Before You Arrive

Welcome! We look forward to collaborating with you at the Butler University Writers’ Studio. Whether you are visiting us for a course assignment, a capstone, a business pitch, or a personal creative project, here is everything you need to know to get the most out of your consultation.

1. Bring what you have—no “finished” draft required

You do not need a complete paper or “perfect” prose to visit the Studio. We meet you wherever you are in the writing process:

  • Brainstorming & Outlining: Bring your assignment prompt, syllabus notes, or scattered ideas. We will help you map out a direction.
  • Drafting & Works-in-Progress: Bring whatever you’ve written so far. We will help you work through roadblocks, refine arguments, and build structure.
  • Polishing & Revision: Bring your working draft to work on higher-order concerns like flow, tone, style, and audience impact.

2. What to bring to your consultation

To help your consultant understand your goals, please have the following accessible (digitally or on paper):

  • The Assignment Prompt or Guidelines: Bring any rubric, assignment sheet, or instructions provided by your instructor or project lead.
  • Your Project/Draft: Your current text, notes, or outline.
  • Relevant Sources or Data: Any research papers, readings, or data visualizations you plan to integrate.
  • An Open Mind: Be ready to talk through your ideas, answer questions, and actively participate in the revision process!

3. Understand our collaborative model

The Studio operates on a “peers helping peers” framework. To ensure you retain complete ownership and authority over your writing:

  • We Are Collaborators, Not Editors: Consultants act as “informed readers” and peer mentors. We do not “fix,” edit, or proofread documents for you. Instead, we read alongside you and ask insightful questions to help you make your own rhetorical choices.
  • Active Participation: You will be an active partner in the session. Expect to read aloud, talk through your reasoning, and make notes as you work together.
  • Focus Beyond Grammar: While we can help you learn strategies for self-editing, our primary focus is on higher-order concerns—such as thesis development, organization, genre conventions, and clarity.

Please arrive 2–3 minutes before your scheduled start time so we can settle in and maximize your full session.