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.
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.
Do your script readers sign non-disclosure agreements?
Yes, our script readers sign non-disclosure agreements (aka NDA) with our company. Anyone who works for us is required to sign an NDA.
Can I email follow-up questions directly to the script reader who read my script if I have questions?
Sorry, currently we do not offer Q&A follow-up sessions with our script analysis/coverage 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 one in the pipeline. They have deadlines to meet.
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.
How experienced are your script readers?
Very. 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.
Can you help me sell my scripts if I don't have a literary agent?
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.
Do you accept credit card payment?
Yes. You can pay online with a major credit card (not gift card) 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. 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.
What are the preferred e-mail submission formats?
Depending on the type of services you select, below are acceptable file types:
My printer won't print. I don't know how to use my screenwriting program. Can you troubleshoot my software or walk me through the steps?
Please be advised that our professional script readers and associates are not software engineers or technicians. Our script readers are hired to analyze film/TV scripts and creative materials--that is their specialty. If you have issues with your screenwriting software or computer, you need to contact the tech support department of that software or computer company -- not us.
Analyzing a story is entirely different from troubleshooting a broken printer or a screenwriting program. A doctor is different from a dentist. A dentist is different from a dental technician. A lawyer is not the same as a paralegal. And a computer engineer is different from a software technician. Each requires different professional skills. You wouldn't go to a doctor's office and expect to get your teeth cleaned. Similarly, you wouldn't call up a tech support department and expect the technicians to analyze your screenplays.
If you are having technical problems with your computer, screenwriting program, or printer, please refer to the user manual that came with it, or contact the manufacturer's tech support team. If you do not know how to use the screenwriting software that you bought, get in touch with the software company to see if they offer training classes. Our script readers are not software instructors, career counselors, script sellers, entertainment lawyers, or literary agents.
We are a script coverage and editing company -- not a tech company or an entertainment law firm. Therefore, we do not offer tech support or legal services.
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.
Do you accept online submissions in Microsoft Word format?
Yes. You may e-mail your screenplay as a Word doc, but the screenplay must be formatted within industry standards. 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.
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 announce 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.
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.
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 start working on your projects (scripts, story treatments, etc.), whether it is reading or editing your scripts, we cannot issue refunds, because we have already put in time on your projects. If we have not started on your project, and it is in line to be worked on, we can issue a refund with 10% deducted from the refund amount to cover the transaction fee that comes with processing a refund. 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 or internet technical difficulties that may interrupt our delivery schedule. By using our services, you are aware and agree to our terms and services.
We cannot swap scripts or treatments once we've started working on them. Additionally, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. We don't issue refunds simply because you don't agree with our script reader's synopsis, candid feedback, or our suggestions to improve your script. It is not the script reader's job to try to "figure out" your story when the script contains broken English, or is written in a confusing manner. Our readers can only read what is in the script, not what's in the screenwriter's mind. What you envision in your head don't always clearly transfer onto the script pages. That is what sets a professional screenwriter from a newbie screenwriter. Our readers are not mind readers. Similarly, just because the script notes or comments in the coverage don't praise your script enough, or don't align with your opinion, does not mean you are entitled to another one of our script readers to assess your script for free. Our script readers have extensive experience analyzing for production companies that make movies in the range of $10 million and $50 million plus. They know what works in a story and what doesn't.
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.
Do your script readers sign non-disclosure agreements?
Yes, our script readers sign non-disclosure agreements (aka NDA) with our company. Anyone who works for us is required to sign an NDA.
Can I email follow-up questions directly to the script reader who read my script if I have questions?
Sorry, currently we do not offer Q&A follow-up sessions with our script analysis/coverage 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 one in the pipeline. They have deadlines to meet.
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.
How experienced are your script readers?
Very. 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.
Can you help me sell my scripts if I don't have a literary agent?
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.
Do you accept credit card payment?
Yes. You can pay online with a major credit card (not gift card) 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. 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.
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
- Rich Text Format
- Final Draft 5-9
- Microsoft Word
- 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.
My printer won't print. I don't know how to use my screenwriting program. Can you troubleshoot my software or walk me through the steps?
Please be advised that our professional script readers and associates are not software engineers or technicians. Our script readers are hired to analyze film/TV scripts and creative materials--that is their specialty. If you have issues with your screenwriting software or computer, you need to contact the tech support department of that software or computer company -- not us.
Analyzing a story is entirely different from troubleshooting a broken printer or a screenwriting program. A doctor is different from a dentist. A dentist is different from a dental technician. A lawyer is not the same as a paralegal. And a computer engineer is different from a software technician. Each requires different professional skills. You wouldn't go to a doctor's office and expect to get your teeth cleaned. Similarly, you wouldn't call up a tech support department and expect the technicians to analyze your screenplays.
If you are having technical problems with your computer, screenwriting program, or printer, please refer to the user manual that came with it, or contact the manufacturer's tech support team. If you do not know how to use the screenwriting software that you bought, get in touch with the software company to see if they offer training classes. Our script readers are not software instructors, career counselors, script sellers, entertainment lawyers, or literary agents.
We are a script coverage and editing company -- not a tech company or an entertainment law firm. Therefore, we do not offer tech support or legal services.
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.
Do you accept online submissions in Microsoft Word format?
Yes. You may e-mail your screenplay as a Word doc, but the screenplay must be formatted within industry standards. 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.
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 announce 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.
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.
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 start working on your projects (scripts, story treatments, etc.), whether it is reading or editing your scripts, we cannot issue refunds, because we have already put in time on your projects. If we have not started on your project, and it is in line to be worked on, we can issue a refund with 10% deducted from the refund amount to cover the transaction fee that comes with processing a refund. 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 or internet technical difficulties that may interrupt our delivery schedule. By using our services, you are aware and agree to our terms and services.
We cannot swap scripts or treatments once we've started working on them. Additionally, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. We don't issue refunds simply because you don't agree with our script reader's synopsis, candid feedback, or our suggestions to improve your script. It is not the script reader's job to try to "figure out" your story when the script contains broken English, or is written in a confusing manner. Our readers can only read what is in the script, not what's in the screenwriter's mind. What you envision in your head don't always clearly transfer onto the script pages. That is what sets a professional screenwriter from a newbie screenwriter. Our readers are not mind readers. Similarly, just because the script notes or comments in the coverage don't praise your script enough, or don't align with your opinion, does not mean you are entitled to another one of our script readers to assess your script for free. Our script readers have extensive experience analyzing for production companies that make movies in the range of $10 million and $50 million plus. They know what works in a story and what doesn't.
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.