J. J. Johnson, M.Ed. - Author, Editor, Writing Coach
  • 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 >
      • Coaching Scholarship Fund
    • Web Design
  • About
    • Interviews
  • Contact
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 strengths, values, and goals
    • brainstorming and developing an essay theme
    • learning practical tips and writing techniques 
    • setting dates for drafts and check-ins
  • Meeting in person, Google Meet, Zoom, Facetime, or phone
  • Follow-up emails / texts for feedback on drafts (except for consultation-only)
  • High integrity - applicant's work is always their own
Options and Fees:
  • $100 for a 90-minute consultation only, no follow-ups
  • $150 for a 90-minute consultation, check-ins, and up to 3 draft readings, suggestions emailed / texted
    • ​The $150 package is the most popular option 
  • $500 for two 90-minute consultations and unlimited draft readings during the application process
  • ​Applicants in foster care qualify for FREE consultations (prioritized, as many as J. J.'s schedule can allow)
  • Applicants who will be first-generation college students qualify for FREE consultations (prioritized, as many as J. J.'s schedule can allow)
  • 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, 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 Buchanan 
Durham, NC

J. J.'s Resume:

College and Scholarship Application Coach, Private Consultations
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.


Developmental Editor and Writing Coach, Private Consultations
2020 – present    
Provide coaching and developmental editing for nonfiction manuscripts.
Work with writers to develop outlines, tables of contents, sample chapters.
Assist with book proposals.
            
Structural Editor, New Degree Press and Manuscripts, Inc.
2020 – present                                   
Provide structural editing for book-length manuscripts - fiction, nonfiction, and memoir.
                                                           
Critique Partner
2005 – 2020 
Teamed up with three other writers to go collectively from zero to fifteen traditionally published, agented novels.
Provided detailed feedback on plot, voice, characterization, dialogue, and copyediting.
 
Author of Young Adult Novels         
2011 – present                  
Believarexic, 2015                                              
The Theory of Everything, 2012                                        
This Girl is Different, 2011                                        

Countries of Publication: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, France, Germany, South Korea, Spain, U.S.A., and Uruguay.

Awards: 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).

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. 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 >
      • Coaching Scholarship Fund
    • Web Design
  • About
    • Interviews
  • Contact