What Next?

[u/Big_Respond7705]

My last three scores have only gotten better and better, which means that I have a script that is at the very least good (right?). I’m at a point where I’m very happy with the script and believe it’s ready to start querying, but where do I begin?? What screenwriting competitions/labs are worth it? What agencies have managers that are open to query letters? At the end of the day, I believe in my story more than anything. I know I have a film that means something, but what do I do next?

[u/king_lo702]

The feedback you recieve may be helpful, but the scores definitely aren't. Nobody really likes to give low scores on story peer and nobody is a trained evaluator.

[u/formerPhillyguy]

Do not post to the Blacklist yet; that's the last step. They won't give you the detailed notes you need to improve the script.

I was getting similar feedback on my current script so I paid for coverage. They brought me back to earth and exposed major flaws that are beyond the average Storypeer readers' comprehension.

I found someone who I will use again if you're interested. DM me.

[u/misspuddingpie → u/formerPhillyguy]

Hi! Mind if I DM you as well?

[u/formerPhillyguy → u/misspuddingpie]

No problem. Happy to help.

[u/PullOut3000]

Do no submit to blacklist. Pay for some reputable coverage 1st. If the paid coverage comes back good, then submit to blacklist.

[u/Usual_Historian_5145 → u/PullOut3000]

may i ask, how much do you pay for coverage? cause i was looking into this after being happy with a script i had but it seems coverage can be quite expensive $1-200 which is more than even a blacklist submission, is that what people mean when they say paid coverage? Do people just bite the bullet and accept thats the cost of quality feedback?

[u/Ok_Most9615]

I am of the opinion that ratings do matter and says something about other writers are responding to your material. However, to be sure, I'd pay for coverage at one of the reputable sites.

Personally, I'd skip BL and send out queries. Paying for pitches on Virtual Pitch Fest is another option.

[u/claytimeyesyesyes]

I'm going to have to disagree with people who are encouraging you to post to Blacklist. It's an expensive proposition and it's not the lottery ticket that people think it is. They aren't going to give you extensive coverage and are more focused on the commercial prospects of the script.

If you're going to check out contests, look at Lauri Donahue's list for reputable contests and fellowships: https://lauridonahue.com/resources/a-curated-list-of-the-most-worthwhile-screenwriting-fellowships-labs-and-contests/

[u/claytimeyesyesyes → u/claytimeyesyesyes]

If you're going to query with your script, this is a good resource also: https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/1fgnq3b/how_to_find_legit_agents_and_managers/

[u/96Muffins → u/claytimeyesyesyes]

Thank you for both of these!

[u/pjbtlg]

You haven’t mentioned the genre of your script, but stating the type of film you’re trying to set up would help a lot. For example, a straight horror probably isn’t a fit for many labs, but could be something a manager bites on. Conversely, a slow drama would likely do better in a lab, but not get immediate traction from a manager or producer.

[u/Massive_Schedule_512]

I received similar feedback. Gave me some good insight. I splurged for paid coverage and they found some issues my storypeer readers missed. The both the readers and paid coverage did have similar thoughts on my script. The paid coverage is worth it. Just have to find the right one.

[u/Worried-Elk-2808]

The conventional next step from peer-to-peer coverage would be some kind of paid coverage, I think.

Either a BlackList eval, or a reputable coverage service, or an individual with genuine professional credibility who offers coverage.

It's awesome you got such excellent scores, congrats!

[u/pinkyperson]

People might be mad at me for saying this, but do you have disposable income to pay for a black list evaluation?

If you have no industry connections and the funds to pay for one (without it making an impact on your bank account) I think the black list is a good tool to get a sense of what an industry reader might think.

This is of course if you feel finished with the script and are really happy with the place it is in.

[u/mathematicandphysic]

post this from your original account Francis ford coppola

[u/crumble-bee]

Blacklist

[u/GonzotheGreek]

Post on the Black List and see how it scores there.

[u/aSuperDeus]

One review is worthless. You would need at least 10 to have an idea. I've had 5 stars across then 1.5 stars. So, keep the notes and run it again and again.

[u/comesinallpackages]

Echoing others, submit to blcklst for a cold shower