Have a script 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 script. 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 play or screenplay on track. If after you read the information on this page you still have questions, please feel free to call 1-310-869-8985 (from the US--international callers, please use email first), Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time, or to email me using the Contact button on the left.

NEWSFLASH: STUDY PLAYWRITING WITH ME!
New Session Begins March 10, 2008!
I currently teach Introduction to Playwriting, an online playwriting course at Writers University (part of The Writers Store). I 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. Special offer: sign up for my Writers University course and get 10% off your next consult!

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!

$215 for a full-length play in American manuscript format or feature-length screenplay ($2/for each page over 120). Rates for one-act plays, short screenplays, outlines and treatments are available at my dedicated script consulting page, The Write Consultant.

Further, I'm happy to advise playwrights on more practical issues (submission, marketing, etc), as well as proof and edit novels, essays, non-fiction books, magazine articles and other literary properties. I can also review query or cover letters to theatres, agents and production companies. for rates.

You may submit your material electronically (in Microsoft Word, Final Draft or as a PDF) and then pay with Mastercard or Visa at my secure website. A $15 processing fee (for credit card processing, printing and return postage) applies ($12 for scripts under 40 pages).

If submitting by snail mail, please for the submission address. Please enclose a check for the appropriate amount payable to Jonathan Dorf, and be sure to include a stamped self-addressed envelope for return of your materials.

Full-time students (with valid ID) receive 20% off all consulting services (excluding expenses).

Turnaround time is approximately 2 weeks, though rush service is available for a supplemental fee, depending on the turnaround required.

You'll get my detailed comments in the body of your play or screenplay, as well as a phone session (usually around 50 minutes for a full-length script) to discuss your work.

While you can read a full resume of my experience by clicking here, a few highlights:

And, of course, my own plays have been produced at theatre companies and schools in more than thirty-five US states and on four continents, and more than a dozen of them are published. I have several produced short films to my credit as well.

My goal as a script consultant, like that of every other script consultant, is to help you write the best script you can. But for me, the important thing is that it be the play or screenplay 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.

SPECIAL ENDORSEMENTS from
LEON KATZ, CHRIS WINK AND PETER COLLEY

Leon Katz, the David G. Frey Distinguished Professor of Dramatic Art at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, as well as the former Co-Chair of Dramaturgy at the Yale School of Drama (and a professor at both Carnegie Mellon and UCLA), has been called the "preeminent teacher and practitioner of American dramaturgy."

Some years ago, Jon was my valued, highly regarded student in Playwriting at UCLA, but in the years since, I've come to recognize him as a genuine colleague.  His ability to analyse scripts in detail and to work with playwrights with excruciating attention to every detail of a script is extraordinary; and the advice he can offer writers on their work is invaluable not only for the script at hand but for the further development of the writer as a professional.  Jon has the genuine quality of a mentor, someone whom a novice as well as an experienced writer can trust to be supportive, exacting, and genuinely nurturing of talent.  That, and his knowledge of the practical business of going about getting scripts read and accepted makes him about as terrific a resource as a writer is likely to find.  I have enormous admiration for the care with which he does his mentoring, for his solid knowledge of playwriting technique, and for his thorough professionalism.


Chris Wink is Co-founder of the international sensation Blue Man Group.

What I love about having Jon as a resource is that he can help me technically or dramaturgically with equal proficiency. When I’m writing, I run into moments where I need help with a software or keystroke question as often as I need some advice with structural issues. In both cases, Jon has given me new strategies, approaches and techniques that have helped me push my writing to a whole new level. I highly recommend his services!


Peter Colley is the author of I'LL BE BACK AFTER MIDNIGHT (among many other plays), which the Toronto Globe & Mail called the most produced Canadian play ever, as well as the creator of the popular "Great Dialogue" software.

Even though I've been a professional playwright for 25 years there are times when a script needs a good outside eye, and Jon's notes and suggestions on my new play were the most insightful and practical of any notes I received.  I'd recommend Jon highly as a consultant.

Thank you for reading and providing notes for my play A DYING WISH. They are the best and most detailed notes I have received on my work.--Duane Kelly, Seattle, WA

Finding Jon's website was a stroke of luck for me. As a first-timer at professional writing, I have found Jon's guidance, wisdom, reality checks and encouragement to be invaluable. His no-nonsense style and ability to tell it like it is (without irreparably damaging a "creative's" ego!) is just what a struggling playwright needs. If you are reading these comments, then you have obviously found your way to Jon's website. That makes today your lucky day. --J.P., Atlanta, GA

Jon Dorf helped me in a number of significant ways. As a playwright, he helped me revise my "submission packet" and also to draw up an appropriate list of theaters around the country that suited my play. I got a number of requests -- so obviously he chose well! Jon also edited my entire book manuscript and submitted it for me to an Internet Publishing Company (I.Universe.). His editing job was so precise that my book got very high marks in that department, which helped qualify it for "publisher's choice." Jon's a real find -- and as talented as he is, I don't know how long he will be available to do this kind of work, and anyone who gets the opportunity to get his input should consider it a lucky break. He is brilliant, thorough -- as compulsive about getting every detail right about your work as he must be about his own -- knowledgeable, creative, punctual and professional. It's been a pleasure working with him -- and I must admit, I selfishly hope to engage him as a consultant on my projects for as long as possible!--Irina Bragin, PhD, Los Angeles, CA

I thought my script was almost done. However, I am thrilled that with your help, my script is going to be far superior than it was. I have rolled up my sleeves, and am studying your every ink mark with great care. I can't thank you enough for your attention to even the smallest details. Obviously, you are passionate about your art.--Metrov, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Whether consulting on a scene, plot point, or arc, Jon has never failed to be anything but honest, helpful, and creative.--J.M.D., West Cornwall, CT

If the above email address or the contact button is not working, or on the rare chance that you get a bounce, please contact through the number at the top of the page during business hours.

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