UCLA Extension Writers' Program

Consultation Services

The UCLA Extension Writers' Program offers a consultation service for individuals who would like their work to be the singular focus of an instructor's review and comment. It offers advanced students an opportunity to work one-on-one with an accomplished, professional writer. Students whose work is approaching publishable or producible form are provided with the individual guidance they need for final revision and polishing. Consultations can be arranged in the form of personal tutorials or, for writers outside the Los Angeles area, by regular mail or email. Students may indicate a specific Writers' Program instructor with whom they would like to work; otherwise, a Writers' Program Representative will recommend an appropriate choice. Every effort will be made to match students with the instructor of their choice; we cannot, however, guarantee an instructor's availability. The fee is fully refundable if an appropriate evaluator is not found.

Manuscript Consultation Service

After reading the manuscript, the instructor will contact the student to set up a meeting (usually three to four weeks after submission). At the meeting, students are given four to eight pages of notes from the instructor, who then elaborates on the notes and answers any questions.

Submit your manuscript with full payment to Manuscript Consultation, UCLA Extension Writers' Program, 10995 Le Conte Ave., Room 440, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1333. Please include a brief cover letter outlining the project and any concerns you may have. Be sure to include your contact information (address, phone, and email address). Include a check for the appropriate amount (see below) made payable to The Regents of UC. Manuscripts must be at least 150 double-spaced pages, one side only. All pages must be numbered and typed in a 12-point font, with minimum margins of one inch all around.

Fees

Charged on a per-page basis at $5 per page.

Consultations consist of 4-8 pages of written notes. For local students, this is followed up by a 90-minute in-person meeting or telephone call with the instructor. For non-local students, follow-up is by postal mail or email. If other arrangements are requested, additional fees may apply.

Script Consultation Service

After reading your screenplay or television script, the instructor will contact you to set up a meeting (usually two to three weeks after submission) at a mutually convenient time. At the meeting (in person, by phone, or by email), the instructor will give you a written summary of suggestions, along with verbal notes, and will answer your questions about the specific piece of work and your writing process. The meeting will last approximately 90 minutes.

Submit your script with full payment of the appropriate consultation fee in the form of a check to the address below. Be sure to include your contact information and brief cover letter outlining the project and any concerns you have that you would like the instructor to address. For writers outside the Los Angeles area, consultations are available by regular mail or e-mail. Fees for the screenplay consultation are charged based on format (feature film, cable or television movie, television drama or comedy) and page length. Script should be typed and in standard industry format, using a professional screenplay software program such as Final Draft. All pages must be numbered and in 12-point font; the screenplay or script should also include a title page with your name, address, and date of submission.

Fees

Two-hour feature film, cable, or television movie, up to 120 pages: $700

Feature film--each additional 10 pages (up to a maximum of 150 pages): $50

One-hour drama series script, up to 60 pages: $500

Half-hour comedy series script, up to 30 pages: $500

Scripts should not exceed standard page lengths (other than per the above) or they will be returned.

For consultations on screenplay forms or materials not listed above please contact the Writers' Program for formats and fees. Make checks payable to The Regents of UC. Send with script and cover letter to: Screenplay Consultation, UCLA Extension Writers' Program, 10995 Le Conte Avenue, Room 440, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1333.

For more information on either the Manuscript Consultation Service or the Script Consultation Service, call (310) 825-9415; or email writers@uclaextension.edu.