Screenplay Coverage & Script Consulting Services - Frequently Asked Questions
Screenplay Coverage and What to Know
What is Screenplay Coverage? In general, a "basic" film or TV script report contains a logline, rating grid, synopsis, comments, and a pass/consider/recommend rating. Screenplay coverage is also known as script coverage. Not all script coverage reports have exactly the same layout. The script coverage report style can vary slightly from company to company. Some script coverage reports also contain scores for the concept, dialogue, characters, plot and structure category -- which is our style of script coverage report.
A production company may have a basic script coverage report without a character breakdown list while a literary agency may require its script reader to also create a character breakdown list to include in the script coverage report. The script coverage report with scores is a variation of the basic script coverage. The comments section of the script coverage contains the script reader's comments on the overall quality of the script.
The current script coverage service that we offer focuses on providing clients with more comments in the script coverage report instead of the basic 1/2 page to 1-page comments often found in a basic script coverage report. We have noticed that producers and writers prefer getting more comments in their script coverage report. Hence, we are providing more comments than the average 1/2 page to 1-page comment often found in a "basic" script coverage report -- in lieu of providing a synopsis.
Our comments in our script coverage focuses on identifying the main pros and cons in the script. This will help clients understand what works or doesn't work in their scripts so that they can decide if they want to do a rewrite on that particular script -- or simply pick a different script to consider for production or pitching purpose. Often times, we get two scripts sent in per director. This happens when they need a second opinion to help them determine which one of the two scripts is better than the other.
However, if you are new to getting script coverage, do know that getting script coverage is not a substitute for getting Script Notes service, which are very scene-specific "script notes" that come with suggestions on how to address certain issues in your script. The script notes are detailed creative input to help producers, directors, and writers brainstorm and fine tune their scripts.
A Script Consultant is not the same as a Script Reader
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.
A production company may have a basic script coverage report without a character breakdown list while a literary agency may require its script reader to also create a character breakdown list to include in the script coverage report. The script coverage report with scores is a variation of the basic script coverage. The comments section of the script coverage contains the script reader's comments on the overall quality of the script.
The current script coverage service that we offer focuses on providing clients with more comments in the script coverage report instead of the basic 1/2 page to 1-page comments often found in a basic script coverage report. We have noticed that producers and writers prefer getting more comments in their script coverage report. Hence, we are providing more comments than the average 1/2 page to 1-page comment often found in a "basic" script coverage report -- in lieu of providing a synopsis.
Our comments in our script coverage focuses on identifying the main pros and cons in the script. This will help clients understand what works or doesn't work in their scripts so that they can decide if they want to do a rewrite on that particular script -- or simply pick a different script to consider for production or pitching purpose. Often times, we get two scripts sent in per director. This happens when they need a second opinion to help them determine which one of the two scripts is better than the other.
However, if you are new to getting script coverage, do know that getting script coverage is not a substitute for getting Script Notes service, which are very scene-specific "script notes" that come with suggestions on how to address certain issues in your script. The script notes are detailed creative input to help producers, directors, and writers brainstorm and fine tune their scripts.
- We work with clients in the U.S. and abroad. Writers and filmmakers can easily submit their scripts via email after ordering online.
- Our screenplay coverage (aka script coverage) comes with a logline (1-2 sentences that summarize the story), rating grid, and overall comments on your script Our more advanced script coverage report comes with scores on the story concept, dialogue, characters, plot, and structure -- be sure to let us know which version you want.
- For those who are new to screenwriting, please know that getting script coverage is not the same as getting script consulting services. There is a difference between a script reader and a script consultant. A script reader reads the script and writes the coverage report -- that's it. The script reader does not double up as your personal script consultant to do one-on-one question and answer sessions after reading your script like a script consultant does.
- Once our script reader finishes coverage on a script, the script reader has to work on the next script in line in order to meet coverage deadlines. The script reader cannot re-read your script to answer specific questions you may have about your script after the coverage is done. Doing so would also unfairly cut into the time allocated for another client who's script has been previously scheduled to be worked on next in our project pipeline.
- Please know that a script reader is not the same as a script consultant. Therefore, please don't email questions asking our script reader how you can improve your plot, characters, etc., after getting your coverage report. The script reader does not double up as a script consultant or screenwriting coach to answer questions or give you screenwriting advices after completing your coverage report because script coverage service is different from script consulting service.
- In addition, our script readers are unavailable to further elaborate on comments in your coverage report because the comments are "comments." They are not intended to be story development notes aka script notes where every issue in the script is explained in detail with suggestions on how to fix your script. Story development notes are more detailed than comments in a script coverage report.
- You don't necessarily have to agree with the rating, scores, or comments in the script coverage report. What you are getting is a professional opinion of the script, which is open to interpretation. Our script readers will not double up as script consultants by elaborating on their comments in the coverage reports, providing explanations, taking follow-up questions, and turning the Script Coverage service into Script Consulting/Script Notes service. So, please make sure you order the correct service.
- To reiterate, when you get script coverage, you are getting a professional and subjective opinion from our industry script reader about your script.
- Similarly, for those who are new to screenwriting, please don't expect script readers to figure out your story when the script contains 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 ambiguous narratives 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 pages. For example, if the characters are saying or doing random things that barely serve the plot, please don't 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. You want to know what's confusing in your script so that you can do rewrites and fix any issues in your script.
- Our readers have to be candid in their script coverage report, so you can truly know what is holding your script back. If your script has story, pacing, formatting, or character development issues, our readers cannot sugar coat comments and say the script is wonderful when it is in dire need of a heavy rewrite. Especially for film producers, we're not going to say the script is good if it's poorly written because we don't want you to go out there and shoot a script that still needs more rewriting and is not ready for production.
A Script Consultant is not the same as a Script Reader
- Getting script coverage is not the same as getting a script consultant to look over your script and answer your specific script-related questions. Script consulting services is more intensive, and it involves answering specific questions about your script.
- If you want to get detailed scene-specific feedback and suggestions on how you can improve certain scenes in your script or how to improve certain aspects in your script such as story structure, you would need to purchase Script Consulting/Script Notes services. That's where you can ask specific questions about your script, characters, story, and get specific answers.
- After you receive the coverage report from us, do know that the script reader's assignment on that script is completed. The script reader is scheduled to work on the next script in the project pipeline. The script reader is unavailable to answer script consulting-related questions or follow-up questions on how to improve your script. A script reader is not the same as a script consultant. Our script consulting service provides you with many pages of detailed script notes that come with suggestions on ways to improve your script. The script consultant, not the script reader, can also answer questions you may have about your script.
- If you want to get specific detailed feedback and creative input on how to improve your script, you would need to purchase Script Notes/Script Consulting services. That's where you can ask specific questions about your script. Therefore, our script coverage report does not come with follow-up questions or script consulting services because a script reader is not the same as a script consultant.
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:
Please be advised that we do not do file conversions from one screenwriting software file type to another. It is your responsibility to contact the company of the screenwriting software that you use and ask their tech support department to assist you with your technical software-related questions.
We Do Not Offer Technical Computer/Software Support | Please Contact the Sellers of Your Computer/Screenwriting Software
Please be advised that our script readers, editors, and team members are not software technicians. They are not hired to work as your personal computer software technicians.
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 custom work/services such as screenplay editing, script consulting, script coverage, query letter writing service, script notes services are non-refundable. We are selling a service, not a product. Therefore custom work is non-refundable. 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 of Service.
Swapping Out Scripts on Certain Services are Allowed
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?
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 the 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 the buyer's 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. Script coverage is custom work, which is ineligible for a refund.
Refund Policy: 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.
- You, the customer and/or prospective customer, are responsible for reading the instructions and script submission requirements provided to you on our website and/or instructions repeated to you via email. Please make the effort to read the Acceptable File Types/Submission requirements on our website. Failure to follow our submission requirements and/or any instructions provided to you will result in your screenplays and/or other creative materials you emailed us getting rejected..
- All our services (e.g. script coverage, screenplay editing, script notes, script consulting, query letter writing services, etc.) are non-refundable custom work. For example, after you place your order for editing service and we schedule your script in our project pipeline and our editor begins reading to analyze a page of your script, it means we've already started work on it. We cannot issue a refund or partial refund on these types of services which are known as custom work. We have regular clients who have script project deadlines to meet and they need our services. Therefore, if you are the indecisive type, you might want to use another service provider who may have more open time slots because we would rather reserve our time for regular clients who definitely need our services. By browsing our website and using any of our services, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
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 (Applies to Script Coverage and Script Notes services only.)
- Celtx (online and desktop versions)
- Rich Text Format (Depends on certain "special project" services. Email us first at info@thescriptjoint.com and let us know what service(s) you are seeking.)
- 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.
Please be advised that we do not do file conversions from one screenwriting software file type to another. It is your responsibility to contact the company of the screenwriting software that you use and ask their tech support department to assist you with your technical software-related questions.
We Do Not Offer Technical Computer/Software Support | Please Contact the Sellers of Your Computer/Screenwriting Software
Please be advised that our script readers, editors, and team members are not software technicians. They are not hired to work as your personal computer software technicians.
- We DO NOT work for Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or any screenwriting software/computer companies. Therefore, we cannot offer you technical support.
- If you are not sure how to use a certain feature in your screenwriting software, please make the effort to read the user manual that came with your software and/or contact the proper company where you purchased your software/computer and ask for their tech support department.
- Our team members CANNOT phone technical support of a software or computer company on your behalf -- or sit in on your phone call to tech support to listen and answer technical questions about your software or computer for you.
- It is your responsibility to get proper technical support from the party that sold you the software and/or computer.
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 custom work/services such as screenplay editing, script consulting, script coverage, query letter writing service, script notes services are non-refundable. We are selling a service, not a product. Therefore custom work is non-refundable. 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 of Service.
Swapping Out Scripts on Certain Services are Allowed
- Please make sure you submit the correct version of the script(s) that you want service(s) performed on.
- After you submit a script for Script Coverage or Script Consulting/Script Notes service, please be advised that we can only accept (with a $15 swap-out service fee per script) an updated version of the script or an entirely different script to replace the initial version of the script for these two services (Script Coverage and Script Consulting/Script Notes service) -- if we have NOT started reading your script to analyze it for coverage or script notes service. And if applicable, we will email you an e-invoice/payment link for you to pay for the difference in page count -- if your new script has a higher page count that affects the pricing for the service(s) you want. The turnaround time may change if the new script is longer than previous version submitted.
- If you wish to cancel your order -- or swap out the screenplay that you have submitted for Screenplay Editing service, Script Doctoring (Rewriting) service, or Script Formatting service -- and if we have not worked on it, meaning we have not spent time reading your screenplay(s) or performed any services on it, we will issue you a refund minus 10% of whatever amount you paid as there is a service transaction fee to process a refund with our payment processor. So make sure you submit the correct version of the script to avoid this scenario.
- Currently, we are no longer doing script swap outs for Screenplay Editing, Script Doctoring, and Script Formatting service due to time constraints. We have to finish projects scheduled for these services as soon as possible, and we cannot squander time swapping out scripts, looking over scripts for repricing, and rescheduling them for these types of service. We get scripts from all over the world, and we're only taking projects from clients who have their final versions ready for us to work on.
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?
- If we HAVE NOT started work (read it) on your script (s) for Script Coverage service or Script Consulting/Script Notes service - - 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 $10 USD to "swap out" each script. In addition, if the updated version of the script/writing material has a higher word count, then you will need to pay the difference along with the "swap out service fee." The way it works is we would email you a PayPal invoice to submit your payment.
- Note: The 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 may 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 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 10% 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 the 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 the buyer's 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. Script coverage is custom work, which is ineligible for a refund.
Refund Policy: 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. That is why writing a good screenplay requires you -- the screenwriter -- to do many rewrites -- at least more than 3 rewrites to make your story easy to follow.
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.