Hey there.
I’m Audra. I’m a former literacy professor and schoolteacher.
I coach and edit for all kinds of writers, from college students to entrepreneurs to traditionally-published authors.
Set up a free call and let me know what you’re working on… What will we puzzle about together?
As we say deep in the heart of Texas, I’m here for all y’all.
Professional Writers & Students
I offer detailed feedback and nurturing support with all kinds of writing, from college application essays to business writing to blog posts. I specialize in memoir, essay, academic writing, picture books, and curriculum.
Applying to college or grad school? I love coaching young applicants on personal statements. In this genre, voice is everything. Create an undeniable personal statement AND learn high-impact writing strategies that will WOW future professors. Win-Win!
Learn More About Writing & Editing Services
Want to work together? Me too!
My webpage is still under construction, but you can check out my services page for details and schedule a free consultation.
We’ll make a plan that moves you forward.
What People Are Saying
Partnering with Audra will be the best investment you ever make in yourself and in your writing. Writing a book changed my life. It would never have happened without Audra Roach’s support and expertise throughout the entire process. She provided clear expectations for our work together, timely replies to my questions and emails, and thoughtful and incisive feedback. Reliable, smart, loving support – we all need it. And Audra delivers it!
— Katie Russell Newland, Author of A Season with Mom, Harper Horizon (an imprint of HarperCollins)
I absolutely adored working with Audra. She was great at providing real, practical guidance and helping me to explore my own creativity. With every session, I saw real improvement in my personal statement and felt more comfortable with my writing ability. With her invaluable help, I was able to have a very successful law school admissions cycle and will be at the University of Virginia School of Law in the fall!
— Gabi B., Law School Applicant
Thank you so much for working with my daughter on her personal statement. You are the best. I really appreciated how much time and effort you spent with her. We are so excited that she is going to graduate school with a significant scholarship. All my love to you.
— Proud Mom
Just read the new essay and I love it.
The lessons will help way beyond just this writing and we are very grateful.
— Proud Dad of Medical School Applicant
I will never be able to thank you enough for your help and guidance with my daughter and her college essays. You have been extremely thoughtful, and through the exercise have helped her get better. I hope and pray she takes the time to continue to apply everything you’ve taught (me and) her. Your effort and contributions are immense in this process. A heartfelt thank you from us! 🙏🏼
— Grateful Mom of High School Senior & Future Nurse
About me.
I was born in Michigan but did most of my growing up just outside of Washington D.C. where my weekends revolved around eating Jerry’s Subs, watching pundits Meet the Press, and scouring the newest book reviews in The Washington Post Book World. An East Coast girl with get-er’-done Midwestern roots. Long hair. Hard worker. Never without a book, just in case.
Today I’m a wife, adoptive mother of two, and a proud Austinite. During the pandemic, I traded in my Texas BBQ for a plant-based diet, but I still know the recipe for a great Mexican martini. I’ll make you one, too.
I’ve been teaching literacy for 20+ years. I’ve been a professor for preservice teachers at the University of Texas at Austin, an elementary school teacher, and an unexpected-but-WOW-I-love-this homeschool mom. In my academic career, I’ve taught hundreds of young people, from Kindergarten to college. I’ve published peer-reviewed research on teaching and digital literacy. I’ve also served on editorial boards of top-tier literacy research journals. I write daily morning pages and sometimes poetry. I’m inspired by everyday kidwatching; that is, observing young learners at work and asking questions that joyfully push our thinking. I edit for writers working in memoir, essay, and education.
I teach so hard, and I mom so hard. If I’m ever sitting still, I’m bookmarking Whole-Food-Plant-Based recipes, or nerding out with The New York Times Spelling Bee until my poodle noses his chin onto my lap. Otherwise, I thrive on a daily dose of instant coffee (sorry!) and The Washington Post (today and every day forever). I long for rain. Maybe someday I’ll get back to lifting heavy at the gym? For now, I’m focused on lifting people up from home sweet home. Get in touch, y’all.