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Private Coaching is rocket fuel for your research project , allowing you to (ethically) fast-track every step of the process and work smarter.

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Focus your energy on data collection, analysis and writing while we take care of all the language-related  aspects of the research process.

We’ll handle your editing and proofreading , transcription  and qualitative data coding so you can focus on the things that matter .

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If you prefer to “DIY”it, our top-rated short courses are a great way to kickstart your research journey without breaking the bank .

Learn how to find a research topic, write a proposal, craft a literature review or design your study – all in just a few hours.

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What Our Clients Say…

We’ve worked 1:1 with 5000+ students . Here’s what some of them have to say:

My Coach, Amy, saved my life. I met her during the most challenging time in my thesis. People around me constantly reminded me how bad I am at writing, and I ended up anxious and depressed. Then I met Amy, who agreed to help me improve my work. I have no words to explain how amazing she is as a teacher and a human being.

Damithri Chathumani (NZ)

So helpful! Amy assisted me with an outline for my literature review and with organizing the results for my MBA applied research project. Having a road map helped enormously and saved a lot of time. Definitely worth it.

Jennifer Hagedorn (Canada)

I had been struggling with the first 3 chapters of my dissertation for over a year. I finally decided to give GradCoach a try and it made a huge difference. Alexandra provided helpful suggestions along with edits that transformed my paper. My advisor was very impressed.

Tracy Shelton (US)

Everything about my experience was great, from Dr. Shaeffer’s expertise, to her patience and flexibility. I reached out to GradCoach after receiving a 78 on a midterm paper. Not only did I get a 100 on my final paper in the same class, but I haven’t received a mark less than A+ since. I recommend GradCoach for everyone who needs help with academic research.

Antonia Singleton (Qatar)

I was provided with the perfect level of support for my dissertation which allowed me to achieve a distinction level. I learnt a lot more through the experience due to the probing questions put to me by my coach, which led me to a deeper evaluation and analysis (and understanding) of my data.

Belle Moore (US)

Using Grad Coach was the best decision that I could have made. Apart from all the help that I received from Derek, I have also seen a tremendous improvement in my writing as well as my critical thinking not only in my assignments but also in my workplace.

Derek has a beautiful way of teaching, encouraging and honesty in his feedback. His style gives each module a level of excitement, and although it remains challenging, I never once found myself bored or confused.

Loyiso Bala (South Africa)

PS. You can read more verified reviews here .

Working with Kerryn has been brilliant. She has guided me through that pesky academic language that makes us all scratch our heads. I can't recommend Grad Coach highly enough; they are very professional, humble, and fun to work with. If like me, you know your subject matter but you're getting lost in the academic language, look no further, give them a go.

Tony Fogarty (UK)

I’m proud to say that I got my dissertation in, submitted on time and even got a great mark and very positive marker feedback. All thanks to the superstars at Grad Coach. Thank you so much.

I started using Grad Coach for my dissertation and I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for them, I would have really struggled. I would strongly recommend them – worth every penny!

Richard Egenreider (South Africa)

Grad Coach is saving my sanity and hope while completing my dissertation. Coach Ethar is outstanding - he brings his joy and wisdom into each session. I know he is there for my success. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of this work, he has helped me break each section into manageable steps. Don’t go it alone - Grad Coach is amazing.

Michelle Thompson (US)

Looking back, I don’t know how I would have made it without the Grad Coach team. Thank you so much!

I would have been lost with Dr. Peter Quella coaching me through some of the toughest parts of the dissertation. His insight allowed me to understand the feedback from my committee and be able to respond in a meaningful way.

It was helpful to be able to hear his insights and apply them to my dissertation work. Thank you Peter and Grad Coach!

Joseph Yaksich (US)

Ready to get unstuck?

Go from confused to confident in three simple steps.

Step 1: Initial Chat

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation for us to understand your unique situation and needs.

Step 2: Accelerate

Your dedicated Dissertation Coach will work with you to fast-track every step of the process. 

Step 3: Submit

Submit your Grad Coach approved work with confidence, protected by our Pass Or Pay Guarantee .

At The Dissertation Coach, we are expert dissertation coaches. Dissertation coaching will help you change your approach to your dissertation or thesis so that you are motivated, productive, and able to work in a wise, consistent manner. Our trained coaches understand the needs of graduate students and what it takes to be successful in graduate school.

Our dissertation coaches will help you become a better project manager of your dissertation or thesis by teaching you how to structure the process and create realistic work plans you can achieve. Our coaches will also help you work effectively with your chairperson and committee and overcome psychological barriers to finishing such as anxiety, fear, negative thinking, procrastination, perfectionism, and writer’s block. We have coached thousands of graduate students to complete doctoral dissertations and master’s theses.

Each of our dissertation coaches has many years of experience working with graduate students and has been highly successful in helping people finish their dissertations and theses once and for all.

If you require technical assistance with your dissertation or thesis, please visit our Consulting and Statistics pages to learn how we can guide and mentor you to successfully carry out your dissertation or thesis study.

What Is Dissertation Coaching?

• Dissertation coaching is a service designed around your needs to help you successfully complete your dissertation or thesis once and for all.
• Dissertation coaching is a system of structuring the dissertation or thesis process to increase productivity, so you make consistent and tangible progress.
• Dissertation coaching helps you identify and change beliefs and behaviors that interfere with your motivation and productivity.
• Dissertation coaching involves providing meaningful accountability and a significant avenue for solving any problems or issues that interfere with your progress.
• Dissertation coaching provides you with the support you need to get motivated, stay motivated, and manage the inevitable challenges that arise during the dissertation process.
• Dissertation coaching can help students in the humanities, social sciences, and the hard sciences at any stage of research.

As Your Dissertation Coach We Will:

• Coach you to determine realistic short and long-term goals.
• Coach you to reduce procrastination and increase motivation.
• Coach you to make consistent progress towards meeting your goals.
• Coach you on any issue that interferes with your progress.
• Hold you accountable to specific daily and weekly goals.
• Help you manage the negative self-talk and self-doubt that is often associated with completing a dissertation.
• Help you change behaviors and habits that interfere with your motivation and productivity.
• Teach you time management and stress management techniques.
• Coach you to overcome challenges such as writer’s block, organization issues, and perfectionistic writing.
• Help you reestablish contact with faculty or obtain readmission into a program if needed.
• Help you establish and maintain good working relationships with your dissertation chairperson and committee.
• Provide you with support and encouragement throughout the dissertation or thesis process.
• Help you prepare for oral proposal and defense meetings.
• Help you as you consider your career options and search for jobs.

How Does Dissertation Coaching Work?

• Dissertation coaching is delivered by telephone, Zoom, FaceTime or WhatsApp. We work with graduate students throughout the world.
• Initially, we design an overall structure for completing your dissertation that includes a master timeline and weekly action plans to help you develop: 1) a sense of how long it will take you to finish and 2) a clear set of dissertation tasks you can complete on a weekly and day-to-day basis.
• We meet with you every week to review your progress, coach you to overcome internal and external challenges, and set new goals.
• As dissertation coaches, we help you maintain an accurate and realistic work plan to keep you on track.
• We provide unlimited email and/or text communication as a way to support you, intervene when problems arise, create a sense of accountability, and keep you on task.
• Dissertation coaching is provided on a monthly basis. There are no long-term commitments to make.

Do I Need A Dissertation Coach?

• Are you tired of working hard, but cannot seem to make consistent progress?
• Do you feel stuck?
• Do you get caught in cycles of procrastination and self-doubt that interfere with your progress?
• Do you feel you need more accountability?
• Do you feel overwhelmed by the dissertation process itself?
• Do you feel that the stress associated with the dissertation process is interfering with your ability to work effectively?
• Do you fear that you lack enough intelligence, creativity, motivation, or other necessary qualities to finish your dissertation?
• Do you struggle with perfectionism?
• Do you make new to-do lists on a regular basis that do not help you be more productive?
• Do you work full or part-time, have children, or health issues that make it difficult for you to find the time or stamina you need to consistently work on your dissertation?
• Are you frustrated by your inability to build or sustain motivation?
• Do you no longer live in the same state or city as your graduate program?
• Are you receiving inadequate support from faculty or your committee during the process of completing a dissertation?

Dissertation Coaching

Qualitative data analysis, statistical consulting.

• Dissertation Editing
• AI Writing Support
• On-Demand Courses

Dissertation by Design provides full-service academic and dissertation coaching – from research proposal development to final editing and formatting. 

Editing Services

I had my dissertation edited by dissertation by design. I was nervous because my quantitative research required a lot of numbers, statistics, and tables. I wanted to be sure the editor had specific experience reviewing quantitative data. They did a great job and were super helpful in the last home stretch! – Dr. Kelly

Just what i needed this service is tantamount to a tutor or mentor relationship. you get that motivational “shot in the arm” to keep you on track, as well as have a professional academic to bounce ideas off of. it helps when you can be mentored by someone who knows the academic landscape. my confidence in my ability to make it across the finish line has increased astronomically. i am so grateful for this service. this should be a requirement of all grad programs – j. hayes, doctoral candidate, dissertation by design did not push me to sign with them. i met with the owner and a potential mentor/coach before signing up for anything. i really appreciate how they let me take the time that i needed before i joined. a former colleague (now a superintendent) of mine recommended dissertation by design. so far this company has a high level of professionalism. – e. cruz, doctoral candidate, jessica and her team are absolutely amazing before signing up, jessica is proactive at making sure her company and your dissertation topic are a good fit. everyone i have worked with is knowledgeable and talented at what they do. i would highly recommend this company to anyone working on their dissertation. it has been a lifesaver. – c. decker, doctoral candidate, for the latest reviews, please visit our trustpilot   page..

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Putting money

Where our words are, we believe that strong writing skills open minds and doors. as a demonstration of our commitment to educational excellence, we donate a percentage from every coaching session to help a woman or girl find her voice through reading and writing..

Download our free guide on how to overcome the top 10 challenges common to doctoral candidates and graduate sooner.

Thank You 🙌

No need to do this alone. Let me help you find momentum, clarity, and strength!

NATALYA ANDROSOVA, Ph.D.

WRITING AND DISSERTATION COACH

Hi, i'm natalya. writing is my passion. i'm on a mission to help frustrated writers find momentum, clarity, and joy. if you feel ready to trade self-doubt for confidence and build a joyful writing practice, it would be my honour to help you make your writing dreams a reality..

WHY USE A WRITING COACH?

A COACH CAN HELP YOU

Make sense of your writing process

Set up an accountability system 

Find a clear direction when you feel stuck

Set effective writing goals and achieve them 

Organize your writing process 

Set up an individual or a group writing retreat

Get feedback on your writing and your approach

Develop a realistic writing schedule

Protect your writing time

Learn ways to monitor your progress

Learn effective writing and research strategies

Synthesize your ideas

Find a better structure

TESTIMONIALS

Consider yourself extremely fortunate if you have had the good fortune to have crossed paths with Natalya. I had this good fortune at a very low moment in my doctoral journey. I had hit a wall and was struggling with the writing process while working a full time job and raising a child. Out of desperation I starting researching writing coaches and came across Natalya.

One phone call with her filled me with hope.

Natalya is deeply knowledgeable about the process of writing (in my case, academic writing), and her exercises and tips allowed me to make break through after break through. 

I went from seriously considering quitting my PhD to successfully defending my dissertation a year later. 

While Natalya never actually looked at my writing, our meetings provided the inspiration and confirmation that I had what it took. Natalya is much more than your writing cheerleader (although she is amazing at that!). She brings a deep compassion and insight that helped me to understand how to write in a way that is deeply connected to my authentic self. 

If you've struggled with writing blocks, do yourself a favour and contact this phenomenal writing coach -- and human! I'm forever grateful to her for showing me that I could do it.

Thank you, Natalya!

Erin, PhD, Educational Studies

I have known Natalya for many years. We initially met when I enrolled in one of her reflective writing circles, at the start of my Master’s degree. As a new graduate student, I marvelled at her abilities to cultivate a safe space, inspire deep curiosity, and help students connect to their innate wisdom through reflective writing. I remember leaving each session feeling surprised by the depth of insights found through reflective writing, with her gentle support.

I reconnected with Natalya earlier this year – this time, as a late-stage PhD student, exhausted from juggling various professional and personal responsibilities, while struggling through dissertation writing. After an introductory phone call, I immediately decided to work with Natalya and started her 5-week program. As a graduate student, I had considered working with a writing coach many times over the past few years and had not moved forward with these plans. The decision to work with Natalya was simple because I trusted her.

She has undeniable expertise in her field (demonstrated through her publications, testimonials, etc.), but it is her compassion and sensitivity that make her truly effective. During our first meeting, she skillfully diagnosed the underlying issues that were holding me back from meeting my writing goals. We developed a detailed writing plan, with personalized strategies, to help me produce a full draft of my dissertation and reconnect with the joy of writing.

After just three weeks, I had met my goal of finishing my dissertation and found the spark of joy that I had for writing many years ago. Natalya’s frequent check-ins improved my motivation because I knew she was invested in my success – ready to support or encourage me, as needed. I choose to continue working with N atalya because her curious and kind questions help me to continue learning about my writing and myself. Natalya is a true gem and working with her has been the smartest decision that I made during the PhD journey.

A.I., PhD candidate, Health Services Research

Natalya is someone who truly cares about the people she works with and the projects she works on. Her deep thoughtfulness and genuine kindness shine through every interaction, pairing with her wisdom and experience to provide a positive experience with every encounter. I feel extremely fortunate to know and have the opportunity to work with Natalya. 

Melanie Steele, MS, Writing Coach and Founder of  For the Writer's Soul

I turned to Natalya, when I lost touch with my work. I no longer knew what my next step should be and how to manage the sense of internal paralysis I got every time I thought of it. Natalya got me from that to defending my dissertation eight months later.

Alya, PhD, Communication and Culture

I am indebted to Natalya. I had a long history of challenges and delays with my dissertation, complemented by a lack of success in setting, implementing, and achieving big writing deadlines in graduate school. I switched PhD programs at the beginning of my fourth year and started a new dissertation proposal; in year six, I was still struggling to write about my topic and was required to apply for a special extension in my graduate program.

I needed help with writing and was connected to Natalya through my university learning strategist. Working with her was transformative. Her joy for writing is infectiously stimulating; it taught me how to recognize my own value and passion for writing.

Practically, Natalya coached me to conceptualize, organize, and complete dissertation writing tasks that worked for me by facilitating my own exploration of writing styles and strategies. Moreover, she is very approachable and supportive, and was fully present at each step of my dissertation writing process. From the first submission of chapter drafts to scheduling my defence, I completed my dissertation within one year. I now see writing not only as a practice I do, but a place I genuinely look forward to going. I look forward to my future work with her!

Ashley, PhD, Psychology

Natalya's passion for writing is infectious! The encouragement and guidance she offered during the dissertation writing process helped me stay motivated, confident, and focused.

Natalya - Thanks again for such an incredible retreat!! Ryerson students are so lucky to have you. Your dissertation support programs are really making a huge difference when it comes to my progress. 

Erin, PhD, Communication and Culture

I feel great about the progress I made on the retreat! I was really struggling with the initial introductory chapters for my dissertation and the way in which they weren't "fitting" very well with my analyses and discussion. I was also trying to merge feedback from two committee members with very different ideal about the "identity" of these chapters. I was able to break through being "stuck" by dismantling the chapter and starting over with a clear sense of what I want to say and what plan works best for my project. While a painful process initially, I now feel excited and engaged with my project again as I am writing from a focused and entered place. This means that I am more clear now on what to include vs. exclude. This was great progress for me and I noticed that I felt lighter and more energized as time went on. Natalya, you are a special person. You shared so many nuggets of wisdom this week that touched me. I feel so grateful to have been at the retreat and inspired by your philosophy on life.

Amy, PhD, Clinical Psychology

I can't thank you enough. Every session with you helps me immensely and propels me forward and gives me energy. Thank you so much for your kindness and support 💜

Erin, PhD Candidate, Education

Natalya is a very experienced writing coach who listens deeply and intently to her client. She has helped me achieve all of my goals which I set out when we started to work together. I was stuck half-way through with the book manuscript and needed help to get going.

More than that, I wanted to transform and heal a fraught relationship with my inner writer. In just a few weeks, I was flying with my writing as we were able to remove all the blocks from my path. Although my writing was impacted by events that sidetracked me, I managed to bounce back into the manuscript with Natalya’s help. Day after day, my inner writer and I found peace with one another. And I am tempted to add here – and we lived happily ever after thanks to my fairy writing godmother Natalya! If you’re looking for a writing coach to help you heal a relationship with your inner writer, I cannot recommend Natalya strongly enough. You won’t find a more caring, passionate and experienced writing coach!

I.B., PhD, Bestselling Author

I was returning to my dissertation after an absence of several years. Natalya provided me with tools and strategies to make significant new progress towards completion. Just as valuable was her personal encouragement and engagement, helping me rediscover my love of writing and belief that I could finish.

Ryan K., PhD candidate, Theology

I am writing this testimonial with deep gratitude for the amazing support and guidance I received from Natalya. Starting the challenging journey of writing a dissertation is never easy, but with Natalya’s patient and empathetic approach, I not only learned how to write effectively but also confronted personal obstacles that emerged during this demanding process.

From our first meeting, it was clear that Natalya was not only a knowledgeable mentor but also a compassionate guide. She took the time to understand not just the subject of my research, but also the intricacies of my personal struggles and perspective. Her ability to merge academic direction with emotional support led to an extraordinary and invaluable coaching experience.

Natalya's coaching had a significant impact as she tailored her methods to meet my unique needs as someone with ADHD. She recognized the emotional challenges of working on a dissertation, especially for those facing specific obstacles, and provided a safe space for me to openly confront my fears and doubts. Through insightful discussions, she helped me overcome personal barriers that were holding back my progress.

Natalya not only taught me the intricacies of writing, but also instilled in me the confidence to trust my own voice and journey. She provided invaluable skills tailored toward an Adhder brain, such as time management, while also teaching life lessons like advocating for myself. Her talent for recognizing potential where I saw none helped me discover previously untapped abilities within myself. Natalya's constructive feedback was always coupled with encouragement, fostering an environment where learning and growth flourished. She is more than a dissertation coach; she is a mentor who supported me through one of the most challenging stages in any academic journey—the dissertation writing process.

Thanks to this life-changing coaching experience, I have taken decisive strides towards finishing my dissertation and emerged with greater resilience, both in academic pursuits and personally. Before the coaching sessions, writing felt like a struggle and publishing seemed unattainable. However, during our six months of coaching, I successfully published articles and am currently preparing three journal submissions. The guidance provided me with the understanding that writing can be fulfilling rather than burdensome and equipped me with the skills and determination to approach future obstacles confidently.

Without reservation, I endorse Natalya for anyone seeking not just a writing coach but also empathetic support to navigate the emotional challenges of dissertation writing. Thank you from the depths of my heart for being an integral part of my academic and personal journey.

Ida N., PhD candidate, Sociology

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Master your destiny. Finish your degree.

Help for every step of your PhD, including your dissertation, from a PhD in English.

Application process.

Choosing a school

Entrance exams

Application process

Transferring

Thesis development and trajectory

Research methods and sources

Area of interest guidance

Selection of dissertation topic

Program Milestones

Prospectus outlining

Exam and defense preparation

Meeting administrative deadlines

Time management

General Advisement

Grant / scholarship / fellowship applications

Finding funding, travel grants

General academic advisement for PhD students

General editing - grammar / corrections

Quotes / references / footnotes

Organization / thesis development

Clarity / polish / syntax

Assistance with journal article submissions

CJ Jamison, NC

" Working with DC has been enlightening to say the least. Our three sessions gave me some new directions for my diss and I have gone from struggling to write anything to wondering how I'm going to fit it all in."

Glen Charlton, CA

“DC helped me decide between two topic possibilities that I'd been considering for some time - with her help, I was able to get going very quickly. It's been four months since then and I'm now on chapter three and can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Meghan Papola, TX

"I needed help with a travel grant application. My two sessions with her paid for themselves since I received the grant, which more than covered my expenses. Thanks Dissertation Coach! “

Only a few years ago, I was in the boat you’re in now.

Going into the seventh academic year of my PhD program with a director impatient for chapters, my situation was compounded by the fact that I had a considerable amount of transferred coursework that was approaching "expiration.” Needless to say, the pressure was on to graduate that academic year. 

Starting the writing phase around mid-November, my 200+ page dissertation was completed - and successfully defended - by mid-April the following year. This timeframe even included a month-long vacation to Hawaii!

Read the rest of the story here...

"the secret of getting ahead is getting started." - mark twain.

Free pre-consultation meeting

BESPOKE SERVICE: LINE BY LINE EDITING

Dissertation Coach also offers line-by-line editing of MLA-formatted  dissertation chapters up to 7.5K words, as well as pre-published journal articles, including MLA formatting and references.

Free quotes are offered after reviewing a 5-10 page sample of your chapter or article.

This service includes:

   * grammatical corrections 

   * organization of language / syntax

   * quotes and references (MLA)

   * thesis organization and support

   * Q&A session by call / video

Pricing depends on chapter word/page counts and the level of editing required.

If interested in this service, please email a 5-10 page Word or PDF attachment of your dissertation chapter or article to [email protected] . Normally, quotes are provided in 2-3 business days.

“The best way to start a writing project is often with a question, not an answer.”                                                                                                             — Dissertation Coach