Screenwriting : Script Coverage and a tight budget by Donnalyn Vojta

I ask for feedback before submitting. Not sure why you would need coverage after a producer is interested. It's their job to read screenplays and do their own coverage reports/hire their own readers.

I took a programming class last January and did learn alot about pitching video games to large companies. Their is something I did learn in that class and yes you should always write a short synopsis of your script before pitching it to somebody. They want to know what the story is going to be about, However always try to keep it under 100 words. Here is a website I think would help you out, https://www.wescreenplay.com/blog/script-coverage-guide/. It covers alot about script coverage in many paragraphs. Hopefully this helps you out on your journey!

If Producer requests a screenplay, get it to them ASAP. I worked for a producer and he would get coverage before making a final decision.

I would suggest on draft 3 or 4, once you already have ironed out your "vomit" draft, go ahead and get coverage. You definitely want the notes from coverage before you prepare your pitch, but after your script is at a stopping point.

If you're going to pay to get "coverage" (which is what the producer or agent should be getting from their trusted "personal reader" -- I used to be one! -- before they read your script themselves), do so when your script is ready to go into the marketplace, and not a moment before. Get feedback reads and notes from friends, fellow writers and, if you have the budget, experienced (paid) script consultants to help you sculpt and polish your story so it shines on the page. Fix anything that could generate a "no" or "not ready yet" from a producer or agent before it gets to them, of course. But coverage -- generally a synopsis plus professional comments on the story and your writing -- should reflect your best work. Keep in mind that every script a producer or agent reads is also a "writing sample," and could get you an assignment or a meeting or the question "what else do you have?" Instead of coverage, you may want to get a "sales synopsis," a 1-to-2 page summary of your script highlighting the storyline and making it sound terrific. Script consultants often write sales synopses for a fee -- well worth paying as it's almost always hard for writers to craft a compelling synopsis of their own work. Let someone else be your cheerleader when you can!

I agree with Dan G on this - if a Producer requests your script; send it. The Producer is not going to read it, It first goes to a/some kid internes who if they like it, will forward it on to a Director of Development who may include a Director and a few others. If they all feel it's worthy of consideration; they'll invite you in for a chat. If they all like you, they may request what's known a 'draft and a set' - where you do a rewrite & polish. Up to this point - the Producer may have given an option, but no serious money as yet. They may buy your script outright - then bring in someone else to do a page one rewrite. There are so many twists and turns that the whole process goes thru. You the author needs to learn to read the waters. All the best to you.

What Kay said!!