Writing Consultations

Who Can Schedule a 1–1 Consultation?

All GSAS and professional school students (degree and non-degree) may schedule writing consultations, as well as Fox International Fellows and Yale World Fellows. Postdocs and postgrads may schedule consultations with the Fellows designated “postdocs only” on our online scheduler. The GWL does not offer consultations to employees, residents, or fellows of Yale-New Haven Hospital or anyone without a Yale NetID.

How to Schedule a Writing Consultation

Book an appointment using our online scheduler. If you would like help with specific sections or elements of your paper or if you’ve received feedback you’d like to discuss, you can let your consultant know on the sign-up form. If your draft is 10 pages or fewer, you may choose between a 30-minute and 60-minute consultation. If your draft is 10–20 pages, please schedule an hourlong consultation. If it is necessary to schedule a consultation in excess of these time and page limits, please email grad.writing@yale.edu to request permission.

How to Prepare for Your Writing Consultation

Drafts aren’t required for writing consultations, but if you have one, your consultant will read it in preparation for your meeting. Please upload 1- to 10-page drafts at least 24 hours before your appointment, and 11- to 20-page drafts at least 48 hours in advance. 

Before your consultation, consider your goals for your paper, specific elements you’d like to work on, and any previous feedback you’ve received so you can arrive prepared to discuss them with your consultant.

What to Expect

Writing consultations are collaborative. Your consultant will listen to your goals for your project and work with you to achieve them. Your consultant will make observations and raise issues to address in your paper, but the focus of your session will directed by you. If you submit a draft beforehand, your consultant will arrive prepared with comments and questions. Your consultant won’t try to fix your paper for you, but will instead prepare for an interactive dialogue that respects your agency and generates strategies for revision that address your priorities.

Because consultations are structured around working together, consultants do not line edit papers and hand them back. If you’d like editing help, your consultant would be happy to work with you on improving the clarity, concision, and correctness of your sentences.

Hours & Location

Consultations are offered between 9am and 8pm on weekdays during the fall, spring, and summer terms. We’re closed during the month of August. We work with students at three locations and online over Zoom:

• Sterling Memorial Library/Poorvu Center (rooms M104B and M104C) at 301 York Street
• Kline Tower/Poorvu North (room C67) at 219 Prospect Street
• Cushing/Whitney Medical Library at 333 Cedar Street

Any in-person consultation can be converted into a remote consultation on the reservation form.

Cancellations

You can access and cancel your appointment up to 24 hours before it starts. The system will not allow you to cancel your appointment after that time. If an emergency arises less than 24 hours before your appointment, you should immediately email your Writing Consultant and explain the reason for your cancellation.

Still Have Questions?

For information about graduate writing consultations, please see our FAQs and list of available accommodations. If you have additional questions, contact GWL Director Ryan Wepler or email us at grad.writing@yale.edu.