A screenplay consultant might be a good investment for you. These professionals have experience in the movie industry and not only know what will sell but also can advise on how to improve your writing, make the writing more compelling and better develop your characters. Their experience in reading and analyzing scripts should offer insight as far as what works, what doesn’t and how to fix it. They also should be able to help you pick the best agents or agencies, perhaps even the best screenwriting contests, for your screenplay.
Having a fresh pairs of eyes look at your screenplay can provide the objective perspective you need. There are dozens of consultants offering a variety of services. Some charge a flat fee for several services and some allow you to pick and choose several services and pay for each, in an a la carte style.
Look at a consultant’s credentials. A good sign if whether they have held a position in the story department of more than one studio or production company. That indicates that their skills are recognized in the industry.
Some consultants may prefer certain genres but most handle all genres. Don’t focus too much on finding a consultant with experience in a certain type of story. Remember that the basic principals of story structure apply to all genres.
Try to get your potential consultant on the phone. That’s a good way to gauge their personality and how well the two of you communicate.
Ask for samples. Check whether the consultant’s analysis was constructive. Each will have his or her own style but a good consultant will guide you, propose alternate scenarios, and provide a blueprint for improving your script.
Hire a consultant at the right time. Have enough material for him or her to actually review. Write the best screenplay you can before turning it over to a consultant. If you seek input too early in your writing, you’re asking the consultant to create your storyline. That’s your job. You want the consultant to critique the work you’ve already done.
Give your consultant a good two months to review your screenplay before you want to submit it to agents or enter it in a screenwriting contest. That gives them time to review and you time afterwards to integrate the changes and rewrite your script.
If you have specific concerns or challenges with your screenplay, mention these upfront to your consultant. That can help him or her provide the feedback you need most.
Hopefully, your screenplay consultant will leave you feeling inspired but having your work reviewed can be quite humbling. Try to remember that this is how agents and producers will treat your work so the sooner you experience it and get accustomed to it, the better.
At least one website lists numerous script consultants, what they offer, prices and customer reviews. Go to www.scriptpimp.com for more information. Be sure to research potential consultants before you turn over your money. The price range will vary as much as consultants’ experience and services. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep in mind that the screenwriting field is very competitive. There are going to be people out there trying to take advantage of you.