Who can use this service?

Use of this service is restricted to Boston College students with Boston College e-mail accounts and addresses (all students have such accounts).  Inquiries originating from other e-mail services (AOL, etc.) cannot be honored.
Writers Block
 
 

When is it available?

E-mail instruction is available after October 1 and February 1 of each semester until the last study day before exams in each semester.  It is not available during winter or spring break or during the summer.  It is not available during periods designated as university holidays.

Writers Block
 
 

What types of writing can we help with?

All types of undergraduate essay writing (all levels) in the humanities: essays, papers, book reviews, proposals, personal statements, scholarship essays, reviews, letters, etc.   All types of graduate writing subject to time constraints:  essays; papers; proposals and application essays; thesis chapters.

Writers Block
 
 

What types can we not help with?

Longer works:  long research papers and theses.  For these types of writing make an inquiry with the Academic Development Center.  Creative work: novels and short stories; creative writing exercises.

Writers Block
 
 

What to expect after you've initiated contact with us?

1.  We'll send you a response before the end of the second day after you contact us.  It may be only a question or two or a fuller response.  Be prepared to enter into an exchange with a reader.
2.  Direct, open, honest advice.
3.  Suggestions to guide your thinking for revision of the submission.
4.  Questions to consider as you revise.
5.  Acknowledgement of parts of the paper that work well.
6.  Advice about general ways to improve the paper.
7.  The opportunity to enter into a dialogue with your reader.

Writers Block
 
 

What you may not expect?
 

• This service does not edit, proofread, or rewrite papers.  You will have your draft returned to you in the form it was submitted.
• We will comment on writing as it affects content, rather than content itself.  We consider the writer the expert on the content.
• We will not comment on everything in the paper.  Our philosophy is that improvement is achieved by the writer and gradually.  There is no intent to be comprehensive or definitive.
• We do not evaluate your writing or in any way predict a grade or other result.
• We are students, too.  You may not expect subject-matter expertise.  We are ideal readers (e.g. we wish to learn something from what you have written).
• Writers Block is NOT a "night before" or "quick-fix" writing resource. It is rather a stage in an extended writing

     process. Submissions marked  "Urgent" or "ASAP" or "Deadline Tomorrow!" or the like will not be given special handling.

Writers Block

Who are "we"?

Your peers.  The Writers Block is staffed by a dozen advanced undergraduates (who handle submissions from undergraduates) and a number of graduate students from different schools (Social Work and Arts and Sciences, for two).  And we are experienced writers trained by the ADC ( The Academic Development Center at Boston College ).  We are supported by the professional staff of the Academic Development Center.  Administration of the Writers Block is located in the Arts and Sciences Honors Program.  Inquiries about Writers Block itself should be directed to Prof. Tim Duket .

Writers Block