Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a session?
Please write an email to mindtopencoach@gmail.com to inquiry for availability. We will share with you a calendar, or you can book a time with us via email. Once a time/day is established, you will receive a Google Meet link.
How does the payment work?
When a time and day for your service is set, you will receive an invoice by email as well as a request for payment via Venmo or PayPal. When the payment is received, you will received a payment confirmation email.
Do I need to prepare for the session?
If you have a text you are working on and have specific questions or goals, make note of those. We can discuss your concerns, find solutions, and make a plan. We will work directly on your writing via Google Docs or screen share. If you have not started your work, then make note of the goals so that we can make a plan for how to get started.
How are the sessions structured?
Each session is dictated by your needs. We can directly work on your writing (e.g., editing, revision); discuss writing patterns, (e.g., structure, organization, flow); talk about how you feel during the writing process (e.g., writer's block, perfectionism, imposter phenomenon, general writing stressors, etc.); or needs (e.g., impact, writing goals, conventions, etc.). Each session can build on continuity or start from another need you may have.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes! For each client you refer to MindtoPen, you will get a 30-mins additional session. This time can be added to your coaching sessions or be used separately. You can receive one 30-mins referral perk a month. Make sure to tell your friend to refer your name!
Do my purchased services expire?
No. If you purchase hours in a bundle, you can use them depending on your needs over time. Please check in with our availability.
How quickly can I see a language coach?
Booking is based on our availability and yours. We recommend that you book your hours in advance to make sure your spot is reserved. At this time, we do not have an open calendar online, but you can email us and you will receive a response within a day.
Can I schedule two hours back-to-back?
If our schedule allows it, of course! We recommend reserving your time sooner than later. We take bookings on a first-come first-served basis.
Do you use AI when you look at my writing?
No. We do not use AI to revise your work. Our live sessions are focused on dialogue, explanation, and hands-on practice on your writing. When we provide asynchronous feedback, we read your words and message, and give you tailored feedback based on your work. If you are using AI or wondering how to use AI in your writing, we can help you to use it more efficiently based on your needs.
Why should I work with a writing coach
if AI can help me?
While AI can assist with grammar and structure, it lacks a personal voice, and contextual understanding that a professional provides. Writers should consider working with a writing coach rather than relying solely on AI: a writing coach helps preserve and refine a writer’s unique voice, encourages original thinking, and supports the development of essential writing skills. Coaches also offer personalized feedback, ethical insight, and cultural awareness, areas where AI may fall short or misinterpret. By collaborating with a coach, writers can use AI as a supportive tool without compromising the authenticity and impact of their work.
What if I need editing instead of coaching?
If you have finished your writing but you want to have a final check (e.g., proofreading), or you do not have time to make it for a live session, you can book asynchronous feedback sessions. We will edit your work and provide you with feedback. Please see under our Services section the types of editing we do.
Is there a difference between coaching and tutoring?
Both coaching and tutoring support learning and complement each other. Generally, coaching emphasizes developing broader skills like time management, motivation, and self-confidence. On the other hand, tutoring focuses on helping individuals understand specific academic content, often by explaining concepts and correcting errors. To give you a specific example, a tutor might help you to structure and develop an essay, a coach would guide you in building effective approaches to independently write the essay. Our session are built around your needs, so you will receive all the support you need to achieve your goals.
What if I need help to prepare a presentation,
instead of a written document?
We can help you with that too! We will go over your slides, review for content presentation, proofread the text, focus on accessibility and flow, time management, and presentation skills.
What if I need help for oral skills?
We can certainly help you with that too! We can focus on pronunciation, conversation, and presentation skills depending on your needs.
How do you work with multilingual students?
As a multilingual coaches ourselves, we can help you no matter what languages you speak! We have worked with students from varied languages and cultural backgrounds, and we are familiar with common traits that each language brings. We have taught and traveled abroad, and no matter what your background is, we can find the approach that best works for you.
I am a new ESL teacher,
can you help me refine my teaching skills?
Absolutely! We can help you develop lesson plans, assessment, and time management. We can explore different approaches to ESL instruction and find the one that best represents you as a teacher.
What is your coaching approach?
Academia and work environments are often based on criticism and judgement, which often hinder writer's growth and confidence. We believe that support starts from the idea an individual wants to develop and the impact they want to leave. To get to a polished final draft or a memorable presentation, several messy drafts need to happen, and there is no room for judgement on how we get to the final draft. We rely on the principles of non-evaluative feedback, which focuses on what a reader notices, sees, or feels from your writing, and not on what's not there yet. Based on our understanding of your writing and message, a series of questions leading to dialogues will lead to the refinement of your work. A non-evaluative approach includes mindful approaches. Our minds often drift to the past and future, bringing to light negative writing experiences or expectations from tomorrow. Sometimes we need to give ourselves the time to breathe and focus on the right now moment to be able to move forward. Our job is to give you tools to be able to be to put aside external and internal stressors, and empower you to move forward with your writing process.
How do I know if MindtoPen is for me?
Anyone can benefit from talking to a language specialist about their writing or learning process. Here are just some examples:
High school students:
Language coaches help high school students build essential skills, prepare for college-level writing (e.g., longer essays and different genres), prepare college applications (e.g., write a personal statement) and gain confidence through personalized, non-evaluative support.
Undergraduate students:
Language coaches support undergraduate students in transitioning from high school to college-level writing, strengthening skills across disciplines, deepening critical thinking, preparing projects and presentations, and building confidence and career readiness—especially for multilingual , international, and first-generation learners.
Graduate students:
Language coaches help graduate students, no matter their linguistic background or areas of expertise, refine academic skills, writing processes, navigate major projects (e.g., thesis or dissertation), address major academic stressors (e.g., writer's block, imposter phenomenon, perfectionism), and prepare for publication with support for tone, voice.
Faculty, staff, professionals:
Language coaches support faculty, staff, and professionals by enhancing clarity and impact, strengthening scholarly and workplace oral and written communication, offering confidential feedback while providing tools to manage professional demands with confidence.
International learners:
Language coaches support international students by helping them improve their academic English skills, build confidence in communication, prepare applications for US colleges, and navigate cultural and linguistic nuances in both academic and social settings.
Is there anything you do not do?
We can help you put content into words, but we will not write a text for you. We are not a content expert in your area. While we cannot guarantee acceptance in a program or the success for an editorial submission, we can help you strengthen your skills and develop a final draft that meets your goals and requirements. We also do not edit or format citations, but we will help you getting accustomed to the citation format you need to use and notice patterns.