Need Feedback?

Writing is often a solitary business, but that doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Have a script, book or article that's not working or that could work better? I can help. I can also work with you to get your outline or treatment to the point where you can begin writing your manuscript. While it may cost slightly more than a penny for my thoughts, for a reasonable rate I'll provide detailed feedback to help you get your writing on track.

If after reading all of the information on the site you still have questions, please feel free to call me (from the US) at 1-310-869-8985, Monday through Friday between 10 AM and 6 PM Pacific Time.


My Services

Plays and Screenplays
With plays and screenplays, you'll get my handwritten notes in the body of your script (my reactions as I'm reading), as well as a 50-minute (on a full-length work) phone conference (on my dime) about the major issues for you to consider as you work on your material. While I used to do typed summary notes, the phone conference is far more useful, as it's the perfect way to talk through your script, ask me questions and brainstorm solutions. Want industry-style coverage? I can do it, but since your objective here is to hone your script, I find that particular style of feedback less productive.

Books and Articles
For books and magazine or other articles (as well as essays), I can do everything from proofing and minor edits to comprehensive editorial work--or something in between. Let me know your situation, and together we can decide what will be best for you.

Outlines, Treatments and Query/Cover Letters
Need help in the pre-writing stage? I can assist you in tightening your outline or treatment and in talking through story elements until you feel comfortable that they're "right." I can also coach you in writing query or cover letters to theatre companies, agents or producers that strike the right balance of professionalism, enthusiasm and confidence in your work.

NEW! College Essays
We all know that getting into college is more competitive than ever, and that your college essay is a crucial part of your admissions folder. Why not get the feedback of a professional writer who spent more than a decade interviewing students for Harvard University?

Marketing
For playwrights in particular, I'm happy to provide specific suggestions and strategies for submitting your work.


Newsflash!
Study Playwriting with Me!
Next Session Begins May 11, 2009!
Want to give yourself a firm playwriting foundation or a mid-career jumpstart without leaving the comfort of your home or favorite cafe? Now you can! Join me for Introduction to Playwriting at the Writers Store's Writers University. We'll go through all of the playwriting basics, and for each of the course's four weeks, you'll be assigned writing exercises on which I'll personally give you feedback--and you'll have the opportunity to interact with me online to ask questions about playwriting. Enrollment is limited, so visit Writers University today. And it gets even better... Special offer: sign up for my Writers University course and get 10% off your next consult!

 


Why I Can Help

Click on the "More About Me" button on the left for details, but here are a few highlights:

  • Resident Playwriting Expert for Final Draft . Created "Ask the Expert" for playwrights in industry-leading script formatting software Final Draft, joining the screenwriting section written by the legendary Syd Field and a TV section from veteran writer/producer Larry Brody. Click here to read my articles about playwriting on the FD website.
  • Resident Playwriting Expert for The Writers Store .
  • Co-Chair of the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights and the former Managing Director of the Philadelphia Dramatists Center .
  • B.A. in Dramatic Writing and Literature from Harvard University and an M.F.A in Playwriting from UCLA.
  • Study with Robert Brustein, Leon Katz (former co-chair of the Yale School of Drama's Dramaturgy Department and considered by many to be the father of American dramaturgy), William Alfred, Adrienne Kennedy, John Glore (dramaturg of the Mark Taper Forum), Velina Hasu Houston, Edit Villarreal and many others.
  • Script reader for the McCarter Theater, American Repertory Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Geffen Playhouse, Philadelphia Young Playwrights Festival and New York Theatre Workshop.
  • Teacher of dramatic writing at every level from elementary school to college and beyond, with many award-winning students.

And, of course, my own plays have been produced at theatre companies and schools in more than 40 US states, as well as in 7 foreign countries, and I have several produced short films to my credit as well as a number of features attracting interest.


My Philosophy

Many writing consultants advertise that they "know what sells." No one knows that. So why hire me then? Because in the absence of some magic key that unlocks the market, your goal should be to create great writing. My goal as a consultant is to help you do just that. But for me, the important thing is that what you write is the play, screenplay, book or article you want to write, not the one I would have written or the one I wish you wrote. To that end, rather than give you narrow prescriptions about "the way I would do it," I try to ask questions and make comments that empower YOU to come up with the answers that are right for your work.

Want to hear more of my thoughts on writing? Read the interview with me at AbsoluteWrite.com .


Want a Complete Playwriting Course in a Book?


Want to write plays that will actually get produced? Then meet your new best friend: Young Playwrights 101 will guide you through the playwriting process, from initial idea to submission. Filled with step-by-step lessons and practical writing exercises, It's a complete course created with young playwrights and those who teach them in mind, but it's perfect for anyone who wants straight-shooting advice about how to write great plays and get them on stage. Available in paperback or as a downloadable e-book, click on the picture to order your copy today!


For All of Your Writing Book, Software and Supply Needs

 

Need Help Writing Dialogue? Try Great Dialogue:

 

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