Frequently Asked Questions
How do I order service?
Simply pick a service from our list of services and add that service to your cart. Then after you check out, send us your screenplay via our Upload page and we’ll get started.
How long does it take?
Our turnaround time ranges anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on how many scripts are ahead of yours in our readers’ work queue. If you need your coverage/notes back to you within 24 hours, guaranteed, you can always add Rush Service to any order. That way, we can bump your order ahead of non-rush orders.
Can I pick a specific reader to read my script?
Yes! Our script readers work on their own schedules, which can vary wildly. As such, we charge an additional fee for Script Reader Requests. You can check out our available readers, as well as their bios, favorite films, and favorite genres on our About Us page.
How qualified are the script readers reading my screenplay?
The script readers on our team come from all sorts of film industry backgrounds: development, production, post-production – you name it. And each reader is brought aboard the Screenplay Readers team only if they have 10+ years of comprehensive experience and a track record of helping improve screenplays. Their writing style and critical “voice” is vetted for several key traits: fastidiousness, mastery of syntax, grammar, and vocabulary, and the ability to synthesize solutions and suggestions. So as a result, only 1 out of every 300 screenwriters who apply are ever invited to join our team. Feel free to check out our reader roster for their photos, bios, and favorite genres and films.
What if I don’t agree with the script coverage?
We’re writers too, so we know what it feels like to receive script notes on our work, and believe me, it’s not always fun. But it’s our view that without consistent, critical feedback on our screenwriting, from a variety of sources, we don’t get very far as screenwriters. So use our script notes and coverage to guide your next draft (or producers, use it to nudge that screenwriter you’re working with) or cherry pick the notes you think will help your project the most.
Do you charge more for scripts over 120 pages?
We do. We draw a firm line at 120 pages, and charge more for scripts longer than that, even if by a single page, and have done so since we started in 1999.
Do you have different rates for tv, streaming, etc?
We don’t. Our rates only vary based on page count, number of readers, whether or not you request a specific reader, and whether or not you’d like us to rush your order.
What is script coverage?
Script coverage is a “book report” on your screenplay that’s typically a few pages long and consists of 3 parts: (a) the basic information about the script (author, genre, page count, logline, etc.), (b) a brief synopsis of the film, and (c) a comments / analysis section, containing a script reader’s comments on the screenplay’s strengths and weaknesses. Some coverages may also include a rating or scoring section which numerically scores the script in various categories (plot, conflict, character, etc.) It must be noted that script coverage styles and formats vary wildly. Almost every studio or agency does them differently. For more, read our page What is script coverage? here.
Is script coverage necessary?
Not at all. But as you probably already know, the playing field is extremely tilted in favor of established screenwriters. Who have agents. Even if your screenplay is perfect, a spec script from an unknown screenwriter is an almost impossible sell, because you’re up against pro screenwriters that are already entrenched, with long track records, and have close relationships with employers and producers.
Every single line on every single page of your script needs to not only entertain an agency, studio, or producer, but also convince them (a) that you know your craft, (b) you have great ideas that are artistic and/or marketable, and (c) you’re a talent worth taking a chance on. Short of that critical trifecta, your script has little chance.
Getting paid script coverage from Screenplay Readers allows you to test your script, by giving it a “dry run” to get an idea how a real agency/producer reader might react to your screenplay, giving you an opportunity to make fixes to your screenplay before pitching it or producing it.
But feedback on your screenwriting can take many forms, and not all of them cost money. We list a few pros and cons of paying for script coverage in our blog post here.
Will I know who is reading my script?
Yep. Check them out on our About Us page for their names, bios, and favorite genres and films. We’re all experienced working screenwriters, story analysts, development execs, producers, directors, and/or filmmakers working in the film industry. Unlike some of our imitators, we don’t have interns or neophytes read your script.
If my script receives a “RECOMMEND” will you pass it on to your “film industry contacts?”
No. And you might want to be wary of any service that promises to do this.
When I send in my screenplay for coverage, will my material and ideas be safe?
Absolutely. Your script remains 100% confidential. It’ll be read by our script reader and that’s it. Please know that many companies that read scripts professionally demand that you fill out a script release form before they read your script, but that’s to protect them; not you.
When I pay for script coverage service, will my personal information be safe?
We use some of the world’s biggest, most trustworthy payment gateways to safely and securely process our customers’ payments. What’s more, our entire website is encrypted with SHA-256 RSA SSL encryption, so you can rest assured that your transaction and your information will be 100% secure.
What are your office hours?
We’re open Monday through Friday 9-5PM. But we also pop into the office on Saturday from 9AM-12 Noon Pacific Time (Los Angeles, California). Our script readers read whenever they like. If you order your screenplay coverage after business hours, it will be assigned to one of our script analysts as soon as we’re back in the office. Similarly, if the script analyst turns in your coverage after business hours, we’ll get that coverage to you once we open. We’re closed on all major holidays, and any minor ones we feel we can get away with (hooray for Canadian Thanksgiving!)