The college essay was the hardest part of the college application process for me. Huge thanks to Ms. Walravens for helping me through that. I got into my favorite schools and had great choices! — Trevor Ryan
My son got into his first choice school. He is over the moon excited about it! Thank you for showing him the magic he could create with a bit of guidance. Thank you for hanging in there with him. — Windy Creath
Samantha guided me through the whole process of writing my book– from idea to publication. Now my book is selling on Amazon and in bookstores, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. — Neely Mack, Author, Project You: A Lifestyle Guide to True Health and Longevity (2018)
Whether your goal is writing a college admissions essay, publishing an op-ed piece, or drafting a full-length manuscript for a book, I will help you every step of the way– from brainstorming ideas, to creating an outline and rough draft, to editing the final document. My goal is to help writers think critically and express their ideas clearly and confidently through their writing. My clients include students, authors, and businesses/nonprofits.
Students
Students today need more help with their writing skills than their schools can provide. Three-quarters of 8th and 12th graders lack proficiency in writing, according to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress. This is a problem not only in the classroom, but in the work world as well, where employers cite “written and oral skills” as a primary consideration in the hiring process (Association of American Colleges and Universities).
As a writing coach, I work with students 1:1 to provide individualized instruction, a benefit that most schools are not able to offer. In doing so, I create a positive, non-judgmental and confidential space in which students feel safe to express themselves and become active learners, rather than passive recipients of information.
My approach as a coach is not to “correct,” but to listen and help students figure out their response to a writing assignment, and draft an essay or paper in their own words. By asking the right questions, I help students find their own answers. This is especially important in college essays, where admissions officials want to hear the voice of the student, not that of a parent or counselor.
What People Are Saying
Samantha took the stress out of writing my college essays. She helped me brainstorm ideas and write essays that really capture who I am and what makes me tick. — Lucy Robbins
The college essay was the hardest part of the college application process for me. Huge thanks to Ms. Walravens for helping me through that – and I got into my favorite schools and had great choices! — Trevor Ryan
My son got into his first choice school. He is over the moon excited about it! Thank you for showing him the magic he could create with a bit of guidance. Thank you for hanging in there with him. — Windy Creath, parent
I really enjoyed Samatha Walravens’ College Essay Class. I especially liked that it was a small enough group so there was plenty of individual attention and I was able to talk to Ms. Walravens personally. It felt very comfortable and easy to share my essay with others in the class and get feedback. I’m not really a writer and not that creative so being comfortable was important. — Student in College Essay Workshop
Authors
One of the best things an author can do is work with a writing coach or developmental editor to ensure the book’s content is as solid and marketable as possible. I work with authors to create a compelling book (and book proposal for nonfiction works) that appeals to the target audience. Like a good editor or writing coach, I allow the author’s voice to shine through and ensure that my work is invisible in the end product.
What People Are Saying
Samantha was a godsend for me in writing my book, Project You. She guided me through the whole process– from idea to published book, and everything in between. Now my book is selling on Amazon and in bookstores, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Sam has been an invaluable resource on navigating the complex publishing world, especially as a first-time author. Thank you, Sam! — Neely Mack, author, Project You: A Lifestyle Guide to True Health and Longevity (2018)
Businesses/Nonprofits
As a professional business writer, I help companies with blogging, SEO content creation, copywriting, eBooks, content marketing and product descriptions. I work with teams to develop content that’s engaging and on point— in plain English. My clients include Johnson & Johnson, the Maybach Foundation, and UPS.