Introduce Yourself : When is the right time? by Kerson Raymond

It can be overwhelming and in certain cases you are your biggest critic. Don’t dwell too much on one script, because then you’ll never see yourself out of it. It’ll be ready when you let it be ready and share it to the world. :)

Kerson Raymond when we are still finding things to correct, it's evident that our editorial work is not done yet.

However, when we read our own script for the 25th time or more, each look is different, maybe I am polishing, punching up, adding scenes, proofreading, editing to delete scenes or even entire sequences, re-shape characters, improve or streamline dialogue, elevate the ending, etc., but it's challenging to bring my own eyes to give it a fresh look.

But once you feel like it is solid, pay a few bucks and get a coverage report! Maybe several to corroborate some of the notes, and then choose whether to do more rewrites based on those notes.

Then at some point you can lock it and submit for various opportunities, knowing that you've gotten some pro-level eyes on it.

Good Idea Daniel Stuelpnagel .. What are some reputable and honest sources you have used for coverage and feedbacks?

This is key: " a coverage report! Maybe several to corroborate some of the notes, and then choose whether to do more rewrites based on those notes."

Kerson Raymond you can get a variety of coverage right here on Stage 32, listed under Script Services above.

I have also used Coverfly and others and I have always found it really worthwhile because I appreciate getting a balanced analysis of my script that reveals plenty of things I would never see (because as the writer I am so involved in certain focal points).

You don't even have to edit in response to the notes unless they resonate with you. But it's important I think to get some impartial feedback before taking it out to pitch.

Sometimes what you need is another person's eyes. There comes a time when you don't have the necessary distance to work on your text.

Evelyne Gauthier I think getting our scripts under the eyes of other readers is not just crucial, but necessary. Of course, a little vetting is involved to make sure the reader is not straight out of high school, but perspective is key. A good proofreader is a welcome luxury in this industry.

Daniel Stuelpnagel A very good suggestion, albeit not the most inexpensive.

Yes always find corrections but it’s just my mind retuning for the job with another part of my brain. I just accept it and get in with it.

Frank Baruch Totally agree! :)

Frank Baruch yes it's an interesting challenge.

For myself, I did years of business writing and some journalism, so I think I can sort of switch off my writer brain at some point and view my work just as an editor, so I tend to be able to grind through a piece and read it a several dozen times in editing without getting bogged down (although it is always arduous).

And I still find it worth fifty or a hundred bucks to get some coverage to find whatever I missed or see things from a different angle.

If I'm eventually asking someone to spend the millions to make one of my stories the basis for a film, seems the least I can do to invest a bit of money in quality assurance early on.

So I'd say it depends a bit on the writer, if you find you can handle all of the editing yourself then you're doing great, if like most of us you need some professional help (haha) then having notes from a pro can really improve a project!

I try to wait (not rush and send scripts out too soon). After I feel the script is complete (dialogue, characters, structure, etc.) and I get coverage, I send the script out.

My limited experience --- the script is always in draft mode. I've submitted to contests and a week later I may have a revise. Even on set, we were asking ourselves questions whether to keep, modify, or scratch portions of a scene. My process is to solicit feedback from my tribe if something works or not. At some point, my inner voice tells me to submit and send to the screenwriting and film world via contests or studio pitches. I'm always trying to overcome my perfectionist syndrome! Having said that, I cannot tolerate spelling errors, so I spellcheck like a madman. Happy trails and best wishes on your writing!

Something I was reminded of this past year is that we are not writing scripts to have them read, we are writing scripts to have them made. Why not have producers or directors read them to get a feel for if it resonates with them emotionally. Even a host a table read so you can really suss out what is working and what could be tweaked later (remember writers can still work DURING production to make last-minute changes).

As long as the core story is there, the plot makes sense, and character choices make sense and are compelling, then I say move forward. The script may never be perfect, but it WILL get better the moment it moves into production (and the footage from production WILL get better the moment it moves from production into post-production).

All that to be said, stop asking for approval from those who are experts in screenplays and start seeking encouragement from those who are experts in making visuals out of your words. All the best to you!