Screenplay Coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is screenplay coverage?
Screenplay coverage is also known as script coverage. Coverage is a basic "script report" that summarizes the story and discusses the overall quality of the script. If you need a useful logline, synopsis, rating grid, and candid feedback on your script, get our coverage. We work with clients in the U.S. and abroad. Writers and filmmakers can easily submit their scripts via email. In a matter of seconds, your script will arrive in our inbox.
Please be advised that when you, the screenwriter, get script coverage from us, you will be getting honest feedback from our industry script readers. Once we provide you with the coverage report, the script reader's assignment on that one is done. Our script reader has to analyze the next assigned script and meet deadlines. Please do not email in days later to explain your story or expect free feedback out of the script reader. By then, the reader has already gone through multiples scripts and will not remember the details in your story. Additionally, they cannot double up as screenwriting instructors or personal on-on-one script consultants. They are unavailable for question-and-answer, or further elaboration on the coverage, as that would also unfairly take the reader's time away from another client's project. You don't necessarily have to agree with the rating or comments in the coverage report. What you are getting is a professional opinion of the script, which is open to interpretation.
Similarly, please don't expect script readers to figure out your story when the script has confusing scenes or dialogue. If you think the reader missed some "nuances" or dialogue exchanges in you story, it is usually because the script contains vague, ambiguous narratives and/or scenes that unfold in a confusing manner. Script readers are not mind readers. What you think is clear in your vision may not always come out clear on the page. For example, if the characters are saying or doing random things that barely serve the plot, please do not expect to get a high score on the script coverage report. The same goes for scripts that are not formatted to industry standard. The script readers have to be honest and realistic in their evaluation.
Our readers have to be frank, so you can truly know what is holding your script back. If your script has more negatives than positives, our readers cannot make things up and say the script is wonderful when it is in dire need of a heavy rewrite. You may not like it, but you need to know the truth if you want to improve your craft as a screenwriter/storyteller. And if you want to work with producers, you have to be comfortable getting feedback, whether you agree or disagree with what the producer has to say.
What are script notes?
If you need scene-specific script feedback to help you brainstorm and refine your script, get "Script Notes" service. The detailed notes dig deep into your story, giving you the insight needed to tune your script. Page numbers are included in the script notes to conveniently guide the writer to specific scenes in the script. Script notes are also known as development notes. The notes discuss areas in the script that require further development to enhance the plot and characters. We also provide script notes services to festival directors of screenplay competitions.
The script notes identify underwritten characters and confusing scenes to help the writer and/or filmmaker address these issues before the script goes into production. Unfocused scenes and poorly developed characters can cause your story to meander and exhaust the production budget. If you want thorough screenplay feedback that cites scenes from your script, get script notes.
If you need a screenplay editor to improve the readability of your script, we have screenplay editing service.
Screenplay coverage is also known as script coverage. Coverage is a basic "script report" that summarizes the story and discusses the overall quality of the script. If you need a useful logline, synopsis, rating grid, and candid feedback on your script, get our coverage. We work with clients in the U.S. and abroad. Writers and filmmakers can easily submit their scripts via email. In a matter of seconds, your script will arrive in our inbox.
Please be advised that when you, the screenwriter, get script coverage from us, you will be getting honest feedback from our industry script readers. Once we provide you with the coverage report, the script reader's assignment on that one is done. Our script reader has to analyze the next assigned script and meet deadlines. Please do not email in days later to explain your story or expect free feedback out of the script reader. By then, the reader has already gone through multiples scripts and will not remember the details in your story. Additionally, they cannot double up as screenwriting instructors or personal on-on-one script consultants. They are unavailable for question-and-answer, or further elaboration on the coverage, as that would also unfairly take the reader's time away from another client's project. You don't necessarily have to agree with the rating or comments in the coverage report. What you are getting is a professional opinion of the script, which is open to interpretation.
Similarly, please don't expect script readers to figure out your story when the script has confusing scenes or dialogue. If you think the reader missed some "nuances" or dialogue exchanges in you story, it is usually because the script contains vague, ambiguous narratives and/or scenes that unfold in a confusing manner. Script readers are not mind readers. What you think is clear in your vision may not always come out clear on the page. For example, if the characters are saying or doing random things that barely serve the plot, please do not expect to get a high score on the script coverage report. The same goes for scripts that are not formatted to industry standard. The script readers have to be honest and realistic in their evaluation.
Our readers have to be frank, so you can truly know what is holding your script back. If your script has more negatives than positives, our readers cannot make things up and say the script is wonderful when it is in dire need of a heavy rewrite. You may not like it, but you need to know the truth if you want to improve your craft as a screenwriter/storyteller. And if you want to work with producers, you have to be comfortable getting feedback, whether you agree or disagree with what the producer has to say.
What are script notes?
If you need scene-specific script feedback to help you brainstorm and refine your script, get "Script Notes" service. The detailed notes dig deep into your story, giving you the insight needed to tune your script. Page numbers are included in the script notes to conveniently guide the writer to specific scenes in the script. Script notes are also known as development notes. The notes discuss areas in the script that require further development to enhance the plot and characters. We also provide script notes services to festival directors of screenplay competitions.
The script notes identify underwritten characters and confusing scenes to help the writer and/or filmmaker address these issues before the script goes into production. Unfocused scenes and poorly developed characters can cause your story to meander and exhaust the production budget. If you want thorough screenplay feedback that cites scenes from your script, get script notes.
If you need a screenplay editor to improve the readability of your script, we have screenplay editing service.
1) Do you accept screenplay submissions worldwide?
The Script Joint works with writers and filmmakers across the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe and other countries. All scripts can be quickly submitted via email.
2) Do your script readers sign non-disclosure agreements?
Please note that our script readers and anyone who works for the Company (The Script Joint) already sign non-disclosure agreements (aka NDA) with the Company. However, please be advised that our workers are not authorized to personally sign legal documents with you (the client) ON BEHALF of the Company because they are performing as workers of the company rather than a party his/herself. Our script readers and team members are also not authorized to provide technical software support or legal advice on screenwriting contracts because it is a liability to do so AND it is outside the scope of their job requirement. They are not software technicians, computer gurus, or entertainment attorneys.
3) I opened the script/file attachment, and it displayed "computer garbage" or random computer codes. Can you help me troubleshoot the file attachment and/or my personal computer?
Sorry, we do not offer technical support on a 3rd party software or computer. Providing technical support is not a service we offer. Let's say, for example, with Screenplay Editing service, after we email you the edited version of your screenplay and you open it on your computer, but the file displayed a string of random computer codes, that is usually because you did not properly download and open the file on your end. We cannot phone technical support for you, or personally sit in on a conference call with technical support and try to figure out why your file is showing up differently on your computer. Most often, the technical issue you're experiencing is due to the default settings of your email and/or computer, or you simply did not tell your computer to open using the right computer program. In a situation such as this, we would email you the file again as a courtesy so you can try to open it again. And if it still opens, displaying "computer garbage" on your end, then, you need to contact the tech support department of the company that services your email and computer to troubleshoot the technical issue.
Our script readers and team members are not software/computer technicians. It is a liability for them to try to provide technical support when that is not their area of expertise. It is beyond the scope of their job to personally troubleshoot your computer, email settings/servers, or teach you how to use your screenwriting software. If you do not know how to use your screenwriting software and/or computer, your best option is to contact the technical support department or the store where you purchased your software and/or computer.
4) Can I email follow-up questions directly to the script reader or editor who read/worked my script if I have questions?
Sorry, currently we do not offer Q&A follow-up sessions or free script consultations with our script analysis/coverage or editing services. Our script readers are unavailable to personally answer emails or provide one-on-one consultations. They are hired to read scripts and write coverage. That's all they do. As soon as they are done with a project, they have to work on the next project scheduled in the pipeline.
5) Why do I need to get my script analyzed before I show it to an agent or producer?
Before you send your script to an agent or producer, be certain that your script is ready to be seen. Get professional and candid script feedback. That way, you will have a chance to rectify problematic areas in the script. For those who are new to screenwriting, avoid putting "DISSOLVE TO" or "SMASH CUT" in your script. A screenwriter's role is to convey a story in a visually engaging manner, not turn a script into an instruction manual for the director. Editing commands are for the director and editor to decide in post-production. Avoid letting technical instructions rob screen time from your story and your characters.
6) How experienced are your script readers?
Our script readers have experience providing coverage and story notes for executives in the film/television industry. They have analyzed professional scripts and books for executives at literary agencies, management and production companies. All of our script readers have been vetted and hand-picked from the industry. For more details on our script readers' background, visit our script readers' page.
7) Can you help me sell my scripts if I don't have a literary agent?
No, sorry. We are a script coverage and editing company. Representing writers and selling scripts is an entirely different line of work reserved for literary agents. There are state laws and requirements to become literary agents.
8) Do you accept credit card payment?
Yes. You can pay online with a major credit card (not gift card) or e-check via PayPal. We accept any major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. You do not need to have a personal PayPal account to use PayPal as PayPal will give you the option to pay as a guest. Simply choose the screenplay service you desire and click the "Add to Cart" button. Please be advised that we have a minimum fee requirement of $40 on writing, rewriting, proofreading and editing-related projects pertaining to manuscripts, scripts, treatments, TV series bibles, and synopses.
Prices
Our prices are subject to change without notice. Therefore, check our website for updates and/or check with us via email at info@thescriptjoint.com -- especially if you have new projects that need to be priced for certain services that are not listed on the website. For example, script doctoring (story rewriting) service is not listed on our website, but we do offer it based on our availability/workload.
9) What are the preferred e-mail submission formats?
Depending on the type of services you select, below are acceptable file types:
10) My printer won't print. I am not computer/printer software savvy. Can you troubleshoot my software or walk me through the steps?
Please take the time to read the instruction manuals that came with your software, printers, and computers -- or contact the companies where you bought your software, printers and computers. We are a script coverage and editing company -- NOT a computer software tech support company. We do not offer technical troubleshooting services on third-party company software or devices.
Our professional script readers, editors and associates are not software engineers, software instructors, or technicians. Please understand that script reading is not the same as troubleshooting a computer printer or a software. If you have issues with your screenwriting software or computer, you need to make the effort to contact the tech support department of the company that sold you the software or computer.
We are a script coverage and editing company -- not a tech company.
11) What is PDF Adobe Acrobat file?
Your screenwriting software should have a feature that allows you to export/save your script as a PDF file. Whether you typed your script using Final Draft or Movie Magic Screenwriting, if you save a copy of your script as a PDF, we can open and view it on any operating system. If you don't know how to convert your script from your screenwriting software to a PDF file type, again, please contact the software company's technical support department.
12) Do you accept online submissions in Microsoft Word format?
Yes. You may e-mail your screenplay as a Word doc, IF the screenplay is properly formatted according to industry standards -- which rarely happens. By that, we are referring to the margins, scene descriptions, sluglines, etc. Font style must be 12-point Courier New. Please do not narrow margins or use a smaller font size, because that will generate an incorrect page count. One script page is equivalent to one minute of movie time.
13) Will using your screenplay editing service help me land a literary agent or manager?
Our editing service helps "improve" the readability of your screenplay. One round of editing is involved. Keep in mind that it is not a "co-writing" or "polishing" service. There is no guarantee made in using the service to land an agent. However, we are happy to confirm that some of our clients have benefited from using this editing service. Some of them have moved up as quarter-finalists in screenwriting contests. Others have landed in the top of various screenwriting competitions. The only thing we can say is using our editing service will make your script better than it was before. Some of our clients have landed book and production deals from using our script editing and/or script doctoring service.
14) By which method will I receive the script notes or script coverage?
By default, the notes or coverage will be e-mailed to you as a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) file. If you don't have an Adobe Acrobat reader, you may visit http://get.adobe.com/reader/ and get a free version.
15) When is script service rendered and what is your refund policy?
Payment must clear before service can be performed on your script. All service fees are non-refundable once we begin work on your projects (scripts, story treatments, manuscripts, etc.), whether it is reading, rewriting or editing your scripts, we cannot issue refunds because we have already put in time to work on your projects. If we have not started on your project, and it is in line to be worked on, at your request, we can issue a refund but with 5% deducted from the refund amount since we had to turn down a project to fit your project into our schedule -- which is a block of time that we could have used to accept another paying client's project. Additionally, bear in mind that once your script or treatment is being worked on by our team, we will not accept an updated version to replace the existing one. Please note our turnaround time on services are not guaranteed as there could be circumstances that may be beyond our control such as unexpected email server, pandemic-related/natural disasters, or internet technical difficulties that may interrupt our delivery schedule. By using our services, you are aware and agree to our terms and services.
16) Can I email you an updated version of my script/writing material AFTER I have placed my order and already submitted my initial script/writing material?
We CANNOT swap scripts or any other writing material once we've started working on them.
Please be advised that we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at anytime. For example, if you submit an updated script that requires more time for us to work on, and we don't have time slots available at that time, we will not be able to accept your project.
17) Can I get a refund if I disagree with your script reader's feedback/opinion about my script in the script coverage or any of your services?
Cancellation Policy: All our services are considered custom work -- which are non-refundable. It is your responsibility to read our Terms of Service before purchasing/using any of our services. Please don't assume that every company has the same Terms of Service. We cannot issue refunds simply because you don't agree with our reader's subjective feedback (opinion) in the script coverage, or if there's a minor typo, or partial error. The same policy applies to all our custom work services (e.g. editing, script analysis, query letter writing service, book, script or treatment rewriting or analysis services). Once we've started work on your project, whether it's script coverage, script editing, or rewriting service, etc., we cannot issue you a refund.
18) Can you introduce new writers to agents or managers?
Due to liability and legal reasons, The Script Joint does not offer that type of service.
The Script Joint works with writers and filmmakers across the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe and other countries. All scripts can be quickly submitted via email.
- Scripts and query letters received after 6 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time/U.S.) will be scheduled for service(s) the next business day.
2) Do your script readers sign non-disclosure agreements?
Please note that our script readers and anyone who works for the Company (The Script Joint) already sign non-disclosure agreements (aka NDA) with the Company. However, please be advised that our workers are not authorized to personally sign legal documents with you (the client) ON BEHALF of the Company because they are performing as workers of the company rather than a party his/herself. Our script readers and team members are also not authorized to provide technical software support or legal advice on screenwriting contracts because it is a liability to do so AND it is outside the scope of their job requirement. They are not software technicians, computer gurus, or entertainment attorneys.
3) I opened the script/file attachment, and it displayed "computer garbage" or random computer codes. Can you help me troubleshoot the file attachment and/or my personal computer?
Sorry, we do not offer technical support on a 3rd party software or computer. Providing technical support is not a service we offer. Let's say, for example, with Screenplay Editing service, after we email you the edited version of your screenplay and you open it on your computer, but the file displayed a string of random computer codes, that is usually because you did not properly download and open the file on your end. We cannot phone technical support for you, or personally sit in on a conference call with technical support and try to figure out why your file is showing up differently on your computer. Most often, the technical issue you're experiencing is due to the default settings of your email and/or computer, or you simply did not tell your computer to open using the right computer program. In a situation such as this, we would email you the file again as a courtesy so you can try to open it again. And if it still opens, displaying "computer garbage" on your end, then, you need to contact the tech support department of the company that services your email and computer to troubleshoot the technical issue.
Our script readers and team members are not software/computer technicians. It is a liability for them to try to provide technical support when that is not their area of expertise. It is beyond the scope of their job to personally troubleshoot your computer, email settings/servers, or teach you how to use your screenwriting software. If you do not know how to use your screenwriting software and/or computer, your best option is to contact the technical support department or the store where you purchased your software and/or computer.
4) Can I email follow-up questions directly to the script reader or editor who read/worked my script if I have questions?
Sorry, currently we do not offer Q&A follow-up sessions or free script consultations with our script analysis/coverage or editing services. Our script readers are unavailable to personally answer emails or provide one-on-one consultations. They are hired to read scripts and write coverage. That's all they do. As soon as they are done with a project, they have to work on the next project scheduled in the pipeline.
5) Why do I need to get my script analyzed before I show it to an agent or producer?
Before you send your script to an agent or producer, be certain that your script is ready to be seen. Get professional and candid script feedback. That way, you will have a chance to rectify problematic areas in the script. For those who are new to screenwriting, avoid putting "DISSOLVE TO" or "SMASH CUT" in your script. A screenwriter's role is to convey a story in a visually engaging manner, not turn a script into an instruction manual for the director. Editing commands are for the director and editor to decide in post-production. Avoid letting technical instructions rob screen time from your story and your characters.
6) How experienced are your script readers?
Our script readers have experience providing coverage and story notes for executives in the film/television industry. They have analyzed professional scripts and books for executives at literary agencies, management and production companies. All of our script readers have been vetted and hand-picked from the industry. For more details on our script readers' background, visit our script readers' page.
7) Can you help me sell my scripts if I don't have a literary agent?
No, sorry. We are a script coverage and editing company. Representing writers and selling scripts is an entirely different line of work reserved for literary agents. There are state laws and requirements to become literary agents.
8) Do you accept credit card payment?
Yes. You can pay online with a major credit card (not gift card) or e-check via PayPal. We accept any major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. You do not need to have a personal PayPal account to use PayPal as PayPal will give you the option to pay as a guest. Simply choose the screenplay service you desire and click the "Add to Cart" button. Please be advised that we have a minimum fee requirement of $40 on writing, rewriting, proofreading and editing-related projects pertaining to manuscripts, scripts, treatments, TV series bibles, and synopses.
Prices
Our prices are subject to change without notice. Therefore, check our website for updates and/or check with us via email at info@thescriptjoint.com -- especially if you have new projects that need to be priced for certain services that are not listed on the website. For example, script doctoring (story rewriting) service is not listed on our website, but we do offer it based on our availability/workload.
9) What are the preferred e-mail submission formats?
Depending on the type of services you select, below are acceptable file types:
- PDF (Adobe Acrobat)
- Celtx (online and desktop versions)
- Rich Text Format
- Fade In
- Final Draft 5-11
- Movie Magic Screenwriter
- Users of Draft 8 or higher, please save a copy of your script as Final Draft 5-7 (.FDR) and email us the .FDR copy, only if you are submitting your script for editing service. Final Draft 8-9 file types tend to freeze more often than earlier versions.
10) My printer won't print. I am not computer/printer software savvy. Can you troubleshoot my software or walk me through the steps?
Please take the time to read the instruction manuals that came with your software, printers, and computers -- or contact the companies where you bought your software, printers and computers. We are a script coverage and editing company -- NOT a computer software tech support company. We do not offer technical troubleshooting services on third-party company software or devices.
Our professional script readers, editors and associates are not software engineers, software instructors, or technicians. Please understand that script reading is not the same as troubleshooting a computer printer or a software. If you have issues with your screenwriting software or computer, you need to make the effort to contact the tech support department of the company that sold you the software or computer.
We are a script coverage and editing company -- not a tech company.
11) What is PDF Adobe Acrobat file?
Your screenwriting software should have a feature that allows you to export/save your script as a PDF file. Whether you typed your script using Final Draft or Movie Magic Screenwriting, if you save a copy of your script as a PDF, we can open and view it on any operating system. If you don't know how to convert your script from your screenwriting software to a PDF file type, again, please contact the software company's technical support department.
12) Do you accept online submissions in Microsoft Word format?
Yes. You may e-mail your screenplay as a Word doc, IF the screenplay is properly formatted according to industry standards -- which rarely happens. By that, we are referring to the margins, scene descriptions, sluglines, etc. Font style must be 12-point Courier New. Please do not narrow margins or use a smaller font size, because that will generate an incorrect page count. One script page is equivalent to one minute of movie time.
13) Will using your screenplay editing service help me land a literary agent or manager?
Our editing service helps "improve" the readability of your screenplay. One round of editing is involved. Keep in mind that it is not a "co-writing" or "polishing" service. There is no guarantee made in using the service to land an agent. However, we are happy to confirm that some of our clients have benefited from using this editing service. Some of them have moved up as quarter-finalists in screenwriting contests. Others have landed in the top of various screenwriting competitions. The only thing we can say is using our editing service will make your script better than it was before. Some of our clients have landed book and production deals from using our script editing and/or script doctoring service.
14) By which method will I receive the script notes or script coverage?
By default, the notes or coverage will be e-mailed to you as a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) file. If you don't have an Adobe Acrobat reader, you may visit http://get.adobe.com/reader/ and get a free version.
15) When is script service rendered and what is your refund policy?
Payment must clear before service can be performed on your script. All service fees are non-refundable once we begin work on your projects (scripts, story treatments, manuscripts, etc.), whether it is reading, rewriting or editing your scripts, we cannot issue refunds because we have already put in time to work on your projects. If we have not started on your project, and it is in line to be worked on, at your request, we can issue a refund but with 5% deducted from the refund amount since we had to turn down a project to fit your project into our schedule -- which is a block of time that we could have used to accept another paying client's project. Additionally, bear in mind that once your script or treatment is being worked on by our team, we will not accept an updated version to replace the existing one. Please note our turnaround time on services are not guaranteed as there could be circumstances that may be beyond our control such as unexpected email server, pandemic-related/natural disasters, or internet technical difficulties that may interrupt our delivery schedule. By using our services, you are aware and agree to our terms and services.
16) Can I email you an updated version of my script/writing material AFTER I have placed my order and already submitted my initial script/writing material?
We CANNOT swap scripts or any other writing material once we've started working on them.
- However, if we HAVE NOT started work on your script (s) or any writing material (e.g. script treatments, manuscripts, short scripts, film scripts, TV scripts, or TV series bibles,) you submitted to us for services to be done on them by us - - then you may submit an updated version of your script/writing material, BUT please be advised that there will be a "swap out service fee" of $20 USD to "swap out" each project (e.g. script/writing material, manuscript, story treatment, series bible, etc.). In addition, if your updated version of the script/writing material has a different total word count (higher word count), then you will need to pay the difference along with that "swap out service fee." The way it works is we would email you a PayPal invoice to submit your payment.
- Note: Your updated version of your script/writing material will be treated as a new submission as we would have to assess it to price it accordingly, and it will have a new turnaround time. For example, if you initially submitted a script that has a total word count of 20,000, and you want to replace that initial version of your script with an updated, longer version of the script/writing material which has a higher word count, for example, 20,300 words, then we will send you a PayPal invoice to pay the difference plus a "swapping out" service fee of $20 USD. So please make sure you email us the correct version of your script the first time around. If for some reason, you do not want to pay the difference plus the "swapping out" service fee for the updated version of your script, and we have not begin work on your project (e.g. script/writing material) we can issue you a refund -- minus a 5% processing fee.
Please be advised that we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at anytime. For example, if you submit an updated script that requires more time for us to work on, and we don't have time slots available at that time, we will not be able to accept your project.
17) Can I get a refund if I disagree with your script reader's feedback/opinion about my script in the script coverage or any of your services?
Cancellation Policy: All our services are considered custom work -- which are non-refundable. It is your responsibility to read our Terms of Service before purchasing/using any of our services. Please don't assume that every company has the same Terms of Service. We cannot issue refunds simply because you don't agree with our reader's subjective feedback (opinion) in the script coverage, or if there's a minor typo, or partial error. The same policy applies to all our custom work services (e.g. editing, script analysis, query letter writing service, book, script or treatment rewriting or analysis services). Once we've started work on your project, whether it's script coverage, script editing, or rewriting service, etc., we cannot issue you a refund.
- Keep in mind that it is not our script reader's job to try to "figure out" your story if your script contains broken English, or scenes written in a confusing/ambiguous manner. Your story may be clear in your mind, but it may not always come out crystal-clear on the pages of your script. That is why writing a good screenplay requires you -- the screenwriter -- to do many rewrites on your screenplay -- at least more than 5 rewrites.
18) Can you introduce new writers to agents or managers?
Due to liability and legal reasons, The Script Joint does not offer that type of service.
Disclaimer: Please be advised that we do not offer script selling or script-pitching services. We cannot act as sales agents to sell scripts on your behalf. By browsing, using and accessing our site and using any of the services, you signify your agreement to our Terms and Conditions of Service. It is your responsibility to read our Frequently Asked Questions and Terms of Service before using our services.