J. J. Johnson, M.Ed. - Author, Editor, Artist
  • Books
    • Believarexic >
      • FAQ - Believarexic
    • The Theory of Everything >
      • A Teoria de Tudo
      • Mi Teoría de Todo
      • La theorie du grand tout
      • FAQ - The Theory of Everything
    • This Girl is Different >
      • Esta Chica es Diferente
      • Cette fille est différente
      • 이 소녀는 다른 것입니다
      • Eve sieht es anders
      • Ova djevojka je drukčija
      • FAQ - This Girl is Different
      • 'This Girl' Discussion Questions
  • Editing & Coaching
    • College Application Essays
    • Web Design
  • Art
  • About
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College Application Essays
​Thank you so much for all the help on my essay, it made a huge difference (both in the essay and my stress levels)!
​
​- S. B., high school senior
College Application Consultation, photo by Sincerely Media
Consultations can include:​
  • 90-minute initial meeting:
    • identifying student goals, values, and strengths
    • developing an essay theme
    • practical writing techniques 
    • tips for combatting procrastination
    • setting dates for drafts and check-ins
  • Meet in person, Google Meet, Zoom, Facetime, or phone
  • Feedback on drafts
  • Check-in texts
  • High integrity - applicant's work is always their own
Options and Fees:
  • $100 - 90-minute consultation only, no follow-ups or check-ins
  • $150 - 90-minute consultation
    • check-ins by text
    • up to 3 draft readings, feedback emailed or texted
    • ​This package is the most popular option 
  • $500 - two 90-minute consultations
    • check-ins by text
    • unlimited draft readings and feedback​
 
  • ​Applicants in foster care qualify for FREE consultations ​
  • Applicants who will be first-generation college students qualify for FREE consultations 
  • Scholarship fund: J. J. maintains a scholarship fund to offer a sliding scale for students with limited financial resources. These scholarships are funded by community donations. More information here.  

​
For more information or to reserve your space this application season, please email J. J.
Email J. J.
J. J. Johnson offering college essay consultation
J. J.'s qualifications:
  • summa cum laude Master of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education (4.0 GPA) 
  • Extensive experience working with students from diverse backgrounds
  • ​Friendly, supportive, and down-to-earth
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusivity, and uplifting the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ teens
  • Decades of experience in educational settings
  • Experience working with learning differences and neurodivergences
  • Professional editor 
  • Internationally acclaimed, award-winning author 
"I was fortunate to be able to hire J. J. to help my senior through her college application writing process....

"It’s the best money I have spent in a long time. 

"J. J. is not there to ghost write. She did not attempt to change or polish my daughter’s voice. She did offer sympathy, encouragement, structure (due dates!), and excellent tips for the writing process itself. She then read drafts and provided feedback on structure and flow...."


- Amy B. 
Durham, NC

J. J.'s Resume:


Editor and Writing Coach, Freelance
2005 – present    
Provide coaching, developmental editing, and copyediting for manuscripts.
Work with writers to develop ideas into an outline, table of contents, sample chapters.
Assist with book proposals.
Member of comprehensive writing critique group.

Provide detailed feedback on plot, voice, characterization, dialogue, and copyediting.
            
Structural Editor, Manuscripts, Inc.
2020 – present                                   
Provide structural editing for book-length manuscripts - fiction, nonfiction, and memoir.

College and Scholarship Application Coach, Private Clients
2022 – present    
Provide coaching for college and scholarship application essays.
Work with students to develop ideas into essay/s.
​Give feedback on drafts and revisions.
         
 
Author         
1993 – present                  

Author of novels Believarexic, The Theory of Everything, This Girl is Different, Peachtree Publishers.

Novels translated into six languages, for publication in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, France, Germany, South Korea, Spain, U.S.A., Uruguay.

Honors for novels include: International Literature Association Young Adult Choices, Keystone State and Arizona Library Association Teen Choice Finalists, Indiana Library Federation Award Nominee, Books Save Lives Award Finalist, Society of School Librarians International Honor, Premio El Templo de las Mil Puertas Finalist (Spain), Cybil Award Finalist, Wilde Award Winner, Parent’s Choice Foundation Silver Medal, ALA Feminist Task Force Amelia Bloomer List, United Methodist Women’s Reading Program Selection, Prix Farniente Winner (Belgium).

​N
onfiction pieces have appeared in publications including Friends Journal, Indy, Urban Hiker, School Library Journal, Ithaca Times, The Herald-Sun, The Star-Gazette, Evening Sun, Coup de Tête.


Education

Master of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
2001     summa cum laude     Adolescent Risk and Prevention
 
Bachelor of Arts, Binghamton University
1996     magna cum laude     History and Women’s Studies

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-sitting-on-a-green-grass-field-3761504/
J. J. (she/her) is a compassionate, sympathetic, friendly, and experienced writer, editor, and coach.

Her particular joy is helping writers express themselves clearly in their own voices.

 
Email J. J. now to reserve your space this application season!
Email J. J.
I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. -Mary Oliver
  • Books
    • Believarexic >
      • FAQ - Believarexic
    • The Theory of Everything >
      • A Teoria de Tudo
      • Mi Teoría de Todo
      • La theorie du grand tout
      • FAQ - The Theory of Everything
    • This Girl is Different >
      • Esta Chica es Diferente
      • Cette fille est différente
      • 이 소녀는 다른 것입니다
      • Eve sieht es anders
      • Ova djevojka je drukčija
      • FAQ - This Girl is Different
      • 'This Girl' Discussion Questions
  • Editing & Coaching
    • College Application Essays
    • Web Design
  • Art
  • About
    • Interviews
    • Blog
  • Contact