Script Notes: How Screenwriters Get the Right Feedback on Their Work
So you have finished the latest draft of your script. First off, congrats! But now the question at the top of most screenwriter’s noggins is: What do I do next? Well, before frisbeeing your draft to a producer or a decision-maker, we need to get a second opinion from a trusted source. We need script notes!
Now, there are some amazing professional script coverage services available online. You can simply pay them to comb through your work and deliver 5-20 pages of detailed feedback on your script in a manner of days.
However, this can be a costly process. And most times, you don’t get to choose the type of reader who reviews your script - So, while the feedback could be valuable, it might come from someone who just doesn’t connect with your material in the first place.
Also, this kind of professional review is great for a later draft. But what if you are at an earlier stage in your work and are looking for an honest, thorough assessment of your screenplay from fellow writers, trusted colleagues, or mentors?
How can we ensure that you get the right kind of feedback on your script?
What is the RIGHT Kind of Script Notes?
When we say ‘the right kind of script notes,’ we aren’t talking about glowing reviews full of praise and compliments. I mean, it would be amazing to hear that the story resonated so much with your reader, but most of us aren’t at that stage… yet 😉
No, instead, the right kind of script notes means that the person reviewing your material understands the story that you are trying to tell and can provide you with practical, proactive notes, ideas, thoughts, and suggestions on what worked, what didn’t and what could make it better.
But not all screenplay feedback is helpful. And it is important to know the difference between good and harmful script notes.
Beware of Harmful Script Notes
Harmful script notes rarely come from someone with malice or ill will. Instead, it’s usually a reader who has good intentions but is just a little misguided. One of the telltale signs of harmful feedback is if it challenges the core concept of your story and pushes you to transform it into something that it’s not - rather than to make it better.
Think of it this way:
“Sometimes you inspire your readers to have a new, similar idea for a story. And in their excitement, they try to actively pitch their new version, rather than provide you with constructive notes on your current narrative.”
You should absolutely keep your eyes out for these suggestions, as these kinds of harmful script notes can completely derail your vision and lead you down a convoluted, disjointed path.
No, instead, it is important to remain cognizant of the objective:
How can I make my script better?
And the answer comes down to a simple 8-Step Script Notes Strategy that should keep your feedback on track:
How to get the Right Kind of Feeback on Your Script
Most times, the reason for poor script feedback isn’t the fault of our dear readers. No, it’s actually because we didn’t properly create the right foundation for how to request and receive quality script notes.
So, to ensure that you get the right kind of script feedback, try to follow these 8 practical steps:
First, choose the right person to review your draft - A fellow screenwriter or trusted colleague
If you’ve written a horror script, then who is the resident horror expert in your circle? They might be a good port-of-call for initial review
Try to offer them something of equal value or effort in return - Maybe you will read their work, in exchange
Incentive leads to attentive
Then set a date for when to discuss
Without a finish line date, then tomorrow will always be better than today
Also, provide them with guidance on what it is you’d like them to do
Should they look out for any style or grammar issues? Or is it more about character and story cohesion?
If you have specific questions, Give them a survey to fill out at the end
We have created a free Script Notes Feedback Survey for you to use! Click here to access it 🙌
Next, find out their preferred method of reviewing your work - PDF, Final Draft file, printed copy?
Then remember to check in on them to see if they need anything
But really it is a nudge to read if they haven’t started 😉
And finally, reward them for taking the time to help with your script and your career
As you can see, this 8-step Script Note Strategy isn’t just about simply requesting feedback on your screenplay. There are other additional actions that you should take. And that makes sense since this process benefits your project and your career. So you shouldn’t expect to be passive.
But there are some real key moments in these 8 steps that will absolutely help you receive the best possible feedback. And one step many writers don’t utilize is sending a Script Feedback Survey alongside the script.
Your Script Notes Pro Move: Sending a Script Feedback Survey
How many times have you sent your script to a colleague for review, but the feedback you received was a little thin in value?
The thing is: It wasn’t their fault. They just needed guidance on what kind of notes to specifically send your way.
And one of the best ways to ensure that you get the exact script notes you require is to provide a Script Feedback Survey to your reader. This way, once they have completed reading your work, the reviewer has a full questionnaire that can guide their notes, thoughts, and suggestions.
From overall story reactions to their opinion on your characters and your writing style, a Script Feedback Survey is the perfect tool to get the exact feedback you need to help make your next draft even better!
But what kind of questions should you be asking and what is the best process for delivering the survey, receiving the results, and storing the feedback?
Well, we have dived into this very question ourselves and came up with an answer:
Presenting Writing Chops’ brand new Script Feedback Survey Template.
Using Google Forms, a free questionnaire service, we have crafted a fully customizable 28-question script survey, that you can copy and modify to suit your script needs.
From multiple-choice options, 1-10 Ratings, and short answer questionnaires, this Script Feedback Survey is designed to be a super easy way for your awesome readers to give you the notes you require in the cleanest, easiest way possible.
We have strived to provide a fully thorough ‘out-of-the-box’ script notes survey that you can send immediately. However, since you are creating your own Copy, we implore you to make it your own.
This means adding questions that you think are relevant and removing and modifying any that you don’t think you require.
And best of all, when you send your Script Feedback Survey link to a reviewer for feedback, all of their answers will be contained in an Excel sheet for future access. So imagine that you have 3 people read your script this month. Well, once they have filled out the form, you can get a solid consensus of their thoughts in one secure place, providing you with the right information to smash the next draft and get that one step closer to reaching your writing goals.
Click here to make your own copy and get started today. Hope you enjoy and thanks for reading.
Now, let’s get to work, Rascals!
The track I listened to while I wrote this article was Michael Giacchino’s Are You a Kenzie or a Can’t-zie? from The Batman soundtrack.
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