Your story has power. You can feel it. But between what the story is and what it could be, there is a gap that most writers cannot close on their own - not because they lack talent, but because story structure is a science, and without the right tools, even an exceptional manuscript can fail to grip a reader, convince an agent, or hold a screen.
Dr. David Baboulene is the UK's leading story consultant and story scientist, and he has devoted his career to closing that gap. His story consultancy for novelists and screenwriters delivers the most advanced, structured manuscript story analysis available in the UK today, built on original PhD story theory research and tested across more than fifty film and television productions. This is where your story reaches its full potential.
Authors come to David at different points in their publishing journey. Some commission a consultancy before submitting their manuscript to a publisher. Others come after receiving feedback that their story needs structural development before it is ready to submit.
Dr. David Baboulene. The UK's leading story scientist. PhD, Narrative Theory Consultant, and The Story Ninja. 50+ film and TV credits.
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David Baboulene has devoted his life to the study and creation of stories. He earned his PhD in Narrative Theory at the University of Brighton in 2017 for original research into how stories generate power through knowledge gaps and subtext - the same applied story science that underpins every consultancy he delivers. Since then, he has been applying and refining those tools across books, film, and television, accumulating more than fifty production credits as story consultant, writer, and producer.
In developing his knowledge gap theory, David worked in direct conversation with some of the most significant storytellers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. He has discussed story theory with Bob Gale on the Back to the Future trilogy, Lee Child on the Jack Reacher series, John Sullivan on Only Fools and Horses and Citizen Smith, Willy Russell on Shirley Valentine and Blood Brothers, and Mark Williams on the Harry Potter films. These conversations expand on the bedrock of the story theory for writers that he teaches and the screenplay consultancy he brings to every project. You can learn more about David's conversations with these incredible storytellers on his blog at baboulene.com
Nick Wild, Writer/Producer/Director, gave him the name that has followed him through the industry: "David is The Story Ninja." Craig Hinde, Writer/Producer/Director, offered a different comparison: "David is The New Aristotle." Marc Zammit, Writer/Producer/Director, was more direct: "David Baboulene is a genius." Alex Marx, Writer/Director, offered the plainest summary of all: "Everyone who works in story industries needs to know what David Baboulene knows."
What Makes This Story Consultancy for Novelists and Screenwriters Different
Most editorial feedback tells you what is wrong. Working with a story structure consultant of David's level tells you why, and gives you the precise tools to fix it. His methodology is not a formula and it is not a template. It is a contemporary, proven set of story principles built on original academic research and refined across real productions. The same principles apply to every story ever made. Including yours.
Where conventional script analysis and feedback relies on reader intuition, David's approach is grounded in the science of how stories grip and engage minds. He works from the psychology of the author-audience relationship, using objective, measurable tools to identify where your story is building the tension it needs and where it is losing it. The result is a report that does not leave you guessing about what to do next.
"Once you have learnt David's revolutionary approach, you will find the proof of it in every single story you ever hear, read or watch, ever again, and you will never write in quite the same way again. David's discoveries are a game changer for writers."
Kris Mole, Author
"Every session provided another eureka moment for me; another sudden insight into ways to improve my stories and find direction for me as a writer."
Lauraine Faulkner, Author
"Meeting David was an epiphany for me. My book is now complete, and I am now sitting here looking at two contracts to publish."
Steve Askham, Author: Life's a Peach!
A Film Story Consultant UK with a Production Record
David's credentials are not theoretical. His production record as a film story consultant in the UK and internationally spans award-winning features, Amazon Prime releases, Oscar-qualified short films, and a current Hollywood slate.
Recent broadcast work includes the multi-award winning feature Homeless Ashes (Amazon Prime, 2019), starring Lew Temple (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Maria Howell (The Hunger Games); the Oscar-qualified White Gold (2020); and the modern horror productions Hosts and Witch, both available on Amazon Prime. His competition wins include Jason Wingard's Pavement, Ray Panthaki's Ernie (both The Uncertain Kingdom, 2020), Carolyn Goodyear's IMDb Script-to-Screen Winner HomeWreckers (2020), Vanessa Perdriau's The Widow's Last (Enter The Pitch, 2017), and his own Mere Mortals, winner of the Euroscript Film Story Competition.
He is currently in production on The Queen of Fashion, his first Hollywood feature, starring Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Hayley Atwell (Captain America) and Richard E. Grant (Withnail and I). In television, The Grand Euthanasia Hotel, based on DreamEngine author Paul Carroll's novel Shaking Hands with Elvis, is in pre-production as a series with name actors already confirmed.
David has presented at the London Screenwriters' Festival, worked at BAFTA, represented as a producer at the American Film Market in Santa Monica, and produced his own short film Bella (2021) as a working demonstration of applied story science from concept to screen. His full credits are listed on IMDb.
What Your Story Development and Script Analysis Delivers
The consultancy produces a full written report. A typical report runs to sixty to seventy pages and addresses every structural dimension of your manuscript or screenplay.
The manuscript story analysis covers the story spine and the core narrative dynamics driving reader engagement; conflict and the use of knowledge gaps to build suspense and jeopardy; character motivation, arc, and dialogue authenticity; subplot integration and thematic coherence; pacing, climax, and resolution. Where weaknesses are identified, the report provides specific, actionable guidance on how to improve story structure - not general observations.
The investment in the screenplay development service or manuscript consultancy is discussed directly with David on your initial call. Timelines are agreed at the point of commissioning and depend on manuscript length and current scheduling.
Example Consultancy Report - Summary Extract
The following is a summary extract from a full script consultant report. Full reports typically run to sixty to seventy pages.
Key Strengths
Prose and description: exceptional quality, creating a vivid story world and well-developed characters. Plot foundation: strong and intriguing, with contemporary relevance addressing political and social issues. Characterisation: the main character has a clear motivation and compelling backstory, and supporting figures are well-drawn and add richness.
Key Weaknesses
Conflict: lack of direct, meaningful confrontation between the main character and antagonists; the protagonist is often passive in climactic moments. Suspense and tension: limited use of knowledge gaps to build suspense; the main character is rarely in personal jeopardy. Subplot cohesion: subplots feel loosely connected, reducing overall narrative impact.
Recommendations
Increase conflict: place the main character in jeopardy and sustain tension throughout. Enhance suspense: use knowledge gaps to heighten tension and keep audiences engaged. Integrate subplots: plait subplots together so they intersect meaningfully with the protagonist's journey. Apply classical principles: incorporate mistake, realisation, and unexpected twist to elevate conflict and deliver surprises. Expand the protagonist's role: ensure the main character is central to key events, especially the climax.
Conclusion
This manuscript demonstrates strong foundations and compelling themes. With increased conflict, deeper characterisation, and heightened suspense, it has the potential to become a highly engaging novel and a strong candidate for adaptation into film or television.
Where Story Consultancy Fits in Your Publishing Journey
A story consultancy report tells you exactly what your manuscript needs. What happens next depends on where you are in your journey.
If your manuscript is structurally ready and you want to approach publishers, DreamEngine accepts direct submissions from serious fiction authors without the need for a literary agent.
If your manuscript is ready but you do not yet have an author platform, the next step is building the professional identity that agents and publishers expect to find. The Author Mythology process defines who you are as a writer, delivers your complete Author Content Kit, and gives you a clear roadmap for building a presence that gets you taken seriously.
If you are ready to publish now, hybrid publishing at DreamEngine offers professional publication with rights retained and royalties significantly above the traditional model.
Ready to apply the science of story theory?
If that's a yes, David has unique expertise in storytelling.
Story Consultancy
What Writers Say About Working with David Baboulene
"David Baboulene's insights into storytelling have been hugely helpful to our production. His in-depth understanding of plot, character motivation, and his theory of the knowledge gap are both illuminating and valuable."
Gillian Williams, Producer: Hosts (2020), Exit Plan (2016), Feed Me (2022)
"We cannot recommend David Baboulene highly enough. His insights and expertise on story creation have been invaluable, helping us get the script of Hello Joe to the point where we have sold the option and look forward to full production."
Mark Halliley, Scriptwriter: Hello Joe
"The insight that David brought to our project was invaluable. David was able to turn our script that was a compelling story attracting initial interest into a page-turner of a screenplay. He is creatively inspiring while maintaining a kind, collaborative humility that should not be underestimated."
Hannah Stevenson, Producer: Eaten by Lions (2019)
"David's love and understanding of story has elevated many of my scripts which have subsequently gone on to be produced and win awards. He is a fantastic story consultant, encouraging and full of good ideas. I cannot imagine ever writing a script without asking David to read it."
Carolyn Goodyear, Multi-Award Winning Scriptwriter
"David has a unique approach to writing. He shows you how to be complete, step-by-step, from the outset. I now have a contract for my thriller trilogy. Success is unlocked when David turns the key."
Ray C. Doyle, Author: Lara's Secret
"A story is based on the psychology in the conversation between an author and an audience. David brings the world genuinely new tools and methods that give you an objective and measurable understanding of how good your story is and clarity in how to improve it. Highly recommended."
Alex Marx, Writer/Director
"I had self-published four novels before meeting David Baboulene. The last thing I thought I needed was input and advice on how to become a better writer. How wrong could I be? David's notes blew me away. Out went the ending. Two characters were completely changed. More pace and intrigue were suggested for the early parts of the book. Did I mind? No, because besides the advice being offered in the most positive manner imaginable, I immediately saw David had locked on with laser-sharp precision to the weak points of my story. As well as coming out as a novel, Shaking Hands with Elvis is now being pitched as a TV series, with some name actors already in the frame. Whatever stage you are at on the writer's hope and despair arc, my advice is: do not go it alone. Take David along with you on the trip."
Paul Carroll, Author: Shaking Hands with Elvis
"David Baboulene's insights into storytelling have been hugely helpful to our production. His in-depth understanding of plot, character motivation, and his theory of the knowledge gap are both illuminating and valuable."
Gillian Williams, Producer: Hosts (2020), Exit Plan (2016), Feed Me (2022)
"We cannot recommend David Baboulene highly enough. His insights and expertise on story creation have been invaluable, helping us get the script of Hello Joe to the point where we have sold the option and look forward to full production."
Mark Halliley, Scriptwriter: Hello Joe
"The insight that David brought to our project was invaluable. David was able to turn our script that was a compelling story attracting initial interest into a page-turner of a screenplay. He is creatively inspiring while maintaining a kind, collaborative humility that should not be underestimated."
Hannah Stevenson, Producer: Eaten by Lions (2019)
"David's love and understanding of story has elevated many of my scripts which have subsequently gone on to be produced and win awards. He is a fantastic story consultant, encouraging and full of good ideas. I cannot imagine ever writing a script without asking David to read it."
Carolyn Goodyear, Multi-Award Winning Scriptwriter
"David has a unique approach to writing. He shows you how to be complete, step-by-step, from the outset. I now have a contract for my thriller trilogy. Success is unlocked when David turns the key."
Ray C. Doyle, Author: Lara's Secret
"A story is based on the psychology in the conversation between an author and an audience. David brings the world genuinely new tools and methods that give you an objective and measurable understanding of how good your story is and clarity in how to improve it. Highly recommended."
Alex Marx, Writer/Director
"I had self-published four novels before meeting David Baboulene. The last thing I thought I needed was input and advice on how to become a better writer. How wrong could I be? David's notes blew me away. Out went the ending. Two characters were completely changed. More pace and intrigue were suggested for the early parts of the book. Did I mind? No, because besides the advice being offered in the most positive manner imaginable, I immediately saw David had locked on with laser-sharp precision to the weak points of my story. As well as coming out as a novel, Shaking Hands with Elvis is now being pitched as a TV series, with some name actors already in the frame. Whatever stage you are at on the writer's hope and despair arc, my advice is: do not go it alone. Take David along with you on the trip."
Paul Carroll, Author: Shaking Hands with Elvis
The Story Series - Story Theory for Writers by Dr. David Baboulene
David's research and methodology are fully documented in The Story Series, available now on Amazon. The series includes The Story Book, The Primary Colours of Story, and Working with a Contemporary Step Outline. Together they represent the most advanced and contemporary understanding of how stories work available anywhere, and they cover the same story theory for writers that David applies in every consultancy.
The Story Series is not a writing formula and it is not a template. It is a complete theoretical framework, one that readers consistently report changes the way they approach and evaluate every story they encounter from that point forward.
"David's work can benefit every writer on the planet. A game changer for writers."
Kris Mole, Author: Gatecrashing Europe
Book Your Story Consultancy with Dr. David Baboulene
David takes a limited number of consultancy clients to ensure each project receives his full attention. Whether you need screenplay development, script analysis and feedback, or a complete manuscript story analysis, the process begins below. Complete the contact form with a brief description of your project: the genre, format, current stage, and what you are hoping to achieve. The investment and timeline are confirmed on your initial call.
Frequently Asked Questions About Story Consultancy
Author Mythology
Your book is ready. Your author identity may not be.
Before a literary agent reads your manuscript, they search your name. Before a reader buys your book, they look you up. Author Mythology is DreamEngine's process for building the complete author identity that makes both take you seriously.
Build Your Author Identity
Submit Your Manuscript
Ready to find out if DreamEngine is the right publisher for your book?
We review every manuscript submitted to us and respond within seven working days. No automated systems. If your manuscript is a fit, you speak directly with Edward J Marsh.
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Publishing with DreamEngine
DreamEngine Publishing offers two routes to professional publication: hybrid publishing for authors who want to retain their rights and receive higher royalties than a traditional deal allows, and traditional publishing for authors whose manuscript and platform meet our selection criteria. For a complete overview of all routes, read our guide to book publishing. Both routes begin with the Author Mythology process, which builds your complete author identity before your book reaches the market.
For authors building that platform, DreamEngine offers social media management for authors and author website design, both developed from a complete author identity brief. Manuscript development is available through our story consultancy with Dr. David Baboulene PhD. For authors already published, our book marketing service supports promotional campaigns and reader engagement.
Navigating the Publishing Landscape
Before you submit or publish, it helps to understand the options clearly. Our guides to what is hybrid publishing, what is traditional publishing, and what is self-publishing explain the real differences in investment, rights, and royalties. If you are approaching agents or publishers, read why literary agents search your name before they read your manuscript.
For authors at the production and marketing stage, our posts on professional book editing, book cover design, professional book design, and how to optimise your Amazon KDP book listing provide practical guidance. To build your author platform, read our posts on social media for authors, websites for authors, and book publicity.