No. We do not write the paper or any part of it for our clients. Instead, we will help clients write well! We do not support or take part in any academic misconduct. We are not ghost writers, nor do we encourage or promote any practices deemed unethical by a university.

See our complete statements in Professional Ethics.

The type or degree of editing is based on the skill level of the writer, the policies of the university and sometimes the recommendation of the dissertation committee. We are always happy to provide analysis and make recommendations. In brief, the copy edit is suitable for general editing and the line edit is recommended for writing that requires more technical and grammatical support. Developmental editing is a blend of coaching and editing that is usually determined by a student/client’s need for in depth editing. It is also sometimes recommended by the committee, as in their gatekeeping position, they only go so far in their guidance.

A doctoral candidate’s committee is the most critical team in the graduate journey. They set expectations and evaluate your ability to reach those goals. The coach supports the work and guidance of your committee. We do not replace it. Quite simply our roles and duties are distinctly different. While both bodies provide invaluable guidance, independent dissertation coaching can provide broader and more in-depth assistance where committee time and resources are often fixed. Where the committee/adviser is not as accessible, we provide unlimited access to dialogue and troubleshooting.

We are not just topic specialists: we have a broad range of expertise. We listen to you and help you interpret the recommendations and direction of your team.

We are a small, professional and friendly group of coaches. We are not dispassionate. We do not judge your abilities. We honor you and see you as people. We keep a really friendly vibe, love our jobs and want you to love writing too!

Our intention is pretty simple. We want you to gain so much knowledge from working with us, that you need us less and less in the future. We coach in ways that leave a positive lasting impression, so that you feel very comfortable in the writing process and take that knowledge to future projects. We are educators first. That’s how we approach coaching and professional development. We are meticulous professional writers. That’s how we approach editing. We want you to be really good at this.

In addition to providing professional development, we will help you craft and design professional development for your staffs and organizations.

Yes. Everyone in our organization is a part of a community of educators and writers. Where asked, we agree to sign non-disclosure agreements. We provide a safe space to pose questions, share and test ideas. We respect our client’s intellectual property and work one-on-one with our clients.

With the exception of professional development, which is sometimes on-site, depending on availability and access, our work is primarily web-based. We communicate through video conferencing, phone and email. Conversations can be recorded so that both coaches and clients can easily reference detailed notes of the dialogue. Coaches can be contacted through email and meetings set up accordingly.

All work is non-refundable. Our fees are designed to be very competitive. We encourage clients to select from and purchase packages, that most closely align with their on-going needs, and to pay as you go, to keep costs within your comfort range.

All coaching fees and editing deposits are due in advance and, unless otherwise requested are non-refundable. Requests will be assessed by Dissertation to Defense on a case-by-case basis, and may occur if the retainer paid, greatly exceeded the work completed or the need for coaching. Additional discounts are provided for graduates who, after coaching, retain Dissertation to Defense, LLC. for professional editing.

Professional development is billed incrementally per industry practices for consultative work.

It is more cost effective to purchase multiple hours, at a discounted rate. This allows clients to segment their time and spending, working at their designated pace and need. Clients are billed for time interfacing and working with coaches and editors. This includes but is not limited to phone and virtual meetings, email correspondence, and reviewing and reading documents and submissions. Clients are not billed for routine bookkeeping or administrative duties. All coaching fees and editing deposits are due in advance. When a coaching account is low, the client is notified via email.

Editing is billed in two installments. The deposit is required to begin services, and the balance is due when the completed document is returned.

The additional services such as PowerPoints, IRB and ProQuest submissions are flat rates, billed once.

Professional development is contracted and negotiated with the organization directly.

ABD is an acronym for “all but the dissertation.” It is a colloquial remark that refers to a student’s finishing compulsory coursework and university requirements, but not graduating. Graduates fall into this category when they have not yet successfully written and defended their dissertation. The research study represents the capstone of the doctoral journey. It requires a great deal of patience, knowledge, planning and discipline. Dissertation coaching steps in to provide that support.