Doctoring

When you work with an agent or editor, you get detailed feedback on your manuscript as you ready it for publication. Ditto with producers and directors for scripts. However, you need a great manuscript or script before you approach the insiders about getting published or produced—to give yourself the best chance of winning them over.

That’s why you might want to hire your very own literary doctor—to diagnose and repair any shortcomings in your project.

Book doctoring is available for novels and book-length memoirs.

Story doctoring is available for short stories (individual or multiple), as well as picture books, essays, short memoirs, articles, poems, songs, or most any form of creative writing.

Script doctoring is available for full-length screenplays, television scripts, or plays, as well as shorter scripts.

Doctoring is for when you have a project that is ready for feedback, as opposed to something in the earliest stages, though it’s fine if it’s not quite a final draft. If you want something broader than direct feedback, then consider a Mentorship.

To begin, fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Then a Gotham staff member will consult with you to determine your specific needs and quote you a price, based on the type and length of your material. Next, you’ll be matched with an appropriate writer.

Moving forward, the assigned writer will read your work, provide written comments, and talk to you via Zoom for a designated amount of time. You’ll receive clear and concrete suggestions for taking your work to a higher level.

This is not a copy-editing service, but a careful analysis of the inner workings of your project.

Rates:
The rate for all doctoring is $85 per hour. The number of hours is calculated like so: *

Book Doctoring (novels, memoirs)

One hour for every 15 pages read (one page = 275 words) plus
One hour for written critique plus
Two hours of consultation.

For example, a 58,000-word novel (approximately 211 pages) would be: 14-hour read plus 1 hour for a written critique plus a 2-hour consultation. Total: $1,445.

If you want help with a nonfiction book, the best starting point is our course Nonfiction Book Proposal . Nonfiction books (except for literary memoirs) almost always enter the market on the basis of a proposal.

Story Doctoring (stories, essays, articles, picture books, etc.)

One page = 275 words

One hour for every 15 pages or fewer read (1.5 hours if the piece is between 15 and 30 pages) plus
45 minutes for written critique (30 minutes for picture books or flash fiction) plus
One-hour consultation.

For example, a 5,225-word story (approximately 19 pages) would be: 1.5-hour read plus 45 minutes for written critique plus a 1-hour consultation. Total: $276.25

The time needed for a written critique and/or a consultation might be shorter for very short stories, short articles, or picture books.

For certain types of writing—poetry, songwriting, stand-up comedy, etc.—price is determined on a case-by-case basis at the hourly rate of $85.

Script Doctoring (screenplays, TV scripts, plays, etc.)

Full-length screenplay or play (90-120 pages in script format)

Five hours to read plus
One hour for written critique plus
Two hours of consultation.

For example, for a 119-page screenplay: Total: $680

TV scripts and short scripts (short film, one-act play, etc.)

Price is determined based on length, at the hourly rate of $85.

* These are suggested guidelines for our Doctoring services. Actual price quotes may vary based on Gotham’s view on what will give you the best possible feedback and experience.

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You might also be interested in these services: Mentorship and Proofreading

Here you can view all Gotham One-on-One services.

Note: Gotham reserves the right to decline any project that contains material we deem to be offensive.

 
 
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