3 Reasons Your Script Isn’t Getting Read (And How to Fix It)

Happy Tuesday, Stage 32 Community!

You’ve spent months (maybe years) perfecting your screenplay. You’ve revised, proofread, and maybe even gotten feedback from a few friends. But when it comes time to get someone in the industry to actually read your script? Crickets.

The truth is, getting your screenplay into the hands of the right people is one of the hardest parts of this business. But there are often some common mistakes that hold great scripts back. Let’s break down three of them, and how you can overcome them with the tools and community support available to you right here on Stage 32.

Your Concept Isn’t Clear or Marketable Enough

Executives and reps read loglines all day long. If your concept doesn’t stand out or clearly communicate what kind of story it is, they may pass without ever opening the script. Remember, it’s not just about a good story, it’s about a sellable one.

Fix It:

• Take a hard look at your logline. Does it highlight the hook? Is the genre clear? Does it spark curiosity?
• Post your logline on your Stage 32 profile. It will automatically appear on the Stage 32 Loglines Page, found under the “Browse” tab at the top of every Stage 32 page. This feature allows you to: share your logline publicly, offer and receive feedback from fellow creatives, explore other loglines to see what’s working, and fine-tune your concept with real-time support from the community.
• Book a Career Development Call with a Stage 32 executive to get honest, industry-level feedback on your project ideas, your goals, and your next steps as a creative professional. Sometimes, one conversation can save you months of frustration.
• Still refining your idea? Post your logline in the Screenwriting Lounge to gather first impressions and constructive thoughts from fellow writers and professionals. The community is supportive, honest, and filled with working writers who’ve been there.

Your First 10 Pages Aren’t Grabbing Anyone

You’ve probably heard this before... if you don’t hook the reader in the first 10 pages, they won’t keep going. But what does that really mean? It’s not just about avoiding typos or formatting mistakes. It’s about pulling the reader into your world immediately with clear stakes, sharp structure, and characters they can connect with.

Fix It:

• Get a First 10 Pages Review from a trusted Stage 32 executive. These aren’t just proofreading sessions they’re deep, constructive reads that focus on storytelling, pacing, character, and whether or not your opening pages are working hard enough to earn a full read.
• Practice writing killer openers by joining in on the Tuesday Writing Exercises in the Writer's Room Lounge or start one of your own in the Screenwriting Lounge! This can help you strengthen your storytelling from the very first line with peer feedback and support.

Start by building your foundation in the Stage 32 Writer’s Room, where you can:

• Participate in the Monday Night Coverage Report to strengthen your opening and get feedback on your first act.
• Ask direct questions to working professionals during Wednesday Webcast Executive Hours, an exclusive Q&A live on Zoom.
• Post in the Writer’s Room Lounge to get thoughts and support from fellow writers who are going through the same process.
• Drop into Live Writer Cafes on Zoom throughout the week for feedback, community, and accountability.

You can get your first month of the Writer's Room entirely free by clicking HERE.

You’re Submitting Before Your Script Is Ready

We get it, hitting “Fade Out” feels like crossing the finish line. But if you rush to send your script out before it’s truly ready, you risk burning bridges or missing out on the chance to make a real impression. That first read is everything, and you don’t want it to be the last because the project wasn’t fully cooked.

Fix It:

• Take a breath and build a strategy. Stage 32 Education has dozens of on-demand webinars and multi-part classes taught by top executives and working writers covering everything from rewriting to pitching, packaging, and development. Use these tools to tighten your script and sharpen your approach. The best part? Many of these classes and labs give you direct one-on-one access to the instructor, so you can get personalized feedback and guidance tailored to your project.
• Want industry-level insight? Book a script consultation with an executive through Stage 32 to get feedback not only on your script, but on how well your concept is positioned in the market. You can find Stage 32's consultations here.
• Thinking about entering a Stage 32 Contest? Read the submission guidelines closely and make sure your project fits the brief. Contest readers are looking for material that’s not just compelling, but also polished and aligned with what the market is asking for right now.
• Want ongoing support? Start your own Writer’s Group right from the Screenwriting Lounge. This is a great way to stay accountable, exchange feedback, and connect with like-minded creatives.
• Use the Stage 32 Meetup Page to schedule virtual table reads or regular peer review sessions. Hearing your work read aloud by actors or peers can unlock new layers of insight and highlight what’s working—and what’s not—faster than almost anything else.

Breaking in is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. The difference between scripts that sit unread and scripts that open doors often comes down to a few key adjustments and the willingness to ask for help.

The good news? Every resource you need to make your script read-worthy is right here in the Stage 32 community. Whether it’s feedback, education, or just someone to keep you motivated, this community was built to help you succeed.

What’s one obstacle that’s held you back from getting your script read and what’s one step you can take today to move past it?

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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