Brooklyn, N.Y. · Writing tutor & essay coach

Demystify the writing process

Brooklyn-based writing tutor and college essay coach for high school, college, and graduate students.

Get in Touch or grab the free worksheet ↓

Student draftp. 1

In The Iliad, the prevailing victory of fate is the only reasonable interpretation.

account for reader doubt — how does the poem envision fate vs. free will? ✓

Through Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby, the novel demonstrates that the American dream is an illusion.

one ¶ per example? organize by sub-claim — which part? what vision of the dream? ✓

In King Lear, the nobility behave immorally, valuing relationships as business transactions.

how does the text construct morality? promising — pivot toward close reading ✓

“The River” personifies a supernatural river to critique gentrification.

yes, and? so what? how does the supernatural fit into the critique? ✓

In The Iliad, comparing warriors to women suggests men can be weak — revealing the gender politics of the time.

what evidence do we have for this? pivot to the text — how does the poem think about gender? ✓

Boland uses loss of identity and imagery of suffering to expose how governments treat citizens.

how are these linked? state the how + why relationship on the page ✓

Teaching since 2019 · Hundreds of students · High school through graduate level · Zoom or in person in NYC

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About the tutor

Sarah Bonanno

the short version —

I'm Sarah Bonanno. Since 2019, I have taught hundreds of students ranging from first-year college students in humanities classes to high school students working on their college admissions essays. I am also proud of my work with advanced students and professionals, including PhD students, new teachers in training, and business professionals.

I believe in a collaborative approach where students are active participants in sessions and retain ownership over their ideas and writing. I don't edit your student's work for them — I teach them how to see their own writing more clearly so they can revise with intention.

I tutor over Zoom and am available for in-person sessions in the NYC area.

Education

PhD Student, EnglishCUNY Graduate Center

MA, Theater & Performance StudiesUniversity of Chicago

BA, EnglishBowdoin College — cum laude, departmental honors

Experience

Graduate Teaching FellowBrooklyn College, English Department

Assistant DirectorUniversity of Chicago Writing Program

Free worksheet

Want to see how I work with students?

The same kind of thinking I'd walk you through on your thesis: is your main claim actually doing the work? A worksheet you can run yourself.

You'll also hear from me occasionally. Unsubscribe anytime.

Preview of the Revising Your Main Claim worksheet

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Tutoring services & rates

now accepting new students — summer 2026

Transparent pricing. All sessions are one-on-one over Zoom or in person in NYC.

Academic Tutoring

^$150

per session

Reading & writing support for any course
Essay brainstorming through final draft
On-demand writing exercises in session
High school through graduate level

Get in Touch

Application Essays

^$180

per session

Common App, supplements & scholarships
Statements of purpose for grad school
Brainstorming through final polish
Dedicated, structured timeline

Get in Touch

booking monthly (4 sessions) saves 10% — a full semester (16) saves 20%

Packages include free rescheduling within the package period · semester packages also include 4 async essay reviews

Not sure where to start?

Free 15-minute call: tell me about your student's current assignment or goals, and I'll suggest the right approach — no pressure to book.

Book a Free Call

4 spots per season

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College Essay Intensive

Accepting reservations · Summer 2026 — available June – January 15

A private writing class for your student. Every student moves through a structured program and leaves with a finished, submission-ready essay.

Common App Bootcamp

$1,400

Structured 5-session program
Written feedback on up to 5 drafts — included
Extra draft reviews at $50 each (vs. $75 standalone)
Guaranteed: a final, polished Common App essay*

Full Application Workshop

$2,000

Structured 7-session program
Written feedback on up to 8 drafts — included
Extra draft reviews at $50 each (vs. $75 standalone)
Guaranteed: Common App essay + up to 3 supplementals*

Reserve Your Spot deposit holds your spot †

I've worked with students from UChicago Lab School and Chicago Public Schools' selective enrollment programs on college application essays.

* Guaranteed outcome contingent on timely draft submission and attendance at all scheduled sessions.
† A $300 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. Remaining balance due before your first session.

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Async essay review

currently open — no appointment needed

Don't need a full session? Submit your writing and receive detailed margin notes and an endnote summary.

What's included

Detailed margin notes throughout your document
Endnote summary with overall feedback and recommendations
One follow-up email for clarifying questions
Second review of revised draft available at 50% of original price

How it works

Pick a price — by essay length and turnaround
Pay via Stripe
Submit your paper — the upload form opens immediately after payment
My notes land in your inbox within the turnaround window

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What people say

Sarah is by far one of the strongest teachers that has ever come through the Writing Program.
Former colleague

Sarah worked with my son last year when he took AP Language, and she is continuing to work with him this year as he navigates AP Lit and works on getting his writing in great shape for college. Sarah is an experienced tutor and teacher, and she is always positive, patient, and prepared. I highly recommend her!
Parent of high school student

Your ability to teach writing in a way that was clear and approachable was extremely helpful, and I always looked forward to your class. Your classroom was a space where I felt comfortable being myself and openly sharing my thoughts.
Former student

You taught me a lot of new stuff and I feel a lot more confident in my skills as a writer. Most importantly you created a really wonderful environment in the classroom.
Former student

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Questions, answered

What ages and grade levels do you work with?

I mainly work with high school through graduate school students. Most of my current students are high schoolers tackling AP English and college application essays, plus first-year college students working on academic writing.

While most of my students are in high school and college, I also work with middle grade students — especially when their coursework is demanding or they're building writing skills that will matter down the road.

In the past, I have also worked with PhD students in molecular engineering, MA students in the social sciences, and business professionals.

Do you offer in-person tutoring or only Zoom?

Both. Most sessions happen on Zoom, which is flexible and works well for screen-sharing drafts. In-person sessions are available in the NYC area — I currently travel to Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Westchester locations for ongoing students.

How does scheduling work?

After our free consultation, we set a recurring weekly time that works for both of us (most students meet weekly). Async essay review has no scheduling — submit your draft via the Stripe checkout and I return notes within the chosen turnaround window.

What's your cancellation policy?

24-hour notice is required to reschedule without charge. Late cancellations (under 24 hours) are billed at 50% of the session rate; no-shows are billed in full. Package holders may reschedule sessions freely within their package period.

How do I pay?

Per-session and package clients pay via Zelle (914-960-4398), which I prefer, or Venmo (@bonannowriting), which I'm also happy to accept. Async essay review is paid via Stripe at checkout. Packages are billed upfront; per-session students are invoiced monthly.

Do you write or edit essays for students?

No. I teach students how to see and revise their own writing. Students who work with me leave with stronger skills and stronger drafts that are unmistakably their own.

Do you offer any additional resources for writing help?

Yes! I send out a free monthly newsletter with one writing tip drawn from my work with students — useful for anyone who writes. You can read past issues here or subscribe via the form at the bottom of the page.

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Get in touch

Interested in working together? Send me a message and I'll get back to you within 2 business days with a link to schedule a consultation call.

Rather start with a conversation? You can book a free 15-minute consultation call →

Or email me directly at sarah@bonannoworkshop.com