FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Script Coverage?
- Script coverage is a "basic" script report that 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 (professional opinion) 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. You, the client, don't necessarily have to agree with our professional opinion of your script because we are dealing with creative work. It's just like when a movie studio conducts a test screening of their movie. Not everyone's opinion is going to perfectly align with your opinion. Hence, it's good to get script feedback to help you identify elements that you may have overlooked in your story.
- A screenplay always requires multiple rounds of rewriting in order to get it as polished as possible. Three rounds of rewriting are never enough as it also depends on the complexity of your story and the number of characters in your story. The more characters there are, the more work you will need to do to further develop each character to make each of them play a useful role in the story. And they each must have a unique voice. If they, don't then it means the script needs more rewriting.
- There's no room to be lazy in screenwriting if you want literary managers and agents to represent you. They cannot represent a screenwriter who has only 1 script or two unpolished scripts because it will reflect negatively on the literary manager and agent to represent a screenwriter who does not have proven talent.
- 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 detailed, scene-specific "script notes" that come with suggestions on how to address certain issues in your script. The notes, also known as story development notes, are in-depth 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. Our script readers are not available to answer follow-up questions after you receive your script coverage report. It is outside the scope of the script reader's job to double up as a script consultant or screenwriting coach to answer questions or give you screenwriting tips after the reader is done writing the coverage report. Script coverage service is different from script consulting service.
- 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 script readers -- not mind readers. What you think is clear in your vision may not always come out clearly 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 truthful 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 done. The script reader needs to work on the next client's script in the project pipeline. Our script readers are not available to answer script consulting-related questions or follow-up questions on how to improve your script. Our script reader will not do the work of 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.
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.
- Our script notes will identify underwritten characters and confusing scenes to help you, 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?
2) Do your script readers sign non-disclosure agreements?
Please note that our script readers already sign non-disclosure agreements (aka NDA) with our 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) Can you show me how to download/open a script file that was emailed to me and troubleshoot my computer, email, internet connection, or writing software issues? Can you show me how to locate the files I downloaded on my 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/ 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.
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, especially if you are on verbally abusive or try to extort free services, demanding that we perform tasks that are outside the scope of our service agreement.
17) Can you resend the file attachments that you sent me weeks ago? We can only resend the same file attachments (digital script files) twice for free. After that, you will need to pay a $15 service fee for each script file attachment you want re-emailed to you. We cannot resend (re-mail) script files to you if 25 calendar days have past after the date you purchased our script editing service, script formatting service, and/or proofreading service for that particular script file you want re-emailed to you. The same rules applies to any script editing service, script formatting service, script proofreading service, or combo services (such as script editing + script formatting service) that you purchased via our PayPal e-invoice method. It is the customer's responsibility to be organized and save any incoming emails sent to the customer. It is also the customer's responsibility to know how to properly download and open file attachments. We are not responsible for any issues have on your computer/laptop, or your email service provider. Keep in mind that we are not obligated to re-email you any script files (file attachments) 20 calendar days after the date we first emailed the script files. We do not store your script files indefinitely. It is the customer's responsibility to know how to save their email attachments. We are not obligated to keep resending (re-emailing) the same file attachments to you more than four times. It is the customer's responsibility to be organized and learn to save his/her emails and file attachments that we already emailed the customer. We reserve the right to refuse service and end contact with anyone who is rude, lacks integrity, plays dumb, makes unreasonable service requests/out-of-scope service demands.
18) 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. All script submissions must be emailed to us. We do NOT accept paper scripts.
- We do not perform secretarial services like emailing your script files on your behalf to 3rd parties. You must use your own email address to email your scripts to your 3rd parties.
- Scripts and query letters received after 6 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time/U.S.) will be scheduled for service(s) the next business day.
- It is the customer's responsibility to read the instructions and script submission requirements provided 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 formatting, proofreading, 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.
- Please note it is the CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY to know how to properly download file attachments when they receive their completed file attachments such as script files from us. It is outside the scope of our screenplay services to perform personal services such as troubleshooting your personal computer/laptop or any email issues you may have with your email service provider.
- As a customer, it is your responsibility to know how to properly upload, download, and open file attachments in your emails.
- It is also your responsibility to learn how to properly open file attachments using the correct software on your computer.
- We are not responsible for your lack of basic computer knowledge or your sudden memory lapse that prevents you from remembering how to send emails, open emails, forward emails, download file attachments, and upload file attachments.
- It is your responsibility, as a customer, to keep your computer(s) and laptops running properly. If your computer malfunctions and that prevents you from opening your script project that we've emailed you, it is your responsibility to get your computer repaired so you can open the files. Your computer/software/email suddenly not functioning properly does not mean you are entitled to a refund on any script editing/proofreading/formatting or script services you purchased from us.. All of our services are custom work, and they're ineligible for refunds.
2) Do your script readers sign non-disclosure agreements?
Please note that our script readers already sign non-disclosure agreements (aka NDA) with our 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) Can you show me how to download/open a script file that was emailed to me and troubleshoot my computer, email, internet connection, or writing software issues? Can you show me how to locate the files I downloaded on my computer?
- Please be advised that we are NOT a tech support company. Troubleshooting your computer/laptop/tablet, and email app is outside the scope of our screenplay analysis, editing, formatting, script rewriting, and proofreading services.
- Our team members are not software/internet/computer technicians. We do not work for Microsoft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Final Draft software, gmail, yahoo, AOL, etc. We cannot troubleshoot your computer/software/email or tutor you on how to use your email or computer software. Please contact your email service provider for that.
- Note: If you don't regularly update your software and computer operating system, it can abruptly cause technical issues that prevent your digital script file from being opened. Contact your computer/software company's tech support team to explain all that to you.
- Using mind-altering drugs that mess up your brain, memory, and thought process will impair your ability to think clearly and process information -- which negatively impacts your ability to perform basic tasks like remembering how to properly use your computer/laptop, software, upload/download files, and open file attachments.
- Providing technical software/internet/tablet/computer support is outside the scope of our services.
- Our customer support, script readers, editors and all our team members are NOT computer/software/email instructors or techies.
- It is the customer's responsibility to keep his/her computer/laptop, email app, and software in proper working condition.
- If you have any issues with opening a Final Draft (.FDX), Movie Magic Screenwriter (.MMSW), Microsoft Word doc file, or any file on your computer, please contact the respective tech support team of the software you use.
- Please make the effort to read the user manuals that came with your computer/laptop/tablet and software to educate yourself.
- If you have any issues or questions related to your computer, email, internet service provider, or any software installed on your computer, tablet, or cell phone, please contact the tech support team of those 3rd party companies.
- It is the customer's responsibility to know how to upload files and download files from his/her email. If you don't remember how to do that, please contact your email service provider.
- Just because you don't know how to download or open your script files that we performed editing services on does not mean you are entitled to a refund. It is the customer's responsibility to be tech savvy.
- We are not responsible for you getting high on mind-altering drugs which can impair your ability to recall how to operate a computer upload files or download file attachments and open them.
- If you have any questions or issues with your Microsoft Word software, please contact Microsoft tech support team.
- We cannot contact a 3rd party's software tech support company on your behalf when you can easily do that on your own phone.
- We cannot email your scripts on your behalf to a 3rd party. You need to use your own email address to send and receive files.
- You should know that you cannot use Adobe Acrobat (a PDF software) to open a Movie Magic Screenwriter (.MMSW) script file, a Final Draft (.FDX) screenwriting script file , or any file type that Adobe Acrobat reader is incapable of opening. This would be like trying to unlock your door using someone else's key -- it's not going to work.
- We do not have the capability to remotely access your computer to troubleshoot your computer, software, or email.
- We cannot make paper copies of your digital script files to mail to you or any third party.
- If you can't open the digital script file after we emailed you the digital script file, we can only re-email you a re-saved copy of the digital script file. After that, if you still can't open it, you would need to contact the tech support team of the software you use.
- We are not set up to provide any script printing services, tech support services, or mailing services. We cannot personally print out your scripts for you and mail your scripts to you or any third-party. You'll need to go to your local xerox/print shop and pay the shop for printing services.
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/ 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. We are not software technicians or computer engineers. We do not provide 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.
- As a customer, it is your responsibility to know how to properly upload and download file attachments in your emails.
- It is also your responsibility to know how to properly open file attachments using the correct software on your computer. We are not responsible for your lack of computer or software knowledge.
- If you don't know how to use your screenwriting software, Microsoft Word, or any computer programs installed on your computer, it is your responsibility to reach out to the Tech Support department of those 3rd party companies. Don't expect our script readers, editors, script formatters, or any customer service rep. to provide you with tech support because providing tech support is outside the scope of their area of expertise.
- Just because you don't know how to use the correct software on your computer to open your completed script projects that we emailed you does not mean that we did not render service to you. For example, if after we perform editing service on your script in Movie Magic Screenwriter or Final Draft software and we email you the script file and you suddenly don't know how to download the file or open the file, it is your responsibility to contact the Tech Support department of whatever software company you used to type that script.
- We are not a tech support company so we cannot remotely troubleshoot your computer, file attachments, or email glitches for you.
- If you email your script to us as a Microsoft Word doc for proofreading service, you will get the proofread script emailed back to you in the same file type (Word doc).
- If you don't know how to download and open file attachments that we emailed you, it is your responsibility to contact your email service provider's Tech Support department so they could assist you.
- We are not in the business of troubleshooting your personal email glitches, tutoring you on how to use your own email or troubleshooting your personal computer problems. After we email your script files that we have analyzed, edited, proofread, or formatted, that means we are done with your script projects.
- We are not responsible for your lack of basic computer knowledge or your sudden memory lapse that prevents you from remembering how to send emails, open emails, forward emails, download email attachments, and upload file attachments.
- It is your responsibility, as a customer, to keep your computer(s) and laptops running smoothly. If your computer malfunctions and that prevents you from opening your script project that we've worked on, it is your responsibility to get your computer fixed so you can open the files. Your computer not functioning properly because you've failed to do a proper system update does not mean you are entitled to a refund. All of our services are custom work, and they're ineligible for refunds.
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, especially if you are on verbally abusive or try to extort free services, demanding that we perform tasks that are outside the scope of our service agreement.
17) Can you resend the file attachments that you sent me weeks ago? We can only resend the same file attachments (digital script files) twice for free. After that, you will need to pay a $15 service fee for each script file attachment you want re-emailed to you. We cannot resend (re-mail) script files to you if 25 calendar days have past after the date you purchased our script editing service, script formatting service, and/or proofreading service for that particular script file you want re-emailed to you. The same rules applies to any script editing service, script formatting service, script proofreading service, or combo services (such as script editing + script formatting service) that you purchased via our PayPal e-invoice method. It is the customer's responsibility to be organized and save any incoming emails sent to the customer. It is also the customer's responsibility to know how to properly download and open file attachments. We are not responsible for any issues have on your computer/laptop, or your email service provider. Keep in mind that we are not obligated to re-email you any script files (file attachments) 20 calendar days after the date we first emailed the script files. We do not store your script files indefinitely. It is the customer's responsibility to know how to save their email attachments. We are not obligated to keep resending (re-emailing) the same file attachments to you more than four times. It is the customer's responsibility to be organized and learn to save his/her emails and file attachments that we already emailed the customer. We reserve the right to refuse service and end contact with anyone who is rude, lacks integrity, plays dumb, makes unreasonable service requests/out-of-scope service demands.
18) 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.