Demystify the Writing Process

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

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Sarah Bonanno

About

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

Tutoring Services

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
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Application Essays
$180
per session
  • Common App, supplements & scholarships
  • Brainstorming through final polish
  • Statements of purpose for grad school
  • Dedicated, structured timeline
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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
Course
College Essay Intensive
Accepting reservations · Summer 2026
Available June – January 15 · 4 spots per season

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

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.

On Demand

Async Essay Review

Currently open Currently closed · accepting submissions June 1

Don't need a full session? Submit your writing and receive detailed margin notes and an endnote summary — no appointment needed.

  • 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
  1. 1.Pick a price — by essay length and turnaround
  2. 2.Pay via Stripe
  3. 3.Submit your paper — the upload form opens immediately after payment
  4. 4.My notes land in your inbox within the turnaround window
Up to 5 pages
Standard (72hr) $75 → Rush (24hr) $110 →
5–10 pages
Standard (72hr) $100 → Rush (24hr) $150 →

Have a longer piece, specialized writing, or questions about the process? Get in touch to discuss.

What People Say

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages and grade levels do you work with?
High school through graduate school. Most of my current students are high schoolers tackling AP English and college application essays, plus first-year college students working on academic writing. 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. Full policies are included in the Welcome Packet you receive after your free consultation.
How do I pay?
Per-session and package clients pay via Venmo (@bonannowriting) or Zelle (914-960-4398). 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.

Get in Touch

Interested in working together? Send me a message and I'll get back to you within 2 business days with a Welcome Packet that includes full pricing, services, and policies.

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