I'll say that again. IF YOU CAN AFFORD COVERAGE/FEEDBACK, GET IT!! PLEASE!! Now I understand that when it comes to these contests that offer coverage or individual who do, it can become costly. I've been fortunate enough to be able to afford getting coverage multiple times and I've learned a lot from it. When I began this early last year, one of the most discouraging aspects I found out in the early stages of my research was that I would NOT be able to get feedback. The one thing I wanted the most was to receive professional feedback. I didn't expect my work to be a "blockbuster" right out of the gate, but I also was very desperate to be able to know what my mistakes were. In the beginning, all I saw was that my only option was to write and send to agents, most of which would not have time to respond to you or will not respond simply because they aren't interested in your work. That was frustrating, because with something like this, I know that I NEED the feedback. I was surprised one day when feedback from a contest was e-mailed to me. I can't remember which one right now, but the feedback was included in the cost to enter, so I had forgotten by the time I received the feedback. When I did see it and go through it, it made my whole day. My screenplay was sort of a mess, but I knew that already. I also knew that professional eyes would help. English and grammar have never been a problem with me, so I didn't need THAT kind of help, but it was many of the other aspects as far as writing a screenplay goes. It seems to be this undying belief that there are a ton of writers out there who write just ONE screenplay and think it's the best thing since sliced bread and this may actually be true. However, that isn't me. Of course...I say that just like everyone else does, right? Well, I'm not on trial here, so I don't need anyone to believe me. What I do know is that my goal is to take the time I need to improve, since I know I'm not quite where I'd like to be or need to be just yet. I have no intention or desire to strike a one-time payday. I would like to do this as a career when I retire from the Army in three years. Until then, I will work this craft as much as I can and get as much feedback as I can as well. Whether everyone does this or not is not my concern. I can only speak for myself...and I'm very thankful that I've been able to receive feedback for my works so far. I've learned a lot from the feedback I've received. If you're able to do it and can absorb the cost, please do so. I'm relatively new to this, so I don't expect to rival Steven Spielberg or anybody else. I'm willing to pay my dues to get there. Right now, that means writing AND learning to improve so my works gets BETTER as time goes on, not remain stagnant because I've never learned of my mistakes.
Screenwriting : If You Can Afford Coverage/Feedback, GET IT!! by Robert People
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I understand that, Alle, and that's why I'm never satisfied with just one. I don't run out and celebrate when I get one that's mostly positive or walk to a ledge when I get one that's mainly negative. My focus is on what's being said and I don't just make changes, but I try and UNDERSTAND what I'm being told. If I don't get it, I'll do some research. Attention to detail is a big deal with me, so I'm always ready to re-write. I'm objective to the advice being given to where I know that when two of the coverages tell me different things, I have to sit down and really look at my work to see where I need to go with it. Positive doesn't always mean I should keep it just like negative doesn't always mean I should get rid of it, unless there's a grammar, spelling or formatting error, in which case, my only choice is to fix it, but the good thing is that I haven't gotten many of those. Grammar, spelling and formatting is a big deal with me also. It seems like a lot of readers see that as a major issue with screenwriters.
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Best thing I did when I started was pay for some professional feedback.
I agree; a fresh pair of professional eyes will see holes that you can drive a truck through. Of course, as we develop our craft those holes tend to shrink and goodness some may even disappear.
any suggestions for good professional script readers that won't break the bank?
Phil Clarke is a good one Susan. look for him on here. Best of luck.
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Thanks Antonio
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If you cultivate a network of writers who are at your level and higher, then you don't need to pay for script feedback. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
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Disagree. Naturally. haha.
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I knew you would, Danny. But let me say this: you are one of the few "good guy" script consultants that I would recommend.
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There's room for both. I have a network of writer's around me many that are honestly talented and I aim to get professional coverage as well.
Ultimately, professional coverage is a must.
Some coverage names, please?
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Thanks PJ! Appreciate that, especially coming from you!
PJ makes a good point. A strong supportive group may find they also grow together.
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I've been on both sides of the coin: a writer who has paid for professional feedback, and a writer who has given paid comprehensive script notes. I've read hundreds of scripts. I didn't just read a script and jot down a paragraph or two. I always gave my customer's more than what they paid for, and most were very happy. However, my experience has been that some of these script services (NOT Danny) only exist to take your money and blow smoke up your ass. I was briefly employed by one such service and they gave me a script which was so horrible I thought it had to be a joke. When I inquired about it, I was told that the writer was a regular customer, was handicapped in some way, and that I had to be easy on the guy so he would keep coming back, even though he essentially kept submitting the same terrible draft. I quit on the spot.
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The way I feel is that anybody wanting to enter the industry has to be trying to make sound professional decisions. That means doing their due diligence and not relying on one individual's opinion. It is indeed a minefield out there. But it's not hard for someone to Google a list of feedback services and seek out opinions. I kind of feel that if someone can't do that, they are going to be struggling every step of the way.
The thing that comes to mind, and it is big, is keep believing in what you have created. IT is possible to get advice that is just the other person's likes/dislikes. Also, I have been told a couple of places not to let non screenwriter friends read your stuff and critique it.
Trigger street.com is a nice way to get unbiased feedback and it's free. I love reading other scripts there as well - gives you more of a perspective on work out there. Just make sure it's registered first with WGA. It's just one place - I know there are lot more professional places, but anyway would be a good start, other than family/friends.
Free only gets you so far. If you can afford to write something and spend hours of your life doing so, you can afford to get coverage. Coverage dissects the piece and helps you recognize (and avoid a real) pass. Onlookers don't get you beyond that.