompasses academic essays, analysis, and research-based writing.
Admission essay support, which guides students through the writing and revision of personal statements and essays required by institutions of higher education, as well as summer programs.
Creative enrichment, which supports and encourages students in the exploration of specific writing genres and the completion of significant personal projects, including novels, short story collections, creative nonfiction, theatrical / screenplays, and poetry portfolios.
Can you help me or my child with brainstorming and outlining my ideas?
Yes. Brainstorming and outlining are important parts of the writing process that help to free up working memory before you begin drafting. I offer a variety of strategies, tools, and tips to help students get started with this.
Will you review and edit my writing?
I review all writing; however, I do not edit. Instead, I provide feedback and suggestions to help students identify areas for improvement and make stronger choices in revision.
Do you offer assistance with test preparation or writing for standardized tests?
Yes. I can assist with preparing for AP writing prompts (any subject) and the ACT and SAT writing sections.
Pricing and Payment
How much do your services cost?
My regular hourly rate is $110/hour for general academic or creative enrichment sessions. I charge $150/hour for support with admissions essays.
Do you offer package deals or discounts for multiple sessions?
Yes, though this changes with the time of year and my availability to accept new students. This information is usually shared during our initial (free) consultation.
How do I make a payment?
Payment can be made in advance at the time of booking or via the payment link that will be emailed to you with your appointment reminder.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment can be made online via the Stripe interface. Stripe accepts credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Link, and Cash App Pay.
When is payment due?
Payment is due no later than 24-hours after a session. Failure to pay for a session within 7 days means that any further pre-booked sessions will be released. Payment may also be made in advance at the time of booking. Discounted packages must be paid for in entirety within 24-hours of the first scheduled session to be eligible for the discount.
How do I book and pay for a session that is under 60 minutes?
Book the full hour-long session and let me know via email how long of a session you would prefer (i.e. either 30 or 45 minutes). I will keep the full hour blocked off in my calendar, which will ensure that I have extra time to take notes or eat a snack, etc. before other appointments. If it is your first time booking a shorter session, you will be asked to pay for a full hour, but you will not be asked to pay when you book the next session as it will be considered paid for.