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Award-Winning Author Tutors Grammar, Reading Comp., and Essay Writing
John Michael C.

5.0 (40 ratings)

55 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $30
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Response time: 57 minutes

About John Michael

Bio

Hello, and thank you for visiting my bio page.
I’ve been a journalist, author, editor, and tutor for twenty-plus years.
My lifelong love of language creates an enthusiastic learning environment. I’m good-natured, genuinely caring, and young at heart. So it’s easy for me to build rapport with my students.
I’ve written news and essays for The Newark Star-Ledger, The Providence Journal, Orlando Sentinel, New York Daily News, Twin Cities Business Monthly, and the Charleston...

Hello, and thank you for visiting my bio page.
I’ve been a journalist, author, editor, and tutor for twenty-plus years.
My lifelong love of language creates an enthusiastic learning environment. I’m good-natured, genuinely caring, and young at heart. So it’s easy for me to build rapport with my students.
I’ve written news and essays for The Newark Star-Ledger, The Providence Journal, Orlando Sentinel, New York Daily News, Twin Cities Business Monthly, and the Charleston Gazette-Mail.
I've published over a hundred short stories and literary essays in literary journals, including North American Review, The Kenyon Review, and The Iowa Review. Nominated for the Pushcart Prize, "The Scratchboard Project" won an honorable mention in The Best American Short Stories series (2007).
I am especially proud that I have written four literary novels, including a children’s book. The Night I Freed John Brown (Penguin 2008) won the 2009 Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers and was shortlisted for Black History Month by USA Today.
Publishers of my other novels include the University of Wisconsin/Cornerstone Books, Stephen F. Austin State University Press, and West Virginia University Press.
I taught English grammar and composition at Seminole State College of Florida and tutored essay writing for SMARTHINKING, Inc.
Finally, I also have a lifelong love of dictionaries. I studied lexicography at Marymount Manhattan College, and at Seminole State College of Florida, I made the dictionary required reading.
I hold a BA in Fine Arts from George Mason University and an MFA in Fiction Writing from the University of Central Florida.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you kindly,
John Michael

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Education

George Mason University, BA
Studio Arts and Graphic Design
University of Central Florida, MFA in Fiction Writing
Masters

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Approved Subjects

Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I’ve written personal and narrative essays for The Newark Star-Ledger, The Providence Journal, Orlando Sentinel, New York Daily News, Fairfax Times, Twin Cities Business Monthly, Utne Reader, and Charleston Gazette-Mail. I have also have published more than a hundred short stories and creative essays in literary journals, including the North American Review, The Kenyon Review, and The Iowa Review. Nominated for the Pushcart Prize, "The Scratchboard Project" won an honorable mention in The Best American Short Stories series (2007). I have also written four novels, including a children’s book. The Night I Freed John Brown (Penguin 2008) won the 2009 Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers and was shortlisted for Black History Month by USA Today. Publishers of my other novels include the University of Wisconsin/Cornerstone Books, Stephen F. Austin State University Press, and West Virginia University Press. I have an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Central Florida. I taught English grammar and composition at Seminole State College of Florida and tutored essay writing for SMARTHINKING, Inc. - Thank you!
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I’ve written essays for The Newark Star-Ledger, The Providence Journal, Orlando Sentinel, New York Daily News, Fairfax Times, Twin Cities Business Monthly, Utne Reader, and Charleston Gazette-Mail. I taught English grammar and composition at Seminole State College of Florida and tutored essay writing online for SMARTHINKING, Inc.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I have authored four literary novels, including a children’s book. The Night I Freed John Brown (Penguin 2008) won the 2009 Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers and was shortlisted for Black History Month by USA Today. Publishers of my other novels include the University of Wisconsin/Cornerstone Books, Stephen F. Austin State University Press, and West Virginia University Press. I’ve also published more than a hundred short stories in literary journals, including the North American Review, The Kenyon Review, and The Iowa Review. Nominated for the Pushcart Prize, "The Scratchboard Project" won an honorable mention in The Best American Short Stories series (2007). I have an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Central Florida. Thank you.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I taught English grammar and composition at Seminole State College of Florida and tutored SAT/ACT writing and admissions essay writing for SMARTHINKING, Inc. My lifelong love of language creates an enthusiastic learning environment. I’m good-natured, genuinely caring, compassionate, and young at heart. So it’s easy for me to build rapport with my students. I’ve also written essays for The Newark Star-Ledger, The Providence Journal, Orlando Sentinel, New York Daily News, Fairfax Times, Twin Cities Business Monthly, Utne Reader, and Charleston Gazette-Mail. I’ve published more than a hundred short stories and personal essays in literary journals, including the North American Review, The Kenyon Review, and The Iowa Review. Nominated for the Pushcart Prize, "The Scratchboard Project" won an honorable mention in The Best American Short Stories series (2007). I've also authored four literary novels, including a children’s book. The Night I Freed John Brown (Penguin 2008) won the 2009 Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers and was shortlisted for Black History Month by USA Today. Publishers of my other novels include the University of Wisconsin/Cornerstone Books, Stephen F. Austin State University Press, and West Virginia University Press. Finally, I have a lifelong love of dictionaries. I studied lexicography at Marymount Manhattan College, and when I taught English at Seminole State College of Florida, I made the dictionary required reading. I hold a BA in Fine Arts from George Mason University and an MFA in Fiction Writing from the University of Central Florida.
ACT English
ACT Reading
English
ESL/ESOL
Grammar
Literature
Proofreading
Reading
SAT Reading
TOEFL
Vocabulary
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Response time: 57 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

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Reviews

Creative and very knowledgeable tutor!

I am greatly thankful for meeting John Michael! He has been incredibly helpful with writing and preparing for both the personal statement and supplemental questions. He is an excellent writer himself and has a real talent for breaking down complex writing challenges into manageable steps. From brainstorming ideas to refining drafts, he provides thoughtful guidance at every stage. What sets John Michael apart is how much time and effort he genuinely invests in his students. It’s clear that he prepares thoroughly before each session, tailoring his advice to each individual’s voice and goals. His feedback is detailed, constructive, and always encouraging, which makes the writing process much less intimidating and far more productive. Thanks to his support, I feel much more confident in my writing and in presenting my ideas clearly and compellingly. I highly recommend John Michael to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated tutor who truly cares about helping students succeed.

Matt, 9 lessons with John Michael

Kind and knowledgeable

My child always has such a great time with John Michael — he’s sincere, supportive, and incredibly encouraging! He’s a writer/teacher with real calling.

Chelsea, 6 lessons with John Michael

Very helpful with essay review!

John Michael helped my son review his college application short essays and provided very helpful feedback to improve the responses. He's thorough and really takes his time to go through the writing and really helped to improve the essays. Would definitely recommend!

Lubna, 5 lessons with John Michael

Excellent SAT Reading tutor.

John Michael is an excellent SAT Reading tutor. He quickly identified my weak areas and provided clear, practical strategies for improvement. His ability to break down complex passages into simple steps helped me build both skill and confidence. Each session is well-structured, encouraging, and focused on results. I’ve seen steady progress and feel much more prepared for the SAT. I highly recommend John Michael to anyone looking to raise their SAT Reading score.

Amanda, 13 lessons with John Michael

Patient and knowledgeable

John is a great tutor! He takes the time to explain things in a way that makes sense and never rush. Learning with him feels easy. Thank you John for your patience and encouragement. I highly recommend!!

Dj, 9 lessons with John Michael

Definitely will be working with him again!

John Micael is a patient tutor and helped me to edit and revise my admissions essays for graduate school. His feedback not only helped me improve and smooth out my writing but also gave me confidence in submitting my applications. He was quick to respond and get back to me, which helped me get everything done in a timely manner. Additionally, his feedback was honest, encouraging and motivating, which made the whole process feel much less overwhelming. I highly recommend him as a tutor.

Elicia, 2 lessons with John Michael
Hourly Rate: $30
Response time: 57 minutes
Contact John Michael