"Gemma has helped me break down seemingly huge projects into manageable pieces that I can act upon. … She understands how people with ADHD operate with work and academics. She gets it and provides concrete help."

Joyce, graduate student

Writing Coach and Teacher

Gemma Cooper-Novack
Photo by Edward Grattan

Is writing holding you back when you’re trying to get ahead? Do you struggle with structure every time you write? Does writing sometimes make you want to quit? I guide writers through the development of their work — from academic writing to fiction, from application essays and test essays to plays. I have a subspecialty in working with individuals with disabilities, including executive functioning disorders (such as ADHD), learning disabilities, and anxiety disorders; my unique process-based coaching system supports all writers of all ages and skill levels, from high school students to doctoral candidates, by focusing on the individual’s specific writing process. I conduct in-person coaching sessions in the Central New York area; for those farther-flung, I am happy to arrange virtual sessions.

In addition, I am a teacher of writing, working in Syracuse, New York City, and virtually. I work with middle school students, teenagers, college students, and adults.

Gemma knife (n.) 1. An effective and systematic approach to meeting grade goals without spontaneously combusting, pioneered by Gemma Cooper-Novack.

Jack

student

Gemma is a talented coach and educator who is adept at assisting her students with learning and writing processes. She was an excellent support to me in chunking and organizing my work into manageable pieces and supporting fluid thinking in my writing. I strongly recommend her services to others looking to strengthen their organization, time management, and writing skills.

Suzanna

graduate student

Working with Gemma has transformed my writing process. In our weekly meetings, Gemma helps me to prioritize the papers I’m working on, think short-term and long-term about what writing projects I want to accomplish, and carve out time in my schedule for specific writing tasks. When I feel stuck on a paper, or completely overwhelmed by my work, she gives me encouragement and helps me find a way out. When I need help thinking through the logic of a section or even a paragraph, she reads with a sharp but empathetic eye. She always seems to grasp what I’m trying to do even when my writing is a mess. I love working with Gemma! I’m a much more focused, productive and calm writer as result of her coaching. I sing her praises to all my academic friends!

Elizabeth

graduate student

Gemma was incredibly patient and attentive. She helped me discover and develop my own personal writing process. She was a godsend for someone with LDs like mine.

Victor

graduate student

I highly recommend Gemma to any student looking to take their writing to the next level. I truly would not have been as successful without her patience and instruction. As a professional I continue to ask Gemma to review my work. Whenever I create a document that I feel needs a second eye to make it the best, I contact Gemma first! Go with Gemma if you are going for a great paper!

Amity

educator

Contact me to collaborate on writing, editing, education, and theater!

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