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Dissertation Complete Coaching Reviews – What My Clients Are Saying

Below is a sampling of reviews from my dissertation coaching clients from universities around the world. Nothing makes me happier than helping doctoral and masters students finish their dissertations and graduate! If you have a dissertation coach review of our work together you’d like to share, please contact me .

Dr. Cara is the real deal. I would not have persevered after my setback with my committee without her support and empowering encouragement. She provides a safe space to explore challenges to both process and content, always with good humour and empathetic warmth.

We have worked together for nearly a year to get to the glorious finish line! – Melissa R., University of Amsterdam

Thank you again for all of your support and for invigorating my passion for my dissertation! I truly appreciate your curiosity and encouragement.

– Warmly, Karima J., University of Toronto

Honestly (and feel free to use this as a testimonial) today’s session really helped me get back on track. As I mentioned, I’ve not had any motivation these past few weeks for this chapter, but after our call, I did everything I mentioned above. It’s been a good day!

This is Simon’s review after completing his dissertation four months later: Cara was able to help me take a step back and break the project down into separate parts that all worked together. In doing so, I was able to focus on one part at a time, which helped remove that constant sense of feeling overwhelmed. Week by week, we created new tasks and before I knew it four months had gone by and I was able to submit my thesis ahead of time. There’s no way I would’ve been able to accomplish this on my own–coaching with Cara was well worth every penny.

– Simon T., Dalhousie University

I would likely have not finished my dissertation without Dr. Cara’s help. She was motivating and encouraging without being pushy or negative. She supported my writing goals, provided direction and gave me emotional support. Regular calls with Dr. Cara helped focus my writing into manageable blocks of time, enabling me to complete individual sections and eventually complete chapters.

– Mark D., USC

Dr. Cara was strict, kind, patient, insightful, and understanding. I felt like she was personally committed to helping me as an individual. Her interest in me translated into a desire on my part to focus and work through difficult sections of my dissertation. She listened and continually made thoughtful comments that challenged and forced me to clarify what I had written previously.

The greatest compliment, I think, is that the work that I produced with her help was ultimately accepted by my committee and allowed me to graduate! Thank you! Thank you!

– David Dayton, Steven Green School of International and Public Affairs

Dr. Cara provided insight into how to prepare my project and helped me to develop necessary research skills, supported with her wealth of experience. She was quick to respond to any issues and went the extra mile to assist me throughout while allowing me to develop my own ideas, approaches and skills.

I can honestly say that without the support I received from Cara, my final project would not have been anywhere close to what I was able to achieve. Knowing that there was a person with extensive experience in research and the desire to see me succeed to my full potential really pushed me to stay on track and improve my capabilities. I recommend Dissertation Complete Coaching to anyone embarking on their post-graduate level research project and dissertation.

– Gemma S., Middlesex University

After recovering from an illness, I need help jumpstarting my writing routine when I fell out of practice. I reached out to Dr. Cara Weston and we worked together to develop a plan to improve my writing productivity. We discussed writing strategies during our sessions, but more importantly, we worked on how to incorporate scholarship into my daily life.

– Jason M., University of Toronto

Entering the final year of my PhD program, I had lost the belief that I could ever finish my dissertation. I was completely blocked and the stress was unbearable. Working with Dr. Cara Weston-Edell, week to week, month to month, was the single catalyst that turned everything around for me. The words started coming again, my thoughts became clearer, and my confidence grew.

Cara’s coaching included specific feedback on the content, structure, and direction of my dissertation, as well as best practices on how to navigate the end stages of a doctoral program. Most importantly for me, Cara was an indispensable dialogue partner. Her useful insights and probing questions, her empathy and humor, kept me engaged, reignited my passion for the project, and held me accountable as I genuinely looked forward to our weekly conversations.

I give my highest recommendation for Cara’s services and only wished I’d contacted her sooner.

– Austin R., Dublin City University

Dr. Cara, I have just handed it in and I have finally completed this journey! Just wanted to thank you for all your help through this process. I really appreciated it – you kept me motivated to get to the end.

All the best,

– Dean M., University of Manchester

I pushed hard and I have a defense date of 4/16. Hoping for the best! I will let you know how it goes… your support was instrumental.

[One month later:]

Hi again, Dr. Cara,

I just wanted you to know I completed my degree. Thank you so much for your support.

– Mara M., Columbia University

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello Dr. Cara,

When I contacted Cara I was coming to the end of my dissertation and had lost my confidence in my research and writing. I knew what I had to do but I couldn’t seem to get the words down on paper and when I did I immediately erased them or spend a day changing a sentence.

Talking with Cara every week became a safe space without judgement that allowed me to voice  my concerns and ask all the silly questions I was too embarrassed to ask my busy supervisors. In turn, Cara asked me questions that helped me focus upon the message I was trying to convey and why what I had to say was important. This process gave me confidence in my work and writing ability so I could move forward and pass my PhD. 

– Kerrie P., Brock University

– Juan Arias, Lisbon School of Economics and Management , Portugal

Since January I have been working with Dr. Weston-Edell to get me onto a path of completing the dissertation.  What I ultimately needed was consistency and clarity. Despite having published articles, a book chapter and reports, it was almost as if the dissertation was eluding me; however, I am close to completion because of the help of Dr. Cara Weston-Edell. A schedule was established each week to meet on designated days, review/discuss the work that was assigned and create a plan for moving forward. What I appreciated the most about Cara was that she was always honest with me about my progress and challenges.

I also appreciated her consistency:  she never missed a meeting, was always punctual, and was always positive. Moreover, the way she helped me to think through the details of my writing was second to none. I switched advisors when I began working with Cara, which essentially meant that I had to start my entire dissertation over. This was not only frustrating, but time-consuming. With each chapter we would strategize about what it would take to move forward, which included: outlining the chapters, updating the lit review, writing development, reading articles, etc. Cara made the tasks not only manageable, but ensured I was confidently moving in the right direction. Throughout our entire time working together, I was confident that she genuinely cared about me finishing. I am currently working on my last chapter to complete a full draft and move forward to a defense date. Simply put:  If it were not for Dr. Weston-Edell I would have given up a long time ago. 

– Brian Woodward, University of Southern California

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When I reached out to Dr. Cara, I felt totally stuck in my work on my dissertation, and I wasn’t sure whether I would be able to complete it. Working with Dr. Cara completely turned things around. With her help, finishing my dissertation became something I knew I could realistically achieve. She demystified the dissertation writing process and guided me through each step. Her suggestions about structure and content were so insightful, and her feedback on my drafts was extremely encouraging. In addition to being a true specialist in all the technical aspects of dissertation writing, Dr. Cara is also incredibly supportive and kind, and her positive energy kept me moving forward until I completed my project. I know this sounds like a cliché, but I truly mean it when I say that I only wish I had found her sooner! 

– Elisabeth H., York University

Cara!!!! I passed my Viva today with minimal revisions. I’m now officially Dr. Taylor.

–  Simon Taylor, Dalhousie University       

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

At long last, I’ve completed the full draft of the thesis! I’ll be reviewing and editing it this week but I think it’s pretty much viable for submission by next week. Very exciting and a huge relief 🙂 Thank you so much for your support throughout the process; it was so helpful to have someone keeping me accountable to my goals and progress. 

– Ariana C., Oxford University, England

Dr. Cara Weston-Edell helped me complete my dissertation when I ran out of resources and motivation. I needed to be handheld throughout the entire process. Dr. Cara Weston-Edell is knowledgeable, professional, a partner, and patient. She provided me with the inspiration and tools to become successful. I wholeheartedly recommend her as a dissertation coach.

– Georgia K., The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Dr. Weston,

Brian, UCLA

If you’re searching for a Ph.D. advisor to get you to the finish line or would like to leave a dissertation coach review for me, please reach out . 

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

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General editing - grammar / corrections

Quotes / references / footnotes

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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.

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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

Get Help with Your Dissertation

With Dr.Henderson to inspire, encourage, and support

Dr. Henderson: The Dissertation Coach is committed to helping clients push through the doctoral process with less stress and exasperation.

I will guide you through each step of the dissertation process. As a former candidate, I understand the struggles and life challenges that current candidates face. Therefore, my mission is to Inspire, Encourage, and Support others to be successful.

My coaching services include: -One-On-One coaching -Editing/ Style formatting (currently APA, MLA) -Data Analysis ( Qualitative; limited Quantitative)

Statment from clients

I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr.Henderson for her editing and consulting services. I am a Doctoral Candidate in Capstone I and have written the first three chapters of my manuscript. It can be initially overwhelming for those who have progressed through this process. However, Dr. Henderson's giftedness, collaboration, and patience have helped me to overcome apprehension and gain confidence in this first hurdle of the Capstone process. Her giftedness in writing, editing, and consulting are beyond measure. I am still in awe of how she assisted in helping me bridge the research data and my voice to come alive in my writing. -E.T. Doctoral Candidate(Graduated class of 2023)

One night while full of frustration due to my paper being returned so my times by my mentor, I decided to post on Facebook for support and see if the returns were truly justified. Dr. Henderson saw my post and messaged me. Her words were of peace and encouragement. I asked if I could give her a call. She said yes and immediately sent me her phone number. When we spoke again, she and her husband were encouraging and assured me that she would walk me through this process to get me to where I needed to be in the timeframe I had set for myself. Since that first conversation, Dr. Henderson has aided me with corrections, research, prayers, and conversation. She walks me step-by-step through all of my mentor’s suggestions. She has examined and made the necessary edits to my paper. She has become the true guide to assisting me towards approval to begin my research. I would recommend Dr. Henderson as an Editor to anyone at any time. She works diligently on your behalf and consults you every step of the way while encouraging and praying for your success. -Ms. K. L., Doctoral Candidate(Graduated class of 2023)

My manuscript is now in the presence of the Director, and I thank God that I will proceed to the next phase of my Capstone process (Proposal Defense and Data Collection). It is without reservation that I highly recommend the editing and consulting services of Dr.Henderson. To God Be the Glory. -E.T. Doctoral Candidate(Graduated class of 2023)

After several times editing my paper with my mentor and feeling defeated. My mentor stopped editing my paper and recommended I consult with an editor and I did just that and here came Dr. Henderson to my rescue and eased my worries. After a week and a half working with Dr. Henderson my proposal was submitted back to my mentor and days later my proposal received directors approval. Importantly, editing price was reasonable. Thank you Dr. Henderson!! - T.W, Doctoral Candidate(Graduated class of 2023)

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Dr. Henderson: The Dissertation Coach offers two levels of editing, APA editing in-document and APA editing reference page. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions concerning levels.

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Dr. Henderson: The Dissertation Coach offers Assess and create a data analysis plan, Recommendations and consult for data transcription, Recommendation and thorough consult on data analysis software, Recommendation and thorough consultation on the interpretation of results

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Trapped in dissertation revisions?

How to choose a dissertation coach, published by steve tippins on july 17, 2019 july 17, 2019.

Last Updated on: 30th August 2022, 04:33 am

The dissertation journey can be a lonely one. Even if you are in a close cohort of people, there are still many times when you are on your own. Your dissertation committee may be helpful, but they are responsible for many students and may not be able to give you the level of support you need.

For these reasons and others (maybe you need someone to hold you to your commitments or provide moral support), many people look for a dissertation coach to help them along the way.

But how do you choose a dissertation coach ? While there are generic life coaching certification programs available, there are no dissertation coaching certification programs. You’re on your own to decide whether someone is qualified.

Here is my advice for how to choose a dissertation coach.

Have they written a dissertation?

The first thing that I would ask a potential dissertation coach is if they have successfully completed a dissertation themselves. They might know about the process, but if they haven’t gone through the experience they won’t have a full understanding. 

As Lady Catherine de Bourgh said of her skill at the piano in Pride and Prejudice , “If I had ever learnt, I would have been a great proficient.” 

You want a coach who has learned to play the piano–which in this case means having completed a dissertation. That person will understand the late nights, missed events, frustration, tears, elation, and everything else tied up neatly in the package of the phrase “I’m writing my dissertation.” Those that have been there can help you find your way through.

Have they served on committees?

Completing a dissertation is a wonderful accomplishment. You learn a great deal about yourself and the process while writing a dissertation. However, one time through as a student does not give you the complete picture. 

When choosing a dissertation coach, you should look for someone who has served on many committees and in many different roles. This way you will get a coach who has seen many different approaches and who has dealt with many different personalities. The more experience your dissertation coach has the more helpful he or she will be for you.

Having someone on your side with the perspective of a dissertation Chair or committee member is an invaluable resource for you. They can see things the way your Chair might, see potential issues, and help you address their feedback much more quickly than you could on your own.

When students have asked me how to choose a dissertation coach, I always encourage them to look for someone who has chaired dissertation committees .

Have they coached others successfully?

Coaching requires a much different skillset than serving as a Committee Chair. You want someone who has been able to support others through the process successfully.

A Dissertation Chair has the power to tell a student what must be done. A coach needs to be able to help students navigate the requirements of chairs and committees and understand the perspective of committee members. Your dissertation coach will most likely be strong at this if he or she has coached others through this process successfully.

Pay attention to testimonials, and ask for references.

Are they an editor?

This is an interesting thing to consider. Hiring a dissertation editor may be just what you need if you are only looking for help with your writing. But, if you are looking for help with the entire process, someone who knows what you are going through and what you need to do, and has dealt with many dissertation committee members, then an editor may not be what you need. 

How to choose a dissertation coach sometimes comes down to strategy–can you get all of your needs met in one place, rather than having to track down both a good coach and a good editor. This is especially important because a coach and an editor may have differing views.

Many dissertation coaches will do some editing when reviewing your work, but their value is beyond editing. They will offer you far more insight and support than a traditional dissertation editor will.

On the flip side, I found that coaching services on their own are not enough for students who need help with their writing. Because of this, I brought on a few trustworthy editors with whom I’ve worked closely over the years to make sure students get the help they need.

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Do they offer a specific program or tailor their offerings to your needs?

There are advantages to both approaches. A coach takes every client through a system that they have found people benefit from. This type of program can provide great information and be helpful but cannot be all things to all people.

A coach who tailors his/her offerings looks at where you are in the process, what you are asking for, what you need to reach your goals, and what questions that you have. This type of approach is more personal and designed to fit your exact needs.

A dissertation coach with a long term view will also try to help you be set up to meet you post-graduate degree goals. The approach that you choose depends upon your desires and needs.

How to Choose a Dissertation Coach: Summary

Many people use a dissertation coach during their dissertation process. Finding a coach who has the needed skills can help you make progress faster and make the journey easier. Finding a dissertation coach with the background and skills that you need is important. 

Look at the qualifications of any coach that you consider and see if they have the unique set of skills needed to help you move forward. In addition, I suggest that you have a phone conversation with any potential coach to determine how well you two can work together.

I hope I’ve thoroughly answered the question of how to choose a dissertation coach. Good luck!

PS. With 30 years of experience as a professor and a current Dissertation Chair, I know the dissertation process inside and out. Take a look at my dissertation coaching package, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. The first consultation is free!

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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David’s depth of knowledge in research methodology was truly impressive. He demonstrated a profound understanding of the nuances and complexities of my research area, offering insights that I hadn’t even considered. His ability to synthesize information, identify key research gaps, and suggest research topics was truly inspiring. I felt like I had a true expert by my side, guiding me through the complexities of the proposal.

Cyntia Sacani (US)

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)

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)

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)

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 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)

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Highly Recommend!!

My experience with Dr. Rivera has been fantastic. Writing a dissertation is a stressful task, and occasionally, it is easy to get to a point where you are spinning your wheels. Dr. Rivera provided me with immediate attention and solutions that worked. She has walked alongside me to ensure I keep moving and don't lose confidence. If you are in this situation, don't wait to reach out for help.

Date of experience : September 13, 2024

Amazing Dissertation Support!

Amazing Dissertation Support! I had an amazing experience working with Kirstie from Dissertation by Design. I had a huge research project for my dissertation and felt so stuck on the statistics - unsure of which tests to run, what it all the results would even mean... so I finally admitted I needed help and I could not have asked for a better experience working with Kirstie from start to finish. It was a huge weight off of my shoulders to give her all of my data, talk through the narrative and goals of the project, and then hand it off to her to complete the statistics and accompanying narratives. My dissertation committee was so impressed! And I am still so thankful!

Date of experience : April 17, 2024

Amazing experience!

I had a wonderful experience working with Kirstie! I have no background in statistics and truly could not have completed this step in the dissertation process without her. Not only did she help me run my data and construct my initial draft, but she also was always available for follow-up questions and clarification. I cannot recommend her highly enough!

Date of experience : May 01, 2024

Professional and Sophisticated Experience

My research design ended up being more complicated than my chair, and I had anticipated it would be. Kirstie Eastwood and Dr. Jessica Parker went above and beyond to help me draft the data analysis portion of my dissertation. Kirstie's expertise with statistics was professional and precise. The help I received was worth every penny, and I felt supported through the whole experience!!

Date of experience : April 07, 2024

Amazing service

I am beyond thrilled to have been referred to this company. Dr. Richard has been an invaluable partner in my journey to complete my dissertation. Her calm, professional, and caring demeanor has been so helpful in getting me past the writing slump I was in. Their variety of assistance allowed me to get the proper help for my needs. I highly recommend this company!

Date of experience : March 16, 2024

Help for Non-statisticians

My statistical tutor has been very easy and encouraging to work with. My statistical background is weak and she seems to be able to work through that and tailor her remarks to my level. I am learning about which methods we're choosing and why, and I've received scholarly articles which will help me write up my methods properly. I highly recommend DbD.

Date of experience : December 07, 2022

Reply from Dissertation by Design

Hello David, we are so happy to hear that your statistician has been easy and encouraging to work with. It sounds like you are really benefiting from the sessions, and we are glad to be able to help you improve your skills. Keep up the good work and let us know if there is anything we can do to help you further. Thanks for taking the time to write this review - it means a lot to us!

"Why didn't I reach out sooner"

"Why didn't I reach out sooner" is probably an all-too-familiar refrain! I'd hit a roadblock mid-Chapter 3 (not to mention the whole COVID crisis!) and reached out to Dissertation By Design. Super responsive and helpful I knew right away that it'd be a good fit. Needing a delicate mix of accountability and guidance/education, Jessica has been knocking it out of the park. I honesty would recommend reaching out to see if D by D can help you, too... it is very clear that Jessica and her team can and will meet you where you are and help you move toward the finish line.

Date of experience : September 28, 2020

Excellent Bootcamp

I found the literature review bootcamp extremely helpful in many ways – it covered many of the areas I'm struggling and provided helpful strategies. I feel this will help me to become more organised and focused in my approach. I especially enjoyed learning about the AI aspect in an ethical way. Dr. Parker has a high level of expertise and is very helpful when answering questions.

Date of experience : April 29, 2023

Coach, teacher, counselor, and cheerleader!

I am thoroughly enjoying my coaching from Veronica. She is extremely knowledgeable and a gifted teacher. Her ability to break down the overwhelming task, make it doable and provide feedback along the way is very different than other companies I have worked with. She is also part counselor and cheerleader, which I really enjoy! The work is hard, it takes time, but with Veronica leading me, I feel confident it is going to be worth it!

Date of experience : March 14, 2022

Worth the time and investment!

I have been using Dissertation by Design for a few months now, and cannot say enough to share my gratitude and appreciation. Not only did Dr. Desi R (my most fabulous coach) help me formulate my outline in chapter 2, we have been able to flesh out frameworks and research questions to strengthen my chapter 1 before my proposal. She was flexible with time and quick responses for feedback. Dr. Desi and I have created a bond that will last long after my dissertation is completed! If you are stuck in writing or just need an expert for targeted feedback I highly recommend setting up an appointment!!

Date of experience : June 23, 2020

Great investment

After struggling with data analysis, I decided to work with Dissertation by Design to recalibrate. I was paired with Dr. Veronica Richard, who was a godsend. She provided a strategy that was clear, achievable and measurable. I look forward to working more with Dr. Richard during this dissertation journey. Such a great investment!

Date of experience : April 01, 2021

Thank you, Reggie! I am so excited to see what you discover and your impact in the field! Veronica

Exactly What I needed & Exactly What You Need.

After googling for hours, days maybe, and finding several low level and borderline scam type thesis coaching services I came across DxD and I could not be happier about it. I have been paired with an excellent coach, she knows here stuff for sure. I would highly recommend this service to anyone who is even on the fence about it.

Date of experience : October 02, 2021

Hi Lindsay, thank so much for the glowing review!

Last Minute! No Problem!

My situation is time sensitive such that, other coaching services shied away from assisting me. DBD has taken me on as a client and with their help, I am moving through this Very difficult process. My coach is helpful, encouraging and turns documents around quickly.

Date of experience : November 16, 2022

Thank you so much for your kind words, Davitta. We are glad that we could be of assistance during this difficult time. Our team is committed to helping our clients through every step of the dissertation process, and we are happy to hear that we were able to provide the support you needed.

DBD Literature Review BootCamp

I highly recommend purchasing the Lit Review Bootcamp at a great price. I learned great tools and strategies to help me write my literature review for my dissertation. As a group, we met with Dr. Parker personally online at every class. She spent time reviewing our own work to provide tips and guidance toward our own Literature Review. I am so glad I took this course, because now I have a better understanding and plan to complete my Literature Review.

Date of experience : May 10, 2022

Hi Meredith! Thank you for taking time to review our Literature Review Bootcamp. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and learning about your research! I wish you the best. - Jessica Parker

Everything I never realized I needed

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 across the finish line has increased astronomically. I am so grateful for this service. This should be a requirement of all grad programs!! Jessica and Veronica are outstanding!

Date of experience : August 03, 2022

Hi Jacqui, thank you for your glowing review! Veronica and I have enjoyed working with you.

Dissertation by Design offers quality services at reasonable costs. Veronica is PHENOMENAL! Not only is she a qualitative research expert, she is also thoughtful, patient, and supportive of her clients. She prepared me for my Defense, ensuring that my slidedeck flowed as it should and went over each of the slides with me for sequence and coherence. Timely, professional, well worth the investment. ~Dr. B

Date of experience : April 28, 2021

Thank you so much, Dr. B! Congratulations on your recent success and to many in the future! Veronica

Helped me out of a black hole

I was in a really bad spot where I had to do my analysis very quickly to finish on time and my committee was extremely hands off. Kirstie was with me every step of the way through my analysis and helped me not only carry everything out according to my research plan, but also helped me really learn and understand what I was doing and why, how to code, how to think through critical decision points, how to interpret, etc. I learned so much and grew exponentially in my abilities to clean, manage, and analyze data independently. I don't know if I would have made it without Kirstie's help.

Date of experience : January 28, 2023

We are absolutely thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Kirstie! We genuinely appreciate your feedback and will pass your kind words to Kirstie. She will undoubtedly be delighted to hear how impactful her guidance has been to you. We consider ourselves fortunate to have played a part in your academic journey 💙

Dr. Veronica Richard is a Godsend!

Dr. Veronica Richard has been a breath of fresh air and a light of encouragement throughout this entire process. Dr. Richard is committed to the cause and ensuring that we are remaining focused and on task. There is never a question that goes unanswered! I have to add, without Dr. Richard's voice of reason, advice, clarity, and revisions, I would not have made it through this quarter! I am literally on track to defending my proposal in a matter of 7 weeks with this program!

Date of experience : March 09, 2021

Thank you so much, Lisa! Your hard work is paying off! I look forward to your future success :-) Veronica

My spouse is also still livid that I spent over $1600.00 with this company and have nothing helpful to show for it. Their business model appears to be one whereby they will lead you down a gilded path until you reach the critical juncture of needing them the most and your budget running dry. They are hoping that at that point you will believe you have no further choice but to continue. My request for a refund was met with silence. Not even enough courtesy to try and resolve my issues. The reply is misleading. I agreed to allow them another chance even though my initial fees were not refunded. Their response resulted a continuation of the same. My second request for a refund remains unanswered.

Date of experience : December 19, 2022

Hi Thunderhorse, Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns and sharing your feedback. I'm sorry to hear that you're unhappy with our services. We take all feedback seriously, and I'd like to address your concerns. First, we did respond to your request for a refund. We met with you for more than 10 hours over the course of 5 months to try and resolve your issues. Our last communication stated that we needed to narrow the focus of your study to avoid further delays, and you did not respond to that email. Second, as discussed during our initial consultation, working with a coach is not a "quick fix." Although we try to help clients produce their desired results within a specified budget, we cannot guarantee an outcome because every client's situation is unique and there are factors outside of our control. Writing a dissertation requires significant time and effort, and we do not write for our clients - we help our clients produce original scholarship. We stand behind our commitment to provide quality service and assist you to the best of our ability. However, the decision-making power ultimately lies with the client, and these decisions can significantly influence the results. It is regrettable that we could not reach an accord in your particular case; but we acknowledge that in certain cases, client expecations may not align with the services we provide.

Dr. Veronica Richard has been incredibly helpful in getting me over the hump of my draft proposal and on my way to my defense, even in a short amount of time! She has helped me clarify specific details to about my methodology and improve parts of my dissertation that my chair wasn't able to assist with. This program was truly a god-send!

Date of experience : March 07, 2021

Thank you so much, Stacy! I am excited for you and your recent success!

Dr. Katrina Oko-Odoi

Taking the stress out of the, dissertation process, peace of mind.

Gain some much-needed perspective and reassurance during this challenging process. With a support partner to walk through this journey with you, the overwhelm, confusion, and doubt will begin to fade away.

Accountability

It can be hard to stay on track with so many pressing responsibilities, from full-time employment or teaching, to family obligations and raising children. Avoid procrastination and missed deadlines with some gentle yet firm accountability.

Forward Momentum

With new systems and support in place, start feeling productive again as you begin to see forward momentum. Make steady progress on research and dissertation chapters, with a trusted reviewer by your side to offer feedback and guidance along the way.

Why I Do What I Do

The dissertation process shouldn’t be that stressful.

I’ve worked with so many students over the years who are confused and overwhelmed with the dissertation process. It doesn’t need to be that way!

Hi, I’m Dr. Katrina Oko-Odoi, published author, lifelong teacher, business owner, and dissertation coach. I founded EditingWorm over a decade ago to support graduate students with the dissertation writing process and all that comes along with it. In the past ten years, I’ve worked with hundreds of students, providing targeted support to help them successfully complete their degrees. After frequent requests from clients looking for even more personalized support, I was driven to start offering dissertation coaching. Coaching is the latest in my ongoing efforts to provide as much assistance as possible to graduate students struggling with their doctoral journey.

Have Questions?

I’d love to chat to see how i can be of support., i believe that....

Many graduate programs don’t provide sufficient support for students.

• No graduate student should feel invisible, unworthy, neglected, mistreated, or alone.
• Every graduate student deserves supportive guidance and mentorship during their journey
• It is possible to finish graduate school without feeling stressed and burnt out
• If you have a passion for your topic and are committed to your research, you can successfully complete your degree

I help demystify the doctoral journey and serve as a mentor for students who aren’t receiving the support they need within their own program.

The support I provide looks different for each individual, whether it’s a structured timeline and action plan for getting chapters written, assistance with the IRB process, guidance for dealing with challenging committee members, or a cheerleader who is present every step of the way.

Why a dissertation coach might be helpful for you

You have a ton of ideas for your dissertation but you can’t narrow it down

You’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of graduate school

You’re confused or overwhelmed by the IRB process

You feel paralyzed by feelings of self-doubt

You’re feeling stuck and can’t seem to make forward progress

You struggle with balancing your workload and finding time for your dissertation

You don’t feel comfortable or familiar with academic writing

You feel like your program or committee members are deliberately stalling you

You aren’t getting enough support from your chair/supervisor or committee

You feel like you’re going in circles with editing and rewriting dissertation chapters

You’re up against a hard deadline and need help making steady progress

You struggle with perfectionism and aren’t able to make forward progress

10 Keys to Successfully Navigating Graduate School

Start graduate school off on the right foot with this free guide Grad school can be a daunting place. It is its own world with its own set of rules. I often wished that someone had given me a guidebook when I first started my doctoral program. So I’ve created that guide for you. I offer ten keys to help you navigate your graduate studies with more confidence and begin to lay the foundation for a successful academic career.

Ebook Download

What sets me apart as a dissertation coach.

As a trusted guide who’s been there before, I confidently walk you through the dissertation process, providing customized support and tools to help you stay focused and productive.

As scholars — especially in the humanities and social sciences, we often get stuck in our heads. We need someone to put things in perspective and help us think through things. While some students are lucky enough to have a mentor or chair to play that role, that isn’t always the case. That’s where I come in.

My focus isn’t just structure or accountability

• Read your writing and give overarching feedback and guidance
• Help you navigate challenging relationships with committee members
• Play the role of sounding board to bounce ideas off of freely
• Offer accountability to help you get your research and writing done
• Serve as PhD consultant to answer your questions on protocols, IRB, methodology, and more
• Become your biggest cheerleader

The Coaching Process

I’ve designed my coaching to be flexible to meet each individual’s specific needs. i offer on-demand hourly coaching sessions as well as coaching packages of varying sizes, whether you want to engage me weekly, monthly, or just take it one session at a time..

You fill out a Coaching Check-In Form before our session

I review your form and prep tools to support you

I spend 60 minutes offering the targeted support you need now

You receive a coaching debrief email within 24 hours

Success Stories

Hear from some individuals i had the pleasure of working with., kristen mercer, curious about working together, copyright © 2020 best dissertation coach. designed with love by buzzyworm.

Jessica Parker, EdD

Owner of The Dissertation Coach 

EdD in Organizational Leadership Northeastern University

Alison Miller, PhD

Founder of The Dissertation Coach 

PhD in Clinical Psychology University of Illinois

Kirstie Eastwood, MSc

CEO of The Dissertation Coach MSc in Mathematical Statistics Nelson Mandela University

Chris Aberson, PhD

Dissertation Consultant and Statistician

PhD in Quantitative and Social Psychology Claremont Graduate University

Amelia Andrews, PhD

PhD in Political Science Purdue University

Jane Berger, PhD

Dissertation Coach, Faculty Coach, and Consultant

PhD in History Ohio State University

Chris Deason, EdD

Dissertation Consultant and Statistician EdD in Educational Instructional Technology Texas Tech University

Kari George, PhD

Dissertation Consultant and Statistician PhD in Higher Education and Organization University of California, L.A.

Angela Glymph, PhD

PhD in Social Psychology Howard University

Katie Gough, PhD

Dissertation Coach and Consultant PhD in Performance Studies University of California, Berkeley

Kristine L. Jones, M.P.H., PhD

Dissertation Consultant PhD in Latin American and Native American History University of Chicago

Tess Lawrence, BA Hons.

Integrated Operations Coordinator Honors Degree in Psychology Nelson Mandela University

Ani C. Moughamian, PhD

Dissertation Consultant PhD in Educational Psychology University of California, L.A.

Kathryn Peterson, PhD

PhD in Creative Writing and Literature University of Houston

Veronica Richard, PhD

Dissertation Consultant and Qualitative Methodologist PhD in Applied Statistical Research and Research Methods University of Northern Colorado in 2010

Deirdre Rogers, PhD

Dissertation Consultant, Statistician and Faculty Coach PhD in Sociology Bowling Green State University

Karen Rosenberg, PhD

Dissertation Coach, Faculty Coach, and Consultant PhD in Women’s Studies University of Washington

Christina Schulz, PhD

Dissertation Consultant and Statistician PhD in Behavioral Science University of Rhode Island

Louise Vincent, PhD

Consultant and Qualitative Methodologist PhD in Political Philosophy and Political Psychology Oxford University

Pam Watters, PhD

Statistician and Dissertation Consultant PhD in Education University of Rhode Island