Wish you could hire a working Hollywood screenwriter to rewrite, polish or ghostwrite your script?
Tired of plugging away on your script by yourself and not making
the progress you’d like?
Maybe some (or all) of the following scenarios sound familiar:
• You’re struggling to get started with a script. You’re spinning your wheels wondering how the heck to beat out the story. Just when you think it’s all coming together, you realize it’s all bunk and have to start over again.
• You’re getting frustrated while writing a script. You’re happy with the concept and story on the whole but now you’re deep into Act 2 and have hit a major creative roadblock. All signs are asking you to detour to Blockville and have a nervous breakdown.
• You’ve finished a script (yay!). It’s done. You’ve poured your heart and soul into this thing but now you realize it could do with a final polish to help tighten it up and make sure it’s ready to send out into the industry.
With all three scenarios, the problem is often becoming too close to your own material. You end up going over and over the same pages for so long you can no longer see your story and characters clearly.
In short, going it alone like this often leads to more and more frustration as the script improves either not at all or only by minuscule amounts. Despite investing everything—time, money and patience—you can’t seem to get the results you want.
If you’re still struggling to master how to write a great script, if you’ve read every screenwriting book there is, if you’ve taken every class, if you’ve attended writing groups, seminars and festivals and your script STILL hasn’t cracked it, then you’re about to discover the answer you’ve been waiting for all your writing life…
Introducing our script doctor services:
script rewriting, polishing and ghostwriting.
Rather than simply receiving written or verbal feedback, this is your chance to let a pro screenwriter get hands-on with your script.
What do we mean by “hands-on”?
• A SCRIPT REWRITE could be “light,” “medium” or “heavy” and depending on the amount of work needed, and involves changing the story and/or characters.
OR:
• A SCRIPT POLISH could be “light,” “medium” or “heavy” and involves putting a final professional touch on the script—enhancing, say, the description or dialogue.
OR:
• A GHOSTWRITE could mean taking your script and completely rewriting it from the ground up. Also known as a “page one rewrite” this option will give you a completely new TV pilot or feature screenplay based on your requirements.
(For a more in-depth description of each, scroll down to the What is a “script rewrite,” “script polish” and “ghostwrite”? section below.)
Don’t worry, we understand your script is your baby.
But… if you’ve hit a creative roadblock, or want a finishing touch on the script, this might just be the service for you.
• Copyright remains 100 percent with you, the writer. We don’t make any claim on your intellectual property. No credits. No royalties. No additional fees. Read more in How the Process Works.
• Your vision is first and foremost. We’re here to execute your brief and bring the script to the place you’ve always envisaged it could be.
Ready to get your career started with one of our script doctor services?
Screenplay editing services are time-consuming and very creatively involved. That’s why it’s super important that you hire the best writer for your project.
Because it’s imperative that you work with a script doctor who shares or enhances your vision for the project, we ask every potential client to first purchase an Initial Assessment. It costs just $79 and you can get started by hitting the button below:
BEFORE PURCHASING PLEASE NOTE:
#1: This service is NOT script coverage. i.e. feedback on how you can rewrite your script. The 1+ pages of notes will be on how your chosen pro will rewrite/polish the script for you.
#2: Unfortunately we’re unable to give cost estimates or ranges for rewrites/polishes/ghostwrites without first reading your script via an Initial Assessment.
#3: The Initial Assessment is for scripts up to 125 pages. If yours is longer, you’ll be able to purchase extra pages during checkout, at $2 per page over 125.
Got questions? Please check out the How Our Script Doctor Services Work section, our FAQs page and those at the end of this page.
How our script doctor services work.
Interested in a professional script rewrite or polish, or our screenplay ghostwrite service? Get started by following
the simple instructions below:
1. Purchase an Initial Assessment. During checkout, once you click “Add to Cart,” you’ll be able to choose your turnaround time, make a $79 payment (or Rush payment), choose your pro writer and upload your script as a PDF.
2. Assess your Initial Assessment! Your writer’s notes will lay out exactly what kind of rewrite or polish your chosen pro believe your script needs. The assessment will also include their estimated turnaround time and project cost. (Please note: We’re unable to give estimates before reading the script and writing up an Initial Assessment.)
3. Have a free email exchange or 15-minute phone consultation. If you’d like to go ahead, you have the option of jumping on a call with your chosen pro to go over any issues or questions about the rewrite/polish.
4. Purchase the script rewrite/polish/ghostwrite. Once you’re happy to sign off the project we’ll send you a (simple, we promise) contract to sign. This will confirm the work we’ve agreed to undertake and that you’re happy for us to get started. Copyright will remain 100 percent with you, the writer.
5. Review your new script. Once you’ve received your rewritten or polished script, we’ll be in touch to make sure you’re 100 percent happy and you’re, of course, free to reach out with any queries or feedback at any time.
Our coverage and script editor services have garnered 300+ 5-star reviews on Facebook and Google.
To see more uncensored, bursting-into-song testimonials, check out our reviews page.
Wonderful! Cleaned my script beautifully and added just the right amount of exposition. I am very pleased! Working with Script Reader Pro a joy!
”I usually do not leave reviews, but this company is THE TRUTH!! Al is beyond fantastic and his staff are definitely the top in the industry. I recommend this service to all writers!!! You will not be disappointed! I look forward to doing more business with you~~!!!!! SCRIPT READER PRO IS TRULY NUMBER 1.
”My bloated 123-page screenplay is going to transform soon to a 100- to 105-page lean, mean, fighting machine which I truly believe is going to be my foot into the door of this crazy business called screenwriting.
”We’re the only script rewrite service that lets you choose a pro writer as your own personal script doctor.
You can read about their screenplay doctor specialities, their full bios and screenwriting credits here.
Each of our writers have personally gone from zero industry connections to getting an agent, manager, selling scripts and ultimately writing for a living.
And now we can rewrite, polish or ghostwrite your script to help you do the same.
We managed to break into the industry after experiencing multiple failures and knock-backs. Individually, it took us years to figure all this stuff out. But our screenplay doctor services are designed to try and save you years of trial and error and get you (and your script) where you want to be that much faster.
Below are the writers you can choose to perform one of our script doctor services on your script. (Read their full bios here.)
Dash Finley.
Pro experience: Dash Finley is a screenwriter and film journalist based in Los Angeles. Having worked as a development assistant to a number of high-powered executives and creatives, he has written many screenplays, working under filmmakers such as Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity), Stanley Weiser (Wall Street) and Bruno Barreto (Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands).
Dash has also been hired for feature work by Norris Chumley (a former producer for Oprah) and Jason Kliot (the producer of Coffee and Cigarettes).
Dash’s script doctor approach: “I like to utilize the lessons and strategies I’ve picked up over years working as an industry “ghost writer” to elevate existing screenplays.
“While tightening dialogue, honing in on character arcs, and punching up scenes are priorities, I aim to stay true to the writer’s vision first and foremost—trying to extract the best possible version of your unique idea while never attempting to make it my own.”
Read Dash’s full bio here.
Jenna Mattison.
Pro experience: Jenna brings a strong insight as to what is viable in the current marketplace, having written and developed TV pilots for Team Downey (Robert Downey Jr’s Company), Lionsgate TV etc, she is also currently serving as Developer/ Writer/ Ep on a James Patterson internationally bestselling book adaptation for television.
Along with having her films released through major studios, her movie The Sound, which she also directed and produced, was released through MGM & Samuel Goldwyn limited theatrical and she’s recently adapted several NY Times bestsellers into features, including a Sophié Kinsella bestseller (Confessions Of A Shopaholic).
She uses her active experience writing for television and film to help aspiring writers bring their scripts to the next level. Whether through a polish to add pace and style, or a rewrite to bring more excitement to the climax and add character nuance, or even a full ghostwrite from a kernel of a concept.
Jenna’s script doctor approach: “We’ve all got a great story in us. For some it’s autobiographical, for others a fantastic idea thrust upon them in a lucid fever dream. Their blockbuster idea, or even an intimate triumph of the human story. Whatever it is, not everyone has the time to not only get it down on a page, but learn the skills needed to make it commercially viable. That’s where I come in as a script doctor.
“I’ve ghost written, polished and rewritten scripts that have gone on to win and place in contests and have been made into films staring A list caliber stars. From adapting novels, to a client’s most intimate family sagas, to entire seasons of independent TV series.
“I’m able to give a script or idea what it needs — an outside professional perspective with the end result being a commercially viable script in the most streamlined and economical way possible.”
Read Jenna’s full bio here.
Scott Parisien.
Pro experience: Scott comes from a place of experience when it comes to different facets of the system. From navigating the world of screenwriting contests to help launch his career, to navigating the hard choices of representation, the struggles of independent film, and building long-term relationships, Scott has gained priceless experience that he loves to share.
Scott has optioned almost every one of his spec screenplays, has been hired for many projects from independent to studio-level producers, and has hit that coveted position of having a screenplay actually produced. He has many projects moving around town at any given time, and is currently dipping his foot into the hyphenate of writer/producer.
Above all other aspects of the writing business, Scott’s passion lies within helping other writers succeed; whether that is through mentoring and lifting other writers up, or helping elevate their script in polishes, rewrites, or full page-one ghostwriting their ideas.
Scott’s script doctor approach: “From all of my experience, the biggest thing I have learned is that there is a huge divide between coming up with a great concept, and executing it in the best possible way. A lot of people come up with great concepts that make trailers come alive in our heads, but what separates the good scripts from the undeniable ones is the execution.
“Over the years, I have created many fans of my writing through spec scripts and writing assignments and rewrites. Sometimes, as writers, we are so close to something, and have worked on it for so many endless hours that it’s hard to see what may not be in that highly effective place. That’s what having a professional, produced writer, who has the experience of seeing what works and what doesn’t, work on your script.
“It’s all about doing everything possible to get your screenplay to the strongest possible place, because, as I can attest personally, one brilliant script can turn an aspiring writer into a working one.”
Read Scott’s full bio here.
Tennyson E. Stead.
Pro experience: While best known as the writer behind the tentpole dark future gladiator film, Atlas Uprising, now in development at Emagine Content, Tennyson has also ghostwritten many prestige dramas and was on the development team for the animated family release, Igor. Out of the more than thirty screenplays he’s written, he’s sold or optioned ten.
Tennyson’s script doctor approach: “My job as a script doctor is to leverage the fundamentals of scenework and dramatic structure, as well as decades of experience in screenwriting and film development, on behalf of the themes, the vision, and the genius of the writer.
“Every idea has a market for it, and any idea can lead to great cinema so long as the cast and crew of a project are empowering one another as thoroughly as possible in their work.
“My job is essentially to ensure that the writer’s imagination, innovation, talent and craft are all being leveraged as a tool to bring the actors, the filmmakers, and the audience together.”
Read Tennyson’s full bio here.
If we’re able to help make your script truly exceptional, it could get passed on to our industry contacts.
If your chosen writer loves your script after the Rewrite/Polish, they may ask if you’d like them to pass it on to their manager, agent or other industry contacts.
What’s included in an
Initial Assessment exactly?
Whether you’re interested in having us rewrite your script, or polish it, or completely ghostwrite a fresh screenplay for you, here’s what you’ll get with your $79 consultation.
• 1+ page assessment. Our script doctor will detail the work they’re proposing—a script rewrite, polish or complete ghostwrite—as well as why they believe it’s necessary.
If you include any comments with your submission regarding the work you think your screenplay requires, this will be an opportunity for the screenplay editor to share any deeper concerns they believe may have been overlooked.
This is, in essence, the script doctor’s chance to make recommendations that they believe will best serve your overall creative vision for the project.
Please rest assured that the comments in the assessment are only recommendations. You are free to demand whatever work you believe is necessary, and the screenplay editor is free to accept or refuse that workload.
• Quote on script doctor services. The assessment comes with a quote from us on the work outlined by your chosen script doctor.
If you’re not satisfied with the plan outlined in your assessment, then it’s important to know that different script doctors will likely have different strategies for moving your script forward.
If you are happy, then included in the consultation fee is an email exchange or 15-min call with the pro of your choice.
• Email questions or 15-min call. After receiving your Initial Assessment you will have the opportunity to discuss the project with your chosen pro via email or a 15-min video chat.
If you have questions about the creative process or the work ahead, this is a great time to ask them. If you have questions about the pricing of script doctor services, these will be handled after your email or video consultation.
Click the link below to get started by purchasing an Initial Assessment at $79.
BEFORE PURCHASING PLEASE NOTE:
#1: This service is NOT script coverage. i.e. feedback on how you can rewrite your script. The 1+ pages of notes will be on how your chosen pro will rewrite/polish the script for you.
#2: Unfortunately we’re unable to give cost estimates or ranges for rewrites/polishes/ghostwrites without first reading your script via an Initial Assessment.
#3: The Initial Assessment is for scripts up to 125 pages. If yours is longer, you’ll be able to purchase extra pages during checkout, at $2 per page over 125.
Got questions? Please check out the How Our Script Doctor Services Work section, our FAQs page and those at the end of this page.
Check out a sample 1+ page script doctor Initial Assessment.
Our script doctor services begin with an Initial Assessment from your chosen pro on whether your script needs a rewrite, polish or ghostwrite. You can view a sample below and download it here.
What exactly are a “script rewrite,” “polish” and “ghostwrite”?
Here’s a more in-depth breakdown on the screenplay editing services
we offer:
Script polishing service. A polish is designed for scripts that are already in pretty good shape but could benefit from having a professional writer’ come in and give it a final touch-up. This may mean freshening up scenes, tightening up dialogue, amending story beats, etc.
If your chosen pro’s Initial Assessment suggests a polish, it’ll be rated as either “light,” “medium,” or “heavy,” depending on the amount of work required to make your script ready to send out into the industry.
Script rewrite service. A rewrite is an extensive service in which your chosen pro will enhance the material by making more significant changes than in a polish, while maintaining your original voice. Again, rewrites are graded as either “light,” “medium,” or “heavy,” according to the scope of the project and amount of rewriting required to get make the script marketable.
This usually entails increasing conflict and stakes, enhancing the script’s genre(s), adding and/or removing characters and scenes, elevating dialogue, developing theme, reworking scene description, etc. A light rewrite might involve just changing the final sequence and climax, while a heavy rewrite could mean completely refocusing the protagonist’s goal and rewriting large chunks of the script.
A “page one rewrite” on the other hand, means taking the core concept of the script but essentially starting from scratch—and that’s where our ghostwriting service comes in…
Screenplay ghostwriting service. We’ve all got a great story in us. But not everyone has the time to not only get it down on a page, but learn the skills needed to make it commercially viable. That’s where we come in as ghostwriters.
Ghostwriting is for the person who wants a professional script that can compete in the marketplace. The process begins with you sharing your idea, with a signed agreement that you will receive sole writing credit and everything will remain confidential. So even if the script goes on to win an Oscar… you own the script and are the only credited writer.
Then comes the fleshing out of the story. That can be done one of two ways. If you already have a mini outline or beat sheet of the story, we would then implement it as a screenplay, teleplay, short film, or whatever medium you choose.
If the story is still in the idea-only stage, we would map out the story beats and an outline before writing the draft. One polished draft is included and any further revisions are discussed and billed if deemed necessary.
But it is extremely rare for a client to come back to us needing revisions because, ultimately, having sold many films and had them released through studios, and with multiple pilots sold and written for major production companies, we’re only going to deliver what we know will be best for the marketplace for the specific genre.
(*BONUS ROUND. For more info on screenplay editing services and screenplay ghostwriting services as they’re found in the industry, we have a post called Script Doctor 101: What They Do, How to Hire One, and Become One. The post answers common questions such as What is a script doctor? How do screenwriting credits work? What is a script editor vs. script consultant vs. story analyst, etc.)
Ready to get help from a pro screewriter/script doctor?
If you have questions about the creative process or the work ahead, this is a great time to ask them. If you have questions about the pricing of script doctor services, these will be handled after your email or video consultation.
Click the link below to get started by purchasing an Initial Assessment at $79.
BEFORE PURCHASING PLEASE NOTE:
#1: This service is NOT script coverage. i.e. feedback on how you can rewrite your script. The 1+ pages of notes will be on how your chosen pro will rewrite/polish the script for you.
#2: Unfortunately we’re unable to give cost estimates or ranges for rewrites/polishes/ghostwrites without first reading your script via an Initial Assessment.
#3: The Initial Assessment is for scripts up to 125 pages. If yours is longer, you’ll be able to purchase extra pages during checkout, at $2 per page over 125.
Got questions? Please check out the How Our Script Doctor Services Work section, our FAQs page and those at the end of this page.
Read what other aspiring writers have to say about our
screenplay editing services.
To read even more wonderful messages from our previous clients, check out our reviews page.
I highly recommend SRP – all their readers are pros who know the business inside out. The notes I’ve received are insightful and will help me improve my story. I will definitely use their services once I’ve finished writing my next draft.
”Everything was very well managed and it is a superb service. We highly recommend them, it was money well spent! Far better than sending off to the unknown “script-writers” which we used in the past, who scammed us and charged most unreasonable amounts. We definitely will use this service again on our future projects.
”My experience with Script Reader Pro was tremendous! Not only was the communication easy and quick, but the work they provided was affordable and to the utmost standard! I highly recommend their service and will continue to work with them.
”Or, you could always keep going alone…
Let’s take a look at a few of your other options other than signing up for our script doctor services:
• Keep plugging away with more common alternatives. Yes, there are some great script coverage services, screenwriting books, blog posts, etc. out there. But are they getting you where you want to be? If so, great, keep using them. If not, maybe you need one of our editing or screenplay ghostwriting services.
• Enroll on a screenwriting MFA and spend upward of $100,000, while also committing one to three years of your life and leaving in debt.
• Hire a different pro screenwriter to rewrite/polish your script. You are, of course, welcome to try and find another writer with comparable credits and experience as our team. But choose wisely. Will you know who’s performing the work or will it be a pair of initials? Are they working writers or just script consultants or “script doctors” with no professional writing credits?
While some of these options may well be achievable, they’re often expensive, time-consuming and based on passive solo learning.
BUT this is what 95 percent of all aspiring screenwriters end up doing. As a result they:
• Struggle to master the craft. They keep making the same mistakes over and over regarding structure, dialogue, characters, theme and so on. Then they get frustrated and feel like giving up because no-one’s interested in their work.
• Feel lost and alone, like they’ve got the will but not the way. Writing’s a lonely business, but it needn’t be that lonely. As we said earlier, even the best sometimes need a hand.
• Lose motivation (and time) to write while juggling work, family, friends, etc. When things aren’t going well writing-wise it becomes even harder to stay motivated to write. And a downward spiral of inactivity ensues…
Sound familiar? Maybe right now you’re thinking…
Am I ever going to get where I want to be as a writer?
But there’s no need to.
Because we’ve been in your shoes, we know what it takes to go from aspiring screenwriter to professional screenwriter. That means we know how to get you there too.
Ready to let one of our script doctors dig in and take your script to a professional level?
This offer is only for serious writers who are ready for BIG changes in their screenwriting career.
There are more FAQs at the end of this page, but here are a few key points worth taking into account:
• We’re unable to give quotes without the purchase of an Initial Assessment first. Ballpark figures, though, for a rewrite or polish are anywhere between $1,000 and $15,000.
• Copyright remains 100 percent with you, the writer. We don’t make any claim on your intellectual property. No credits. No royalties. No additional fees.
• We do not offer further rewrites without additional cost. While we do guarantee that the finished work will meet the standards established by the script doctor’s assessment of the script, we’re unable to do further work on the script without another quote.
• We are also unable to guarantee your freshly rewritten or polished script industry success once you receive it. No script doctor service on earth will be able to guarantee this outcome and we advise you to take any company’s services that do with a large grain of salt.
BEFORE PURCHASING PLEASE NOTE:
#1: This service is NOT script coverage. i.e. feedback on how you can rewrite your script. The 1+ pages of notes will be on how your chosen pro will rewrite/polish the script for you.
#2: Unfortunately we’re unable to give cost estimates or ranges for rewrites/polishes/ghostwrites without first reading your script via an Initial Assessment.
#3: The Initial Assessment is for scripts up to 125 pages. If yours is longer, you’ll be able to purchase extra pages during checkout, at $2 per page over 125.
Got questions? Please check out the How Our Script Doctor Services Work section, our FAQs page and those at the end of this page.
Everything you’ll get with your Initial Assessment and script doctor project.
Let us know your vision for your project and we’ll take care of the rest. Here’s what you’ll get:
• 1+ pages of notes from your chosen pro screenwriter on how they’d approach the polish or rewrite on your script.
• Email or phone consultation to give you the chance to speak to your pro writer/script doctor and iron out any issues or queries you may have.
Sign off on your Initial Assessment, give us the go-ahead and this is what you’ll get with your rewrite/polish:
• A “light,” “medium” or “heavy” rewrite/polish. Your chosen script doctor will rewrite your story, characters, dialogue, etc. according to the brief outlined in the 1+ page Initial Assessment. Or polish the scenes, description or dialogue.
• Industry connections. If our reader really likes your script they may ask you if you’d like them to pass it on to their manager or agent or other industry contacts.
• Guaranteed 5-star service. Our average client rating on Google and Facebook is 5/5 stars. You can read what other writers just like yourself say about our script doctor services on our Reviews page.
This is our proven step-by-step system for elevating writers’ scripts to the next level. Remember that old quote: “The best way to walk through a minefield… is in someone else’s footsteps”?
For years, Script Reader Pro clients have been asking us for a more hands-on writing solution. Now we’re finally ready to offer it to you.
How we’ve made hiring a script doctor a cost-effective option for aspiring writers.
Our entire business model at Script Reader Pro is built around offering screenwriters the tools and support to compete in an industry that can seem impenetrable to new creative voices.
Providing editing and screenplay ghostwriting services at a price point that’s accessible to creators is a vital part of helping new writers move their projects into production.
Our script doctor services are structured to ensure that emerging voices have access to precisely the same level of film development talent that would traditionally be utilized by the studios.
Studio-level support at indie prices.
Every creative project is complicated by three essential problems: quality, cost-effectiveness and speed.
Quality.
Obviously, you need your script to be excellent. Hiring a script doctor is in itself a statement that you are unwilling to compromise when it comes to quality.
Our writers understand this, and they will provide you with work that reflects the top of their professional craft.
Cost-effectiveness.
When it comes to money, studios will pay script doctors in amounts that compare very favorably with writer’s guild minimums.
But our fees are a fraction of what these services would be worth to a studio. Cost is an area where we know our clients need some extra effort from us.
Speed.
Keeping our demands flexible when it comes to the time commitment our script doctors are making to our clients is what makes it possible for us to offer their services at independent rates.
During the Initial Assessment, our writers will propose deadlines for the work that fit specifically within their schedules.
Every writer on our script doctor team provides this service with a level of excellence that’s consistent with the best studio development teams.
Furthermore, they can do it ON A BUDGET that makes sense as a professional expense for emerging screenwriters and indie filmmakers.
But this script rewrite/polish/ghostwrite service isn’t for everyone…
While we’re happy to work with most writers on their scripts, we’re usually unable to help writers who:
• Want a script rewritten that’s a hot mess. We’re great writers but we can’t perform miracles. If your script is written in MS Word, is 210 pages long and doesn’t contain a coherent story, this probably isn’t the service for you. We recommend you get it checked out with one of our much cheaper script coverage services first.
• Expect guaranteed industry success after receiving their polish or rewrite. As we are working with the material we are given and have no control over who it will be sent to, how it will be sent, or what each personal reaction will be. Therefore, we cannot guarantee writers that they will definitely be able to win a contest, gain representation or sell their script afterward. And you should probably run a mile from companies that do.
• Expect their chosen writer to automatically pass their script on to industry contacts. These script editing and screenplay ghostwriting services aren’t a one-way ticket to getting your work read by our writers’ contacts. It does happen, but we make absolutely no guarantees on this front.
• Want 24/7 contact with their writer. If you’re looking for a situation where you can email your chosen writer or jump on a call with them whenever inspiration strikes, this isn’t the service for you. Contact is strictly limited to the email or 15-min consultancy after receiving the Initial Assessment or rewritten/polished script. (Other Script Consultancy calls may, of course, be purchased at any time.)
Sound good? Then we’d LOVE to work with you.
In just a few days you could have a blueprint in your hands
for a new rewritten or polished version of your script.
Ready to get started? You can do so by purchasing an Initial Assessment on your script for $79 below.
You’ll receive an email letting you know we’ve successfully received your script and you will receive your Initial Assessment back in approximately 14 days from the date of purchase. Or within your chosen Rush service turnaround time.
BEFORE PURCHASING PLEASE NOTE:
#1: This service is NOT script coverage. i.e. feedback on how you can rewrite your script. The 1+ pages of notes will be on how your chosen pro will rewrite/polish the script for you.
#2: Unfortunately we’re unable to give cost estimates or ranges for rewrites/polishes/ghostwrites without first reading your script via an Initial Assessment.
#3: The Initial Assessment is for scripts up to 125 pages. If yours is longer, you’ll be able to purchase extra pages during checkout, at $2 per page over 125.
Got questions? Please check out the How Our Script Doctor Services Work section, our FAQs page and those at the end of this page.
How the process works
step-by-step.
Ready to let a pro screenwriter take a deep dive on your script and bring your vision to life? Get started by following the simple instructions below:
1. Purchase an Initial Assessment. Once you click “Add to Cart,” you’ll be able to choose your turnaround time, make a $79 payment (or Rush payment), choose your pro writer and upload your script as a PDF.
2. Assess your Initial Assessment! Your writer’s notes will lay out exactly what kind of rewrite or polish your chosen pro believe your script needs. The assessment will also include their estimated turnaround time and project cost. (Please note: We’re unable to give estimates before reading the script and writing up an Initial Assessment.)
3. Have a free email exchange or 15-minute phone consultation. If you’d like to go ahead, you have the option of jumping on a call with your chosen pro to go over any issues or questions about the rewrite/polish.
4. Purchase the rewrite/polish. Once you’re happy to sign off the project we’ll send you a (simple, we promise) contract to sign. This will confirm the work we’ve agreed to undertake and that you’re happy for us to get started. Copyright will remain 100 percent with you, the writer.
5. Review your new script. Once you’ve received your rewritten or polished script, we’ll be in touch to make sure you’re 100 percent happy and you’re, of course, free to reach out with any queries or feedback at any time.
Rewrite/Polish Service FAQs
The main difference is that both a Rewrite and a Polish are custom-made services, executed by one of our writers to your exact brief. A Line Edit is a predetermined service that focuses solely on tightening up the dialogue and description.
To go a little deeper, a Rewrite is a more extensive service in which the reader brings their own interpretation to the material. It involves more significant changes on a broader scale. For example, to the story, characters and scenes.
A Polish, on the other hand, is kind of in-between a Rewrite and a Line Edit. Your chosen pro may tighten up the dialogue and description, as in a Line Edit, but also add their own suggestions in order to, say, “polish” a scene and make it “come alive” a bit more.
If you still need help, please contact us.
Your completed Initial Assessment will include an estimated turnaround time to complete the work. Depending on the project it could be anywhere from two weeks to two months.
If you still need help, please contact us.
If you’re looking to have us do work done on a TV or feature script, then no.
A Line Edit alone is $400-$600, and to have one of our pros come in and polish or rewrite your script is going to be more expensive.
It does all depend on the scope and amount of work required for each individual project, which is why we’re unable to give quotes without first completing an Initial Assessment.
However, if you have a synopsis/treatment/bible or short film script, then the cost will be significantly less, but of course it all depends on the material and amount of work needed on it.
If you still need help, please contact us.
Every script that’s sent to us remains 100 percent the author’s copyright.
We will under no circumstances release, or let your script be viewed, by any third party without your prior consent. Not only that, but every idea we suggest or piece of feedback that you take on board and add to your script will be completely your own.
We also never accept royalties. We’re just here to help you make it as a screenwriter and all we ask is that you invite us to the premiere. 🙂
With that in mind, we don’t sign writers’ own NDAs.
We—and to be honest, 99 percent of people and companies out there—have zero interest in “stealing screenplays.” Managers, execs, producers, etc. will be interested in hiring you as a writer, not running off with one script.
And script consultancies like ourselves have no desire to do this either. We have our own careers and reputations to take care of and simply want to help you succeed too.
If you’re still worried, however, here’s the legal angle:
• We recommend all screenwriters register their screenplays at the US copyright office and/or WGA West before sending their work out. It’s cheap, easy, and will protect you against any copyright infringement by law if it ever came to that.
• Here’s a blog post on the subject you may find useful: How to Copyright a Script the Smart Way and Avoid These 5 Legal Pitfalls.
If you still need help, please contact us.
No, the Initial Assessment is simply a page or so of notes from your chosen pro letting you know how they’d approach the rewrite, polish or ghostwrite.
If your script is a good fit and you’re happy with the notes, you’ll then be free either purchase or not.
If you still need help, please contact us.
All rewrites/polishes/ghostwrites are purchased via two 50/50 split pay installments: half up front and the second half upon completion of the work, after which we’ll send the completed script to you.
Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer any other kind of payment plans.
If you still need help, please contact us.
In order to get a quote for a rewrite or polish, we need to first complete an Initial Assessment. How much it the overall rewrite/polish will cost depends on the scope and amount of work required for each individual project so we’re unable to give estimates.
It will definitely be over the cost of our script coverage services, though, so over the $200 to $500 range. You can purchase an Initial Assessment on our Script Doctor services page and the pro of your choice will write up a page of notes on how they’d approach the rewrite/polish, along with a quote.
If you still need help, please contact us.
A Rewrite/Polish isn’t a back-and-forth, collaboration-style service but you can book a free email exchange or 15-minute call with your chosen writer before they get to work.
Your pro will then work independently on your script. Once you receive your freshly rewritten or polished script, you’ll then be able to reach out with any queries or concerns.
If you wanted to work on the script together and bounce ideas around then we’d recommend a 6- or 12-Week Mentorship, but that would mean you’d be doing the actual writing.
A rewrite/polish means letting our writer do the writing as outlined in the Initial Assessment. You’re also welcome to set up a Script Consultancy Call first to discuss or send over advisory notes for free.
If you still need help, please contact us.
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in this business as it’s super subjective. Therefore, we’re unable to guarantee any level of success after completion of the work, such as securing an agent, manager or making a sale or winning a contest.
We could rewrite and/or polish the script to vastly improve it but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that anyone in the industry will want to read or buy it. This depends very much on the standard of the screenplay we’re given to work with and the level of marketing it receives afterward.
We highly doubt you’ll find any company out there who says they can guarantee that the script will be a success—and if they do, we recommend you proceed with caution as more than likely they’re promising things just to take your money.
If you still need help, please contact us.
1. Purchase an Initial Assessment. During checkout, once you click “Add to Cart,” you’ll be able to choose your turnaround time, make a $79 payment (or Rush payment), choose your pro writer and upload your script as a PDF.
2. Assess your Initial Assessment! Your writer’s notes will lay out exactly what kind of rewrite or polish your chosen pro believe your script needs. The assessment will also include their estimated turnaround time and project cost. (Please note: We’re unable to give estimates before reading the script and writing up an Initial Assessment.)
3. Have a free email exchange or 15-minute phone consultation. If you’d like to go ahead, you have the option of jumping on a call with your chosen pro to go over any issues or questions about the rewrite/polish.
4. Purchase the script rewrite/polish/ghostwrite. Once you’re happy to sign off the project we’ll send you a (simple, we promise) contract to sign. This will confirm the work we’ve agreed to undertake and that you’re happy for us to get started. Copyright will remain 100 percent with you, the writer.
5. Review your new script. Once you’ve received your rewritten or polished script, we’ll be in touch to make sure you’re 100 percent happy and you’re, of course, free to reach out with any queries or feedback at any time.
Here’s Scott Parisen, one of our pro screenwriters, explaining the service:
If you still need help, please contact us.
Top 10 FAQs
Great, glad you found us! Whether you have a feature screenplay, TV pilot, synopsis/treatment or even just a logline, we can help you out.
You can find an overview of all our services on our script coverage services page.
How much help do you need? The service you pick will depend largely on how intensive you want your chosen pro’s involvement with your work to be. This could range from written feedback, to a one-hour call, to mentoring you once a week, to completely rewriting your script for you.
Once you’ve decided on a service, you’ll be given the option to pick a pro screenwriter during checkout.
Pro availability: Most of our pros are available for most services, but there are exceptions. Jenna Mattison only does rewrite/polish/ghostwriting assignments for example, but you’ll know if they’re available if their photo is on the service page.
Also be sure to check out our Meet the Team page where we update our pros’ general availability.
If you still need help, please contact us.
Here’s the two-step plan to picking the pro of your choice:
1. If you haven’t already, check out our writers’ profiles on our Meet the Team page. There you’ll find their mini-bios and genre specialties and also will be able to check if they’re currently available
2. Make sure that their photo appears in the pro gallery on the service sales page that you’re interested in. If it’s not there, then they’re not available for that particular service
3. Proceed to checkout, where you’ll be asked for your first and second choice pro. If you ONLY want one particular pro, be sure to add them as your first and second choice
And that’s it!
A note on reader availability:
If your first choice isn’t available your script will go to your second choice. In the unlikely event your second choice isn’t available, we’ll contact you.
If you leave your second choice as “I don’t mind” we’ll send your script to who’s available and best suited to your script’s genre.
If you really want a specific pro, add them as your 1st AND 2nd choice and we’ll be sure to pass it on to them or get back to you with their availability.
(Important: Not all pros are available for all services. If your chosen pro’s photo isn’t on the service page you’re interested in, it means they’re unavailable for that particular service.)
If you still need help, please contact us.
Yes, if you’d like to submit your script for a Proofread, Line Edit, or Rewrite/Polish, but it’s written in a non-screenwriting program (which we don’t accept) like MS Word, we can perform a complete professional reformat using the screenwriting software of your choice.
Once reformatted, you could then purchase the desired service as per normal.
Simply contact us, attaching a copy of the script (or at least five pages) and stating the it’s page count and we’ll get back to you with a quote for the reformat.
If you still need help, please contact us.
We have two types of turnaround time available:
1. Standard 14 days (approximate). This means you will receive your work back roughly within two weeks. We cannot guarantee a return of your work exactly on Day 14—it could be a day or two later, so hang tight!
2. Rush . If you order a 3- or 7-Day Rush service, you will receive your work back three or seven days later, starting from the day after purchase.
This is calendar days too, so includes weekends and most holidays.
(For example, if you purchase a 3-Day Rush at 4 pm on a Monday, Day #1 of the countdown will start on Tuesday as the first full day. So you can expect your notes back no later than midnight Thursday. )
Rush orders received after 12 pm PST will be processed the following morning and the turnaround countdown will start from that day.
(For example, if you purchase a 3-Day Rush at 6 pm on a Monday, it’ll count as a Tuesday purchase and so Day #1 will be Wednesday and you’ll receive your notes back no later than midnight Friday. )
(All times are Pacific Standard Time.)
If you still need help, please contact us.
Unfortunately, once a script’s been allocated to a pro we’re unable to accept further drafts.
However, if you have made some major story changes (i.e. not just correcting typos, formatting or making light edits) contact us and we will give you a quote for resubmitting depending on how much work the reader has already done.
Please note: If we do accept a new draft, the turnaround time will start again from the time and date we receive it.
Yes, it depends on whether you purchase a Feature service, TV service, Short Film or Synopsis service. All extra pages can be added to your order during checkout.
Feature screenplay page limit: If you’re sending in a feature script (for a movie) for any of our services, the page count limit is 125 pages (not including the title page). If your script is 126 pages or over, you’ll see an option during checkout to purchase extra pages. Each page limit is charged at $2 per page for all coverage/consultancy call services and $4 per page for Proofread, Line Edit and Margin Notes services.
TV script page limit: If you’re sending in a television pilot for any of our services, the page count limit is 65 pages (not including the title page). If your script is 66 pages or over, you’ll see an option during checkout to purchase extra pages. Each page limit is charged at $2 per page for all coverage/consultancy call services and $4 per page for Proofread, Line Edit and Margin Notes services.
Short film page limit: If you’re sending in a short film for any of our services, the page count limit is 20 pages (not including the title page). If your script is 21 pages or over, you’ll see an option during checkout to purchase extra pages. Each page limit is charged at $2 per page for all coverage/consultancy call services and $4 per page for Proofread, Line Edit and Margin Notes services.
Synopsis/treatment page limit: If you’re sending in a synopsis, treatment or outline for any of our services, the word count limit is 4000 words. If your word count is over 4000, please contact us stating your document’s word count and we’ll send over a customized purchase link.
If you still need help, please contact us.
We don’t accept scripts written in Word as they almost always have super wonky formatting, look unprofessional and it’s hard to calculate a script’s true length.
So, our advice is to reformat the script first using a professional screenwriting software.
You can choose from one of these best pro software choices currently on the market below, reformat the script, and then send it in to us for the service.
Best Screenwriting Software Compared [PAID]
Best Free Screenwriting Software [100% FREE w/ usability limits in some cases]
Or we could reformat the script for you.
Alternatively, if you don’t have the know-how or time, you could purchase our Script Reformat Service which would completely reformat your script to industry standard, using the screenwriting software of your choice.
Contact us, attaching the script (or at least the first 5 pages), we’ll get back to you with a quote.
Or, the cheaper (but more time intensive) option for you would be to select a screenwriting software and copy the script over to it. Then you could submit as per normal for the service of your choice.
If you still need help, please contact us.
We don’t accept log-in details to perform work in the cloud using programs like Celtx or WriterDuet.
However, if you can export the script to a PDF if you’re looking to purchase coverage, an Initial Assessment or have a Consultancy Call, you can submit that to us.
If you’re looking to have an edit done on your script (Rewrite/Polish, Proofread, Margin Notes or Line Edit), you can export to Final Draft (or similar non-cloud based screenwriting program), or even to a .txt or .rtf file, and we can perform the work and then you can import again into the cloud.
If you still need help, please contact us.
There best route is to try and get a manager first as they’re more about making connections than agents who are there when you want to sign a deal.
We have a few blog posts on the subject that will tell you all you need to know:
How To Get A Screenwriting Agent: The Ultimate Guide
We may be able to hook you up with an agent, manager or producer, but you have to have received a “Recommend” rating from one of our script coverage services. If so, we may ask if you’d like us to pass your screenplay on to the reader’s contacts (as long as it’s also a good fit.)
If you still need help, please contact us.
1. Purchase an Initial Assessment. During checkout, once you click “Add to Cart,” you’ll be able to choose your turnaround time, make a $79 payment (or Rush payment), choose your pro writer and upload your script as a PDF.
2. Assess your Initial Assessment! Your writer’s notes will lay out exactly what kind of rewrite or polish your chosen pro believe your script needs. The assessment will also include their estimated turnaround time and project cost. (Please note: We’re unable to give estimates before reading the script and writing up an Initial Assessment.)
3. Have a free email exchange or 15-minute phone consultation. If you’d like to go ahead, you have the option of jumping on a call with your chosen pro to go over any issues or questions about the rewrite/polish.
4. Purchase the script rewrite/polish/ghostwrite. Once you’re happy to sign off the project we’ll send you a (simple, we promise) contract to sign. This will confirm the work we’ve agreed to undertake and that you’re happy for us to get started. Copyright will remain 100 percent with you, the writer.
5. Review your new script. Once you’ve received your rewritten or polished script, we’ll be in touch to make sure you’re 100 percent happy and you’re, of course, free to reach out with any queries or feedback at any time.
Here’s Scott Parisen, one of our pro screenwriters, explaining the service:
If you still need help, please contact us.
Say goodbye to going it alone and say hello to working with a pro.
Why keep struggling on alone chasing your own tail when you could give your script a revamp and take it to the next level?
You may realize by now that you have two choices:
1. Keep going at it alone, trying to start or finish your script by yourself, getting frustrated and not knowing how to solve its story, character or structural problems.
OR:
2. Get serious and invest in your writing career by hiring professional help.
If you have any questions we haven’t covered, check out our extensive FAQs page.
We look forward to working with you!