Gemma was an excellent support to me in chunking and organizing my work in to manageable pieces and supporting fluid thinking in my writing.

Suzanna, 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.

I learned a lot from this program. It made me a stronger person and a writer. I will miss this program.

Starr

student, age 16

Gemma helped me pass the writing portion of the communication/literacy MTEL! She provided me with useful strategies that made the test so much easier.

Joanna

student teacher

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

"So far Gemma sets reachable weekly goals that have helped me a leave a serious year or two of writer's block. She's also been great with visualizing the presentation of qualitative data in diagrams and figures."

Abra

writer

Gemma has helped me break down seemingly huge projects into manageable pieces that I can act upon. She helps me plan my time in such a way that I am more likely to find success. Gemma also knows when a plan needs adjusting so that I may find greater success with the things that I want and need to accomplish. Gemma's kind and understanding approach helps me move forward with her recommendations. She understands how people with ADHD operate with work and academics. She gets it and provides concrete help.

Joyce

graduate student

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

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