Book Doctoring - Writer Services from Gotham Writers' Workshop

- What's New?

"I rode the train home scribbling ideas in a notebook. The next morning I got up and wrote another chapter of an easy-reader book I'm experimenting with. As I wrote, I thought about all I'd learned in class about character development, believable dialogue, confict and resolution, and making the whole thing interesting to a youngster. I can't think of a better investment of my time than to spend a Saturday in this class!"

- Linda Post
Corporate communications

"The instructor has gone through the process herself and was able to explain things from "the front lines.""

- Suzanne Steinbaum
physician

More Student Quotes Here

There is a time-honored tradition of writers giving each other advice on their work. After reading an early draft of a novel, F. Scott Fitzgerald told the aspiring writer that he found "about 24 sneers, superiorities, and nose-thumbings-at-nothing that mar the whole narrative." The author, Ernest Hemingway, took the suggestions, and the novel, The Sun Also Rises, launched his career.

It's tough to get published. And no agent or editor grants you more than a first look. So you want your work to be in the best possible shape before sending it out into the world. Gotham has a large network of professional writers, in every field, who can help you strengthen your work and maximize your chances of publication.

All Book Doctoring begins with a consultation with a Gotham staff member, so that we can determine your specific needs and then match them with the appropriate professional on our faculty. You will then receive a quote based on the format and length of your material.

Moving forward, the assigned professional will then read your work and meet wtih you one-on-one--either in New York City, by phone, or through email. You will receive clear and concrete suggestions for improving your manuscript. This is not a copy-editing service, but a careful analysis of the core of your work. You will also have the opportunity to get all of your questions answered.

Book doctoring is available for all works of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.

Rate: $65/hr. reading, analyzing, and consulting. 2 hour minimum.
Sample rates: for 12-pt. font, double-spaced work. (1 page = 250 words)

Short story 15 pages
1 hour read and 1 hour meeting = $130 Novel 200 pages
13 hour read and 2 hour meeting = $975

(Actual cost will be based on format and length of submitted material. A quote will be provided prior to the commencement of any work. Payment is due in advance.)

Quick Link: Interested in a private class? See our Private Instruction Programs.

For a free consultation, please fill out the form below or call 212-974-8377 or 877-974-8377 (toll-free outside New York City).

Consultation Request Form

First Name:		Last Name:
Address Line 1:		Address Line 2:
City:		State:
Region (if not in USA):		Postal Code:
Country:
Phone #:	###-###-####
Email:		Retype Email:

Please indicate the type of work you are seeking assistance on:	Novel or Nonfiction Book Memoir Article Short Story
Word Count:	or # of Double Sided Pages

1. Please describe the type of manuscript you want to submit (i.e. Is it a rough draft, nearly complete, or an outline? etc.)?
2. Have you ever taken writing classes before? If so, where and at what level (beginning, advanced, etc.)?
3. Are there any specific questions that you would like to have addressed by your Story Doctor or do you prefer a blind-read?
4. Any other comments or questions you'd like to submit to help us better meet your needs?
5. How did you hear about us?