Screenwriting : I am a freelance script reader in Hollywood by Jacob F. Keller

Katie -- the short and crappy answer is I'm paid to tell writers "no". Even if a script is really good, even if I really like it, I "pass" on 98% of stuff that comes in because producers and executives just don't have the time or energy to read everything that comes in. But the big thing I want other screenwriters to know is that when a script is rejected it's most likely not because of your writing. That happens half the time. No, a script is rejected because it isn't the right script at the right time for the right reasons or the right person. So, it's a lot of reading, a lot of note taking, a lot of rejection.

Owen -- It was aliens man. For both. Hollywood loves aliens.

Are most readers so nefariously mustachioed? I've often pictured readers laughing maniacally then stamping PASS on title pages... Apparently, it's true, no? ;)

I mean, I DO have a nefarious mustache in my profile picture so...

Ah-HA! It is true! ...Sorry, I couldn't resist.

So, what are your personal pet peeves or common problems that you see too often in spec scripts?

which genre Currently gets passed or rejected the most? is writing a Pilot the best option right now?

So I am re-reading 101 things the best screenwriters do or something to that effect and out of the 25 screenwriters they interview almost all of them state that query letters are a waste of time, you need to know somebody or place in the top 5% of a major contest.

Beth -- the biggest problems with a majority of scripts is how dry they can read sometimes. Don't be afraid to inject your voice and have fun with your story. We still need to be entertained. Also, make sure your slug lines are on point. GiVan -- No one genre gets passed over more than another. Trends come and go but story is always king. No matter what story you dream up, there is someone out there that is looking for your script; the trick is to find them at the right time.

Gregg, someone else - most likely their assistant, reader or maybe creative exec will read it first and do coverage on it. if it gets great coverage, then the producer may read it. Unless it was submitted by agent or manager, it will take while to get back to you. I would wait 3-4 weeks the first time before checking in. Then another 3 weeks after that. If they don't get back to you within 3 months, consider it a pass.

If the producer does read it and likes it, they will call you in for a meeting. prob a general meeting to discuss that project but more likely your other projects or some of theirs if they think you'd be a good fit for one.

I have had movies get made where the producer never read the screenplay, only the coverage.

Wondering after I finish up some editing on my screenplay "Dunkleosteus". What avenues should I go down in order to get it read, obtain an agent and getting it sold?

Gregg -- Everything Danny said.

Hi Jacob! How did you get into script reading? When I interned at Principato-Young Entertainment, I absolutely loved getting to read and cover scripts (which pleasantly surprised the managers there), so it's something I'd like to possibly get into. I've heard story departments are a good fit for that.

Jacob: Thanks for your insights as a reader and nice handlebar sir!

Sarah -- I started proofreading friend's scripts and then branched out by volunteering to read anyone's specs they emailed me. I met a producer who sent me his script and he 100% agreed with my assessment and asked if I could do a few more for him. Luckily, he paid me and told me, "You need to get paid to do this, no matter how much you enjoy it." It just sort of spiraled from there.

If anyone would like coverage for their script or know a writer who wants to get to that next level, I have some downtime right now and would be glad to give them professional feedback they can use. All the details are in a discussion I posted in the promotion forum a few days ago.