Your stories belong in the spotlight.

Write performances that put them there.

 
 

Whether you’re an aspiring film scribe learning the basics of screenwriting or an experienced playwright editing a new production, our dramatic writing coaches will support every stage of your creative process. Contact us to hone your craft, enhance your script, or explore new avenues of expression in writing for the screen and stage.

 
 

feature screenwriting - playwriting - television writing - script editing - pilot scripts - spec scripts - submission packets - sketch comedy writing

 

explore screen & stage

 

Our Pillars

Learn what sets the Gilliam Writers Group apart.

 

A Hands-On Approach

write better, together.

 
The Gilliam Writers Group is not in the business of peddling overly abstract advice – the kind unqualified professionals use as a smokescreen for missing knowledge. Instead, we're committed to providing actionable, practical feedback that helps every client become a better writer, no matter their training or goals.

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To this end, we believe that a playwriting or screenwriting coach should offer not only technical support, but a collaborative, participatory learning experience, to each individual they work with. The interactive, growth-oriented nature of this service is what distinguishes writing coaching from editing; while editing is (primarily) asynchronous, coaching calls for real-time human connection. While editing is product-focused, coaching attends equally to the writer, their product, and their process of production.
Accordingly, GWG’s coaching faculty takes a hands-on approach to our clients’ writing. Meeting on Zoom and Google Docs simultaneously allows us to engage with written text in a uniquely tactile, organic way–we can shift seamlessly between dialogue and demonstration, idea and experiment, critique and revision.
The virtual environment supports immediate feedback and intervention from our tutors. This means our dramatic writing coaches can mark up your work with you live on video, demystifying the editorial process. We can observe your writing process in real time and instantly demonstrate skills we want you to learn or suggest pointers for enhancing your script.
If you’re still feeling uncertain (or excited!) about the logistics of one-on-one playwriting or script writing help online, we invite you to schedule a free consultation call. A representative from our company’s leadership team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Long-Term Collaboration

coaching changes lives.

 
Whether you need help cracking that third act of your next feature, or you’re learning the fundamentals of writing for the screen and stage, we hope you’ll consider building a long-term creative partnership with your GWG screenwriting or playwriting coach. The longer you work with a writing coach and the more they get to know your voice and learning style, the more impactful their insight becomes. A coach’s most valuable assets – nuanced interpersonal awareness, an intuitive grasp of clients’ evolving skill sets, and deep familiarity with their work – just aren’t available off-the-shelf.

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These layers of comprehension take time to emerge, relying as they do on data from months and even years of regular meetings. As time passes and the client-coach relationship deepens, this data becomes understanding, and informs our work as script writing consultants in countless beneficial ways. We rely on the long process of trial and error to gain perspective on which interventions lead to the greatest improvements in a given client’s writing, for example, or which strategies most consistently mitigate their writer’s block. The more thoroughly we know our clients as individuals, the more precisely and impactfully we can apply our expertise to their writing.
Many of our senior faculty members have met with the same clients weekly for years; in fact, several of GWG’s very first customers are still active in our community today. Long-term collaboration is a core value of the Gilliam Writers Group, foundational to both the sustainability of our business and the quality of our services.

Qualified Faculty

training you can trust.

 
The Gilliam Writers Group faculty is composed of highly trained writers, expert editors, and passionate storytellers who specialize in developing content for both the screen and stage. Scroll through our faculty page and you’ll see graduate degrees in Playwriting, Creative Writing, and English from the country’s top MFA and PhD programs, years of professional experience in the entertainment, publishing, and fine arts industries, and strong track records of literary publication. Some of us are also performers in our own right!

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Writing by our faculty and emeritus faculty appears in top publications including The New Yorker, Bookforum, Artforum, Granta, Longreads, The Southern Review, CNN Opinions, Tin House, A Public Space, The New York Times, AGNI, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The Cincinnati Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, American Poetry Review, The Common, Los Angeles Review of Books, Ploughshares, and more.
We have been published by Simon and Schuster and Penguin Random House, among other presses large and small, and have earned multiple awards and prizes for fiction, poetry, and criticism.
Before hiring a dramatic writing coach online through the Gilliam Writers Group, we invite you to request a writing sample from their portfolio. That way, you can experience for yourself the exceptional combination of talent and training our team has to offer.

Forms & Genres

Our dramatic writing coaches will help you captivate your audience through gripping narratives, dynamic characters, and convincing dialogue.

Screenwriting Coaching for Cinema & Film

lights, camera, action.

 
At Gilliam Writers Group, we understand that seeing a script through from ideation to completion can be daunting, even for professional writers who have already found success in the film industry. Our online script writing coaches and script writing tutors are passionate about guiding both aspiring and seasoned creatives through the intricacies of storytelling across diverse cinematic forms, from short film scripts to full-length features. For clients seeking asynchronous manuscript consultations or editorial services, GWG would love to connect you with a knowledgeable screenplay editor or screenwriting consultant who can help you take your product to the next level.

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When you hire a GWG screenwriting coach, you’re collaborating with a literary expert who understands that the screenwriting process begins long before the first line of dialogue hits the page. If you’re coming to us at the start of your writing process, we’ll meet you right where you are. Your screenwriting tutor or coach can help you refine or expand on your initial concept for a feature; organize your ideas into a clear, concise outline; and put together a compelling treatment, beat sheet, one-pager, or pitch deck to guide your story-writing and showcase your ideas. (A well-crafted pitch, of course, is often the key that opens doors in the competitive world of film writing.)
Once you’re ready to begin writing your feature, Gilliam Writers Group will become your dedicated partner through the screenwriting process by helping you delve into character development, create realistic dialogue that resonates with your audience, and stay on track with the story arc you’ve created. Because features have to keep their audiences engaged for ninety minutes or more, they require intensive focus and multiple phases of revision; most scripts need a second set of eyes before they can really be called a “first draft.” For these reasons and more, it can be extremely useful to have the guidance of a coach as you craft your screenplay.
Finally, if and when you you come to us with a full-length draft of your feature, GWG can connect you with an online screenplay editor who has the training and industry experience to make your script truly excellent, and ready for shopping around. Collaborating with a screenplay editor ensures that your final product can stand up to the attention you’re hoping it receives (and the criticism you’re hoping it doesn’t) as a literary-quality work.
Whatever kind of film or cinematic feature you’re writing, however “out there” it may be, GWG is the right firm for you. Since our company’s inception, we’ve worked hard to cultivate a diverse faculty of screenwriting coaches and screenwriting tutors with backgrounds in every genre this art form has a name for (and some that it doesn’t). Hire us for screenwriting help in drama, comedy, action, fantasy, historical fiction, biopic, animation, science-fiction, romance, horror, short-film, literary adaptation, and beyond. We’ll help you transform your ideas into captivating stories that leave a lasting impact on audiences everywhere.
To learn more aboutour screenwriting coaching services, please schedule a no-cost consultation call with a Gilliam Writers Group Enrollment Manager. Though our services are mostly online, any client interested in finding a screenwriting consultant near you should contact us with the relevant details. In a limited number of cases, we may be able to organize in-person sessions in New York City, where many of our coaches live.

Screenwriting Coaching for Television

Welcome to the writers’ room.

 
Writing for television is a unique art form with its own special set of challenges, required skill sets, and technical specifications. Our team of experienced screenwriting coaches support creatives of all levels with a wide variety of television writing projects. From beginner-level spec scripts to full-season episodic narratives, GWG is your one-stop-shop for writing and editing engaging television scripts. 

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Crafting a standout spec script is often the first step toward making a lasting impression in the television industry. Our dedicated screenwriting coaches and editors specialize in helping writers develop compelling spec scripts for existing series that showcase your unique voice and storytelling prowess while still capturing the essence of an established program. The Gilliam Writers Group writing coaches will provide personalized support to help you refine your ideas, outline your story arcs, develop characters, and master the art of creating scripts that stand out in the competitive TV industry.
Another common point of entry into the television industry is writing a pilot script for an original series. A well-crafted pilot is the cornerstone of any successful television series, and GWG’s screenplay coaches and screenwriting editors will help you develop a pitchable and engaging pilot that you will be proud to show network executives. Additionally, pilots are a great way to showcase your skills as a writer, and can help open doors to writers’ rooms for existing programs. The Gilliam Writers Group fosters true originality in writers, ensuring your pilot script stands out and effectively introduces the world you've envisioned.
Our script writing coaches can also guide you through creating compelling television submission packets that grab the attention of decision-makers in the television industry. Assembling original content that both promotes your voice as a writer and caters to specific projects can be a difficult task, so our coaches at GWG will assist you in structuring a submission portfolio that leaves a lasting impression.
Writing for television presents extensive creative possibilities as well as challenges, and Gilliam Writers Group is here to help you meet those challenges with confidence. Whether you dream of making people laugh through a witty sitcom or pushing audiences to the edge of their seats with a thrilling drama, our coaches are here to provide the expertise and support you need to thrive in the exciting world of television. Let's turn your T.V. writing dreams into realities that enthrall audiences around the world.
Ready to learn the fundamentals of writing for television? Eager to get your pilot ready to send out to agents? Let’s sit down for a conversation. No matter your level of experience, we’d love to discuss how our script writing coaching or screenplay editing servicescan benefit you. Just click on one of the "free consultation" buttons scattered throughout this page to book a no-cost, fifteen-minute consultation call with a representative from the Gilliam Writers Group leadership team.

Playwriting Coaching

The world’s a stage.

 
If you need expert playwritng help or an editorial intervention for your latest theatrical script, you’ve come to the right place. Many of GWG’s online writing coaches are formally trained, successful playwrights who have made careers for themselves here in New York City and beyond – seasoned creative professionals who would love to help you cultivate your script writing skills in the ever-evolving realm of live theater.

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Our playwriting coaches and editors understand that every theatrical genre, from dramatic straight plays to comedic sketches, carries its own distinctive set of challenges and opportunities. No matter your experience or the theatrical genre you’re writing in, we’ll tailor your online coaching sessions to meet your particular needs as a creative, intellectual, and/or professional.
Even if you haven’t started writing yet, even if you’ve never written a play in your life, your GWG playwriting coach will meet you exactly where you are. From that point on, they’ll guide you toward creating the best possible version of your play, on your terms. As professional script writing consultants, our ultimate aim is to ensure that your voice and story are as unforgettable for your audience as they are for you as a writer.
Explore the live theater industry with the Gilliam Writers Group. Whether you join us with drafts or dreams, the end result will be the same: compelling, beautifully written plays that resonate with your audience and leave a lasting impact on the stage. To learn more, please book a no-cost, 15-minute consultation call with a Gilliam Writers Group Enrollment Manager.
Let’s prepare your stories for the life on stage they deserve.

 Determining Fit

Is Gilliam right for you? Learn more about how – and who – a dramatic writing coach can help.

  • Aspiring writers (of all levels) interested in learning (or refining their knowledge of) the basic fundamentals of screenwriting & playwriting

    Hobbyists interested in writing film, television, or theater scripts for fun

    Screenwriters looking for guidance in the process of outlining, pitching, or scripting a feature

    Aspiring television writers seeking help with crafting their pilot, spec script, or submission packets

    Playwrights seeking coaching and mentoring as they script and refine their next theatrical production

    Professional writers in other genres who want to transition into screenwriting or playwriting with support from a screenwriting coach or playwriting coach

    Total beginners who want to try out dramatic writing and learn new skills

    Students and academics in film or theater studies interested in establishing a stronger dialogue between their scholarly work and their creative work.

  • Guide you in discussing and brainstorming your ideas for scripts or other dramatic writing projects

    Coach you through the process of outlining and structuring your script

    Work with you to edit, restructure, and improve your existing work.

    Offer thoughtful notes and suggestions throughout the writing process to hone your unique writing style

    Teach you the skills you need to revise your own work independently, no matter your experience level

    Support you in finding your voice as a writer

    Reinforce your mastery of grammar and punctuation, even by providing formal grammar lessons if desired

    Strengthen your overall writing practice by advising you on time management, planning, and writing strategy

    Meet with you regularly on a weekly or biweekly basis (online via video chat and a shared digital document) for writing coaching or tutoring

    Offer encouragement and motivation beyond technical feedback

    Facilitate engaging and productive writing coaching sessions, even when you don’t show up with any written work

    Match you with a well-qualified and unobjectionable dramatic writing coach or editor online.

    Provide and co-sign a thorough NDA to protect your privacy as a client of the Gilliam Writers Group

  • Write scripts or submission packets on your behalf

    Read or edit your script without payment, on our own time

    Take responsibility for your attendance at coaching sessions (though we will absolutely remind and encourage you to attend)

    Force you to maintain a certain writing schedule (we can help you create a schedule, but we cannot ensure that you stick to it)

    Guarantee a script will get sold, optioned, or lead to any job offers

    Tolerate plagiarism of any kind

    Take the place of a therapist – we are coaches, tutors and editors, not counselors

    Guarantee that that we can connect you with an in-person script writing coach, screenplay editor, or script writing tutor near you (we can, however, guarantee that your assigned GWG faculty member will provide you with playwriting / screenwriting help online of the very highest quality)

    Act as your representative or personal correspondent to agents, managers, hiring representatives, or any other person or entity

Pricing

Dramatic writing coaching costs between $85 and $200 per hour. To learn more about our rate structure, use the drop-down menu below or visit our pricing page for authors, creatives, and professionals.

  • Gilliam’s screenwriting coaches, screenwriting tutors, screenplay editors, playwriting coaches, etc. bill hourly for live sessions, following our standard rate model for time-based services.

Getting Started

Connect with a dramatic writing coach in 3 simple steps. Our onboarding process is thorough and convenient, resulting in successful client-coach matches.

Step 1

Schedule your consultation.

 
To connect with a playwriting coach or screenwriting coach on the Gilliam Writers Group faculty, we invite you to first schedule a free, 15-minute consultation call with a representative from our company’s leadership team.

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During this intake call, we’ll guide you through a series of standardized questions about your background, experience, and goals, taking detailed notes on your responses. These notes will form the basis of your client brief – an internal document central to GWG’s client-coach matching process. The client brief ensures that we can help you find an online script writing coach, script writing tutor, or script editor who suits your particular needs and preferences; whether you’re writing for the screen or the stage, we’re confident that someone on our faculty is a perfect fit for you. After answering any lingering questions, your representative will conclude the call and email you two important documents.
First, you’ll receive our new client onboarding brochure, a PDF containing useful resources including a list of best practices, contact information for everyone on our leadership team, and the link to a feedback form you can submit at any point during your work with the Gillam Writers Group. Second, you will receive a link to our service agreement (fillable online). We co-sign this form with all new clients to establish clear terms of engagement and, above all, to protect your interests. You can later dissolve this agreement at any time, for any reason, with 24 hours’ notice.

Step 2

Connect with your coach.

 
Within 24 hours of your consultation call, your newly assigned writing coach will reach out via email and text to schedule your first session.

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At this point, they’ll already have a clear sense of your background, needs, and preferred meeting schedule; it is our policy to always read a new client’s brief before making contact. This mitigates redundancy in GWG’s onboarding process; as you establish communication with your playwriting or screenwriting coach, you won’t need to rehash the basics of your needs–your coach will already be in the loop.

Step 3

Enjoy your first session.

 
Our online writing coaching sessions take place on Zoom and Google Docs, and emphasize guided, real-time practice combined with immediate feedback.

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The structure of your first session will depend largely on your particular needs and the discernment of your coach; there is no standard formula, though most such meetings are necessarily focused on gathering information, assessing the client’s writing and goals, and developing a plan of action. After your first session, we suggest that you and your coach agree on a regular weekly or biweekly (once every two weeks) meeting time and stick to it. Over the years, we have found that consistent weekly or biweekly sessions generate the clearest improvements in our clients’ writing and writing processes.
The Gilliam Writers Group is primarily an online company; however, if you’re interested in setting up in-person meetings with a playwriting coach, screenplay coach, or script writing tutor near you, please contact us or book a consultation call to discuss. In certain cases, we may be able to provide dramatic writing courses at select locations in NYC, which is home to a large part of our community.

Swapping Coaches

just in case.

 
If you find that you and your writing coach aren’t a match, or you decide to work with other GWG faculty in the future, our leadership team can support you in choosing a different dramatic writing coach, tutor, or editor.

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Before matching you with another faculty member, we will usually suggest that you first tell your writing coach as clearly as possible what you believe is missing in your work together. Open, honest dialogue is essential to the service we offer; all GWG coaches are gifted with strong interpersonal skills, but none of us can read minds.
If clear communication does not yield the hoped-for results, or you no longer want to work with your writing coach for any reason, just let our leadership team know. We’ll initiate a new, more streamlined client-coach matching process, supplementing your original client brief (the one created during your initial consultation call) with updated information to reflect both your progress and the reasons you are pausing work with your previous coach.

Interested in working with a dramatic writing coach or script editor?

Schedule a free consultation call with a Gilliam Writers Group Enrollment Manager. We’ll help you find a writing coach online in 24 hours or less.

You can book your call directly on our scheduling page by clicking the button below:

 

  • Brady Gilliam, Founder

  • Tadeh Kennedy, Enrollment Manager

  • Misha McDaniel, Enrollment Manager

 
 

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