I have spent my entire career as a communications professional, first in women's magazines and later as a public relations executive. Nowadays, I am a published novelist with a passion for helping students discover their voice. I pride myself on establishing a rapport with all of my clients, many of whom have gotten into top colleges, including Bucknell, Columbia, NYU, Skidmore and Washington University in St. Louis. More importantly, all of them are proud of their essays.
My Services
Hourly Coaching
I can jump in at any step in the college application process to help students brainstorm, revise or complete a personal statement or supplemental essay. Typically, a personal statement takes 4-6 hours of my time with an equal amount of hours spent by the student. I often work via Skype with students around the country.
Timeline and Strategy Assistance
For students with multiple essays, I recommend developing a timeline and strategy to reduce stress and increase efficiency. Together we will match topics with prompts and determine which essays can be adapted to multiple schools.
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Personal statement coaching
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Supplemental essay coaching
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Activities/resume editing
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$120 per hour
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Timeline development
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Strategies for researching"Why Us?" essays
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Addressing special circumstances via the "additional information" section
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$120 per hour
Joanne gave excellent advice and editing support to both of our daughters.Truly a pleasure to work with.
-Sherri
I was never a confident writer. Joanne helped me articulate my thoughts. I'm so proud of the pieces I wrote.
-Lynn
Joanne really connected with our son. She identified what was important to him and helped him put it into words.
-Celia
Experience
Writing and Editing
I have been writing and editing professionally for more than 25 years, including personal essays, feature articles, and short stories. In 2018, I published my debut novel, Good Neighbors. Because I know how difficult it is to write well, I am a patient and encouraging coach. My philosophy is that everyone has a story to tell.
Public Relations
Successfully breaking through a crowded media landscape taught me the importance of positioning, a strategy I use with all of my students. Through brainstorming and an analysis of the student's interests and achievements, I help develop topics for both the personal statement and supplemental essays. The result is a holistic approach that brings the student's personality to life.
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Editor, Millburn Magazine
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Associate Editor, New Woman Magazine
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Fiction teacher, The Writers Studio, NYC
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Publications: The Washington Post, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, New Woman, Bridal Guide, Woman's Day and more.
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Director, Public Affairs, American Express
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Director, Wilson McHenry Company
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Media relations consultant
"It always seems impossible, until it is done."
Nelson Mandela