A common question from new screenwriters is “How can I get feedback on my script?” It’s an important question! Knowledgeable feedback helps you improve both your scripts and your own skills as a screenwriter. Unfortunately, finding the “knowledgeable” part of “knowledgeable feedback” isn’t always easy, particularly if you’re on a budget or live in an area without a large community of screenwriters. Your friends and family might be great people, but if they’re not experienced in screenwriting or filmmaking, then their notes are going to be of limited help.

Below are five different avenues you can explore for getting feedback on your script, including free, low-cost, and higher-cost options.

#1 Community and Script Swaps (Free)

If you can’t afford the paid options below for getting feedback on your script you can instead “pay” for feedback in the form of a “script swap.” The idea is simple, someone gives you feedback on your script and in return you give them feedback on theirs.

You can find people for script swaps in places like Reddit’s r/screenwriting, which does a “Weekend Script Swap” every week. There are also new websites like StoryPeer (in beta at the time of writing this article) that aims to simplify the process of getting feedback.

Of course any community can be a source of script swaps. Find out if your favorite screenwriting podcast or YouTube channel has a Discord or other form of community. There is also the old-fashioned way of meeting people in person. There are film festivals all around the world where filmmakers and screenwriters can meet each other and build relationships. FilmFreeway is a good resource for finding festivals.

#2 Writers’ Groups (Free)

A writers’ group is a collective of screenwriters that meet regularly or semi-regularly to give each other feedback on each other’s scripts. There are many benefits to being in a writers’ group. For one, you get feedback from multiple people, which ensures a variety of perspectives on your work. In addition, you build relationships with other writers who can help hold you accountable and keep you motivated. Never underestimate the power of community!

Of course, to form a writers’ group you need to know other writers who are taking the craft seriously. There is no one way to find writers, but the options listed in #1 and your fellow students in #3 are a good place to start.

#3 Screenwriting Classes (Low cost)

An often overlooked method of getting feedback on your script is by taking a class, either in person or online. In addition to getting notes on your script, classes give you structure, deadlines, and guidance from instructors that you can research beforehand. You’ll find that most instructors have professional screenwriting credits.

Some options you can look into for classes are UCLA Extension, Gotham Writers Workshop, and Script Anatomy.

#4 Script Coverage/Paid Analysis (Low cost)

“Script coverage” started as an internal process done by studios or agencies. Busy executives and agents didn’t have time to read hundreds of scripts, so they hired readers to vet the script and write “coverage.” This would include a synopsis, an analysis of the script’s strengths and weaknesses, and an overall recommendation of whether the script should be recommended, considered or passed (AKA rejected).

Eventually companies began offering script coverage to the screenwriting public for a fee. They hired readers who had previously provided coverage services for studios or agencies, or who had other experience in the industry. Over time these services evolved from basic coverage to offering advice on improving the script, which could be called “story notes” or “development notes.” As such, the term “coverage” can be used to describe pure coverage or any service that provides feedback on a script.

Why does this matter for you? If you’re paying for coverage make sure you look closely at what you’re actually getting for your money. Will you be getting suggestions to improve the script, or just an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses?

You also want to make sure that readers actually providing the coverage are experienced and knowledgeable. Some services let you choose the person giving coverage, while in others it’s anonymous. In the latter cases, make sure the service is reputable and vets their readers.

There is no guarantee that you’ll like the feedback or agree with it, and I encourage you to do your own research on the subject. Be wary of services that promise you access to producers or development execs in exchange for a fee. “Pay to play” operations like these are often scams.

Popular services for feedback include The Black List, Script Reader Pro, and Coverage Ink.

#5 Script Consultants (Higher cost)

If it’s in your budget, you can also hire a script consultant to read your script and give you feedback. This feedback can come in the form of written notes or video calls, which have the advantage of being able to discuss your script with the consultant. Script consultants can work independently or be part of an organization, like the aforementioned Script Reader Pro, and the prices can range from similar to the cost of script coverage to thousands of dollars.

The same caveats apply in this category to #4. Beware of consultants who are promising access to industry insiders, do your own research, and consider what’s in your budget. It’s also important to keep in mind what consultants and coverage services can and can’t provide. They can give you a knowledgeable perspective and advice for improving your script, but they cannot make your dreams come true for a fee.

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