I’ve answered some frequently asked questions on how I give feedback on scripts below. If you have any further questions, or would like to discuss a session, please use my contact form.
What usually happens when I arrange a session with you?
We will agree over email or phone what kind of session best suits your needs, as well as a date and time to meet. If your script is unfinished, we will agree a date for you to finish writing and send it over ahead of our session (usually I ask for a week with the script before our session).
I will also send you a Google Form to fill out, so I can gather information on what your aims are for the script, the ‘central gesture’ or what you are trying to say with the script, and what you are stuck on with it. This helps me to tailor my feedback to meet your current needs with the script.
Script feedback typically happens on zoom and sessions last an hour or so. In these sessions, we discuss your thoughts on the script, my feedback on areas including structure, character, form, logic and dialogue. You are welcome to take notes of all these points during the session. We will also pinpoint clear steps for your next draft so you are clear on what to do next to improve your work.
Can I send you a play or TV script?
Yes, both, either! I give feedback on plays, whether they are one act plays or full length (typically seen as anything longer than 50 pages). I also give feedback on 30 or 60 minute drama and comedy pilot scripts.
Do you charge less for shorter scripts (or more for longer ones?)
I have a flat rate for reading and feeding back on plays - I do not go by page number. This is because the time it takes me to read the play a few times, digest it, and collate feedback, as well as time spent with you in the meeting, is always roughly the same.
Can I send you a series outline?
Some writers prefer to send this along with a pilot script, while others are looking for feedback on the outline alone. Either is fine, so long as we are agreed up front what services I am being engaged for.
Do you give feedback on unfinished scripts?
I usually give feedback either on early ideas at the early stages of writing, or finished drafts. If you are stuck with a script, get in touch and we can discuss what might help most. However, in order to safeguard your IP, and mine, commenting on an unfinished script needs to be handled carefully.
Do you give feedback online?
Yes, I usually give feedback over Zoom. Teams and Skype can also be arranged.
Do you give written feedback?
I prefer to offer feedback as a conversation, in a meeting. This helps me gauge where you’re at with the script and what advice will be most useful to you as an individual. Following our call or meeting, I usually send brief collated notes, which will make sense to you in the context of the conversation we’ve had.
Is it possible to do a workshop-style session?
Yes. Some writers prefer to have a one-to-one sessions looking at an area of craft, such as structure, or how to write a first draft. I tailor these sessions to the writer to ensure they leave with all the tools they need to get their next draft across the line. These do not usually involve script feedback, but we can discuss your idea in the context of how you can use writing tools to make it stronger and get it on the page.
Do you do mentoring? What does it look like?
Yes, I have worked with a number of writers over a longer period as a mentor. This usually looks like contracting a six month period, where I help you develop a script through a number of drafts and rounds of feedback, with support in packaging and best practices for sending your script out at the end of this period. This option has worked well for writers who are serious about pursuing a career and want expert help and insight into developing their craft and navigating the industry.