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Award-Winning Author Tutors Grammar, Writing, Reading Comp & Test Prep
John Michael C.

5.0 (45 ratings)

66 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $30
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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, essays, and features for the New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, The Newark Star-Ledger, The Providence Journal, Orlando Sentinel, Twin Cities Business Monthly,...

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, essays, and features for the New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, The Newark Star-Ledger, The Providence Journal, Orlando Sentinel, Twin Cities Business Monthly, Fairfax Times, and the Charleston Gazette-Mail.
I've published over a hundred short stories and literary essays in literary journals, including the North American Review, The Kenyon Review, The Chattahoochee Review, Louisiana Literature, Alaska Quarterly Review, Berkeley Fiction Review, The Texas Review, Sou’wester, and The Iowa Review. Nominated for the Pushcart Prize, my short story "The Scratchboard Project" won an honorable mention in The Best American Short Stories series (2007).
I've also authored four literary novels, including a YA novel. 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 novels include Penguin Random House, University of Wisconsin/Cornerstone Books, and West Virginia University Press.
I taught English grammar and composition at Seminole State College of Florida and tutored English at Lake-Sumter State College and 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

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $30
  • Rate details: Book 5 hours @ $30/hour, get 1 free! $150 value for $120. Book 10 hours, get 3 free! $390 value for $210.
  • Lesson cancellation: 0 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 8/28/2025

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Approved Subjects

Accent Reduction

Accent Reduction

After twenty-plus years of writing and tutoring, I possess a strong understanding of linguistics, including knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). A native English speaker, I taught ESL at Seminole State College of Florida, where I received a certification in accent modification. As a tutor, I am patient, culturally sensitive, and skilled in pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. I am committed to providing clear feedback and structured practice to help students improve communication and achieve their goals.
ACT English

ACT English

I've been tutoring ACT English for over 20 years with great success. I’ve consistently improved scores to the 28-36 range. I tutored ACT English for SMARTHINKING, Inc. As a result, I have a deep knowledge of English grammar, reading comprehension, and test-taking strategies. I also have exceptional communication skills, combined with the ability to adapt to individual student needs.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

Having tutored ACT Reading for over twenty years, I have a deep understanding of the test, excellent communication skills, and the ability to create a personalized learning plan. My personal best score on ACT Reading is 32, but I have consistently helped students reach 34 or higher. In all sections—Prose Fiction, Social Studies, Humanities, and Natural Sciences—my primary teaching strategy for reading comprehension is that the question and the correct answer often say the same thing, but in a different way. For this reason, vocabulary and knowledge of synonyms are crucial.
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!
English

English

I have over 10 years of experience in writing business English, including proposals, memos, reports, and manuals. Additionally, I've published personal and persuasive essays in top newspapers, such as the New York Daily News, Orlando Sentinel, and Charleston Gazette-Mail. I tutored English Language Arts (ELA) for SMARTHINKING, Inc. and academic English at Lake-Sumter State College, from research papers to narrative essays. I taught English grammar and composition at Seminole State College of Florida.
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.
Grammar

Grammar

In my twenty-plus years as a professional writer, I have become an expert at grammar. As a newspaper copy editor, I caught errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, often in the final stage of editing. I applied these editing skills to write clear, easy-to-understand sentences over 10 successful years as a freelance writer. I also edited dozens of novels for two university presses—work requiring a deep understanding of grammar and syntax and a knack for detail.
Literature

Literature

I've been writing literature for 30 years, from novels and short stories to literary essays and poems. I’ve written five literary novels, including a children’s book. The Night I Freed John Brown (Penguin Random House, 2008) won the 2009 Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers and was shortlisted for Black History Month by USA Today. Don't Forget Me, Bro (Stephen F. Austin State University Press, 2015) was widely excerpted in the Chicago Tribune and The Boston Globe. Publishers of my other novels include the University of Wisconsin/Cornerstone Books and West Virginia University Press. I've also published over a hundred short stories and poems in literary journals, including The North American Review, The Kenyon Review, Alaska Quarterly Review, North Dakota Quarterly, The Texas Review, Concho River Review, The Chattahoochee Review, Louisiana Literature, and The Iowa Review. Nominated for the Pushcart Prize, "The Scratchboard Project" won an honorable mention in The Best American Short Stories series (2007).
Proofreading

Proofreading

For twenty years, I have proofread news stories, essays, features, magazine articles, academic and medical texts, technical manuals, biographies, short stories, and novels. As a result, I have a deep understanding of grammar, spelling, and punctuation, combined with a seasoned work ethic of meticulous attention to detail and consistently strong critical-thinking skills. In 20 years, I have never missed a deadline.
Reading

Reading

With over twenty years of experience as a licensed reading teacher with a related master’s degree, I have successfully tutored hundreds of students, from ages 8 to 54. As an educated native English speaker, I am highly capable and skilled in teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. I truly enjoy empowering readers with cognitive and academic skills, such as critical thinking, improved communication, and a greater understanding of the world.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

With over twenty years of experience tutoring SAT Reading, I possess a deep understanding of the test, excellent communication skills, and the ability to create personalized learning plans. My personal best score on SAT Reading is 750, but I have consistently helped students reach scores of 770 or higher. On Wyzant.com, I recently tutored a high school student in SAT Reading for 14 sessions, and her score jumped from the low 700s to over 760. My primary teaching strategy for reading comprehension is that the question and the correct answer often say the same thing—but in a different way. For this reason, vocabulary and knowledge of synonyms are crucial.
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.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

With a master’s degree from the University of Central Florida and over 20 years of professional writing and teaching experience, I am highly experienced and skilled in tutoring thesis writing. My own thesis at UCF was my award-winning third novel, Don’t Forget Me, Bro (Stephen F. Austin State University Press, 2015), which was widely excerpted in The Boston Globe and Chicago Tribune. Having taught English and writing at the college level, I possess a strong grasp of academic writing, research methodologies, and thesis structure. As a newspaper reporter for over a decade, I wrote extensively about business, psychology, and law. As a result, I have expertise in numerous disciplines. In addition, my patience, excellent communication skills, and lifelong love of language create an enthusiastic learning environment in which I provide constructive, collaborative feedback. I am also adept at using Google Docs and online conferencing tools.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Having been a tutor and professional writer for over 20 years, from news stores to literary novels, I possess an excellent, robust vocabulary, a deep understanding of grammar, and in-depth knowledge of denotations and connotations. As an award-winning novelist, I have comprehensive knowledge of idioms, collocations, and other figurative language necessary in tutoring advanced vocabulary. At Seminole State College of Florida, I made the dictionary required reading.
ESL/ESOL
TOEFL
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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (45 ratings)
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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, 10 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, 7 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, 15 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: 1 hour
Contact John Michael