Wanted to share some thoughts for the other writers out there. I currently have three different scripts I'm pitching and over the past six months have purchased a LOT of coverage from a variety of the services out there. I won't mention any specific companies as I'm not here to bad mouth them, but suffice it to say that every service I've used has been a well known name.
To my point. Coverage is only good if there is relevant and actionable feedback, with a justification for why the reader feels how they do about a script. I've received coverage where the reader couldn't get my character names right. I've received coverage where the reader got the setting wrong. Like, really wrong. Like the script is set in Texas and they wrote that I shouldn't have chosen Ohio. I'm not kidding.
I've received coverage from a couple of readers who were blatantly personally biased against the story and that's all they could focus on. I've also received coverage where it was obvious that the reader, at best, skimmed the script or at worst didn't even finish reading it. I've received coverage that was glowing, though painfully vague, then gotten to the bottom to find that the reader recommends a PASS. Huh? If you're passing, then why is there not one single critique of anything in your comments?
I've received multiple coverages that appear as though the reader threw them together in ten minutes.
BTW, any coverage readers out there... If you're going to critique a writer's comma placement, of all things, you might want to proofread your own feedback for typos and poor grammar. Regardless, if I wanted a proofread of my script, I would have selected that particular service.
The common thread here is that the feedback was useless and a waste of my money. Well, I did get rid of a couple of commas, so there's that.
Throughout all of this, only one service has consistently provided coverage that I felt was worth every penny I paid, and that is Stage32. NOT because I always agree with the readers, but because they have stated their case clearly and offered suggestions and insights on how to improve. That allows me to learn and grow as a writer. THAT'S what coverage should be and an example of a true professional reader.
So, kudos to Stage32 Script Services! You've assembled an impressive team of readers who actually care about helping writers improve their craft.
No, I'm not being compensated in any way for saying this, nor am I affiliated with Stage32 or related to anyone who works there.
That's a lot of coverage. In them, were there any Considers or Recommends?
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Pass, Consider, Recommend from people that have no impact on a purchase is pointless. Who cares what these people think. Not me.
We have all seen people on here offering to read scripts because they want to readers or start a coverage service. They can’t sell a script, so they want to charge people for their failed opinion.
Develop your own ear. If you go to coverage services and give them credibility you are becoming reliant on them. Trust yourself. Send your work into the world. Get feedback (which is hard to get) from real industry.
As much as I appreciate the efforts of the Stage32 organisation. I understand that they need to monetise their efforts to keep operating. I have no doubt that they are honest and operate with everyone’s best intensions.
But a paid opinion is like have paid friends.
Hey, Dirk Patton! Thanks so much for the kind words, I'm so glad you've gotten such value from our services! If you have a moment, I'd love for you submit a testimonial so more members can benefit from your experience: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/success-stories
*Once you click on the link, click on "Submit Your Testimonial". Thanks again!
Stud screenwriters should lend their expertise to writers to give "real" notes. C'mon, pony up and help! We desperately need you. Then this endless debate might come to a close. There's no impact on sales in random posts either. Just the spread of undeserved vitriol.
Specious arguments are problematic. I pay doctors, lawyers, accountants and other professionals for their opinions. Saying doctors are bad when you've never been to one is suspect. Perhaps it's fear of a diagnosis.
Recently, a writer posted about the beginning of principal on their Western. According to them, notes from one of "these people" was instrumental in assisting with the script, and it led to securing the sale.
BTW, the S32 services take plenty of knocks for the same complaints as in the OP.
Oh, the anticipation. I can't wait. All tingly. TL:DR and "I never use them" acolytes are due in 3 -2 - 1. . .
also, please know the difference between notes and coverage. Coverage services are NOT the same as Script Consultants that give notes.
Laudable.
Ambitious is pretty broad. A rank amateur can be ambitious.
Certainly vetting can help plus a big dash of skepticism of very low cost services. On a $70 read, the reader gets about $40. What's to be expected of coverage of this type. This is no excuse for wrong settings, character names, etc in coverage. It skews belief the reader actually read the script or knows what they're talking about story-wise. That may or may not be the case. Except for Nicholl, competition coverage is as useless as the crappy contest.
Writers have culpability here as well. There are some who merely seek validation instead of guidance for improvement. And those who dislike not getting a pat on the back with a Recommend or Consider.
Here's a truism even with low cost coverage: if there are two or three Pass scores, the writer should realize there may be a problem with the script regardless numbskull reader errors.
There are venues that provide fair, honest, supportive and actionable notes, not suspect coverage.
WRITER, noun: a person [anyone] who commits his or her thoughts, ideas, etc., to writing:
HARSH: adjective, grim or unpleasantly severe; stern; cruel; austere:
I would agree with "if you can't stand the heat..." It is a cruel business. Sometimes to the point of sadism. There's something inherently wrong with that.
Jack - you bring up a topic that few/none of the writers in these public forums are even aware of. As a reader; coverage is what I provide to a Producer (sometimes to an Agent as a marketing tool).
Tony - any business that requires professionalism is a cruel taskmaster to the snowflake crowd.
A $1.5k - $2.5K neighborhood is where the well known Linda Seger and Michael Hauge live. Their services are available to snowflakes everywhere.
The goal of notes for a producer / director / exec are quite different from notes and analysis to assist a writer develop their work,
What? Not a clue.
Huh?
I think you need to clarify your post. Are you saying that Stage32 is a great service and that other services are bad, or that within Stage32 there is good and bad? I think if you started your post with something like that it would be more clear. I thought you were talking smack about stage32 services until I read the last couple of paragraphs.