I'm curious as to how others utilize test readers for their material. I have a few friends that I can trust and also who know how to read a script but the fact is they are very few. It takes a certain amount of skill to read a script and offer construction comments on it. Also, I sometimes worry about sending a script or a writer's bible to someone I don't know well. I don't really worry about theft of the idea so much as the material resurfacing should I sell a project. It's conceivable that a writers bible sent to a test reader could show up on ebay before the show itself airs. So, what are your thoughts on the subject?
Screenwriting : Test Readers - Benefits and Dangers by Trey Wickwire
Test Readers - Benefits and Dangers
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That is a good question. If you can ask close friends and family first to give it a read and give their comments, not really professional editing advice - but over all impression. I read somewhere if 3 people say the same thing, you probably need to listen to them. And after making any changes pay a professional, or find a semi-professional on a site like this, you can do a swap. I'll read yours, you read mine deal. At least the people on here have written scripts and may can offer more insight than a complete novice. Just an idea. Good luck!
I disagree Ami. If they don't know how to read a script then they are useless to you. Don't go there. Stick to other writers.
Hi Trey, go to fiverr.com and search screen writing. I recommend "thesalesguru."
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Cherie, I just meant for an overall impression of the movie itself, not for professional script advice. But if they all say it is a confusing storyline or hard to follow, then maybe it is. Or if they all say - that the ending was terrible and disconnected... just as a suggestion. Regular people are going to see the movie if it is made and I think to get their opinion could be helpful. (but not for writing advice) Yeah and most of my family has been around the business and knows how to read a screenplay, but if they are completely clueless might be harder. ;-)
"And no, you can't use that as a basis for a script, it's already in a feature film I'm writing. So copying it would clearly be a copying of my idea and my own publishing of the idea here and now :)" You can't copyright an idea.
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Trey, I've never done it for screenplays, but when I sent drafts to beta-readers for my novels I first published them on Amazon (then quickly removed them) to establish provenance. Amazon keeps the date they were first published. This provides a clear basis for claim of ownership. That said, I've never had a problem. Well, I've had plenty of problems, but none like that. I've gone on twitter and asked for beta-readers and hooked some good ones (caught things I completely missed, plot-wise) but I only use them for WTF moments. editing, is a different team.
I agree with you Alle, I think if they were selling an old bible on ebay it would be a marketing boon. I'd be more worried about what the studio thought about it and would let them do what they thought needed to be done. Good idea Tony, thanks. My biggest problem with test readers is actually finding them. Friends and family without a film background are little help. They can tell you if they like it or not but can't offer much in the way of constructive criticism.