I've been asked by screenwriters how to become a paid script reader, so I figured I'd make a post about how I became one. I was a paid script reader for years, but I got too busy with spec scripts, ghostwriting jobs, etc. to keep doing it. I still read people's scripts and give notes when I have time, but I just do it as favors and when I exchange scripts with other writers.
I was a screenwriter for years before becoming a script reader, so I knew things like script structure, subplots, character arc, etc. I suggest knowing these things before you become a script reader.
I started as a script reader by giving free notes on spec scripts. This helped me get better at giving notes, and I used the notes as samples when I started doing paid jobs. NOTE: After you give free notes on scripts, make sure the writers are ok with you using the notes as samples. Some writers might not be ok with it.
Once I felt like I had enough experience giving notes, I searched for paid script reading jobs online. You can search places like Stage 32's Job Board (www.stage32.com/find-jobs). I also got paid script reading jobs by networking on social media, like here on Stage 32 (www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41).
There might be other ways to become a script reader. And I've only read scripts for indie writers, producers, and directors. The process for becoming a script reader for studios and big companies might be different.
Hope this post helps you if you’re looking to become a paid script reader.
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Kudos to you and EVERYONE who has done/does it, but I think I have too much PTSD from reviewing others' work in realms outside of screenwriting!
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Thanks for sharing, Maurice. You give great advice.
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What realms, Mike Childress?
You're welcome, Alinser Hoyos. Thanks. I appreciate it.
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[REDACTED] hahaha. Fortunately I have not done that for a while now!
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"[REDACTED]" Haha, Mike Childress. You never know. Being a script reader might be a different experience.
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I've already learned so much from you Maurice Vaughan, and I have barely touched the surface.
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Maurice Vaughan I feel like I'm doing it now without the $$$$! Did you have to have some bonafides before getting hired, i.e. did you sell some of your own stuff first?
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I still have a lot to learn too, Debbie Elicksen. The great thing is you, me, and other writers have the resources on Stage 32 to use. I didn't have these resources when I started screenwriting. They would've really came in handy.
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I just had the notes samples when I became a paid script reader, Mike Childress. I'm sure it'd help you get clients if you've sold scripts, gotten assignments, etc.
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Great feedback, and an excellent example of “thinking outside the box”, to develop your skills Maurice Vaughan
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Thanks, Peter Bartels. Screenwriters should have the "think outside the box" mindset with everything in my opinion.
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I wonder if you’ve found reviewing “script structure, subplots, and character arcs” is a best case scenario. Many amateur scripts I read are struggling just to be coherent :)
It's a bit of a struggle to read some amateur scripts, Mike Boas (I feel for the readers who read my amateur scripts!), but a lot of the scripts I read were by experienced writers, producers, and directors.
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Interesting stuff, Maurice Vaughan. Out of interest, are you applying any of the thinking from my book into your analysis, particularly when it comes to theme and structure?
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I do, CJ Walley. I even put the link to your book in notes I send to writers.
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Great stuff Maurice Vaughan - and I wholeheartedly agree with this statement: "Screenwriters should have the "think outside the box" mindset with everything in my opinion."
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Thanks, Leonardo Ramirez. A lot of script requests and jobs I've gotten were because I thought outside the box, like coming up with catchy email subject lines and social media posts.
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Oh man, that's so good of you, Maurice Vaughan. I really appreciate it.
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No problem, CJ Walley. Screenwriters will save a lot of time, money, and headaches reading your book. I've read screenwriting books that were confusing. Yours is easy to understand. That's one reason I like to share it with other writers.
I have a total different experience as a reader for production companies. Zero experience needed. When I was freelancing I was paid $25 to $50 per script (this was 20-years ago. Everything was still xerox paper scripts). Never gave any notes/comments of formatting. Why would I tell established writers how to format when their reps & managers already vouched. Never read any amatuer submissions and if any came by regular mail, they were trashed.
Looking back, reading scripts never made any sense; all the hot scripts went directly to bosses and ppl with company titles. The bosses werent serious about making specs to movies; seems they just want to find the best talented desperate writer they could hire for cheap. Only one spec script that I personally saw a bidding war the bosses were really serious about buying and I wouldnt read it cause thats how readers get fired- stay in your lane. Let the hire-up decide.