Writer's Home Page > Sell A Script

When You Submit Your Movie Script To Producers, You Don't Get A Second Chance Make Sure It's Perfect That First Time

Screenplay Review, Coverage, & Analysis

By Hollywood's "Cream of The Crop" Script Doctor
Melody Jackson, Ph.D.

However the great thing is ... since you've come to this page ... you're obviously sharp enough to know that in such a super-competitive market as Hollywood, you have to make your script as good as it can get!

So I'm just going to jump right in and let you know how I can help you move toward your goal -- assuming that you want to make your screenplay the best it can be so then you can actually sell it!

As you will see below, there is a grid of options in terms of the type of feedback you have to choose from. To help you choose which one is right for you, I'll break it down a bit by summarizing the major differences. First here are your options. If you know what you want, then go on and get it. If you aren't sure, then I'll break it down for you. Here's the grid:

Our Most Popular Critiques

All critiques are by Dr. Melody Jackson, unless noted as "Reader."

Choose the critique you want from the Drop Down Box here:

Having Trouble Deciding which one is right for you?

If it's not yet clear which one is right for you, here's a bit more information on them.

Do you prefer Oral Interactive feedback or Written or a Combination?

There are three major ways that you can request feedback on your script. Those are: verbal, written, and a combination of the two. After working in-depth with well over 2000 screenwriters, I've learned that some writers learn better from interacting in a conversation with me about their screenplay while others prefer to have written notes that they can review over and over. And still others prefer some combination of the two types of feedback.

If you have a strong preference, that will narrow it down, and if you're not sure, other factors may help you choose.

Current Status Of Your Script

At this point, you could be at any possible place in the development of your script. You might have just begun it and would like help on a script treatment. You might have just finished your first draft or be pretty close. Or you might have already done 2 or 3 drafts, gotten feedback, and now simply want a fresh pair of eyes to read it and give you development notes for a final polish before you go out to the market with it for big splash.

Depending on which of these categories you fall into, that will also help you determine which Script Consultation would be best for you.

Your Budget

The final factor that can help you determine which Script Consultation is best for you is your budget. As you'll see below, we have services that start as low as $200 for a Market Ready Review, and on up to our most advanced written consultation which is $1497.

Having worked with so many writers since 1992, I know writers come in all shapes and sizes and so do their wallets. I've worked with all types from wrongly incarcerated types to rightly incarcerated, to writers on the verge of making it big to big time director/writers -- and they've each found something that suited them just perfectly. I won't say that I have something for everyone, but I will say that there is a nice mix of offerings and that one of them will most likely be absolutely perfect for you. -- And I don't mind saying so myself!

Before you try to decide which one is right for you, I want to assure you that you are at the right place and that I guarantee that you will be satsified with the consultation I give you on your script, or I will keep discussing it with you till you are. And you don't have to just take my word for it, read what the highly reputable magazine Creative Screenwriting has said about me:

Here's a sampling of what you'll get, depending on which critque you choose:

• We will discuss how to fix any problems, not just tell you what's wrong and let you figure it out how to fix it yourself
• You will learn tips, techniques, and crafting points that will work not just for this script, but ones you can apply to every screenplay you ever write or re-write again
• Your idea will be honored to make sure that you tell your story not mine or someone else's
• You will get ideas on how to add commercial appeal to your screenplay
• You will be asked a few questions first regarding what you're trying to get across with your script -- this is to assure that your story will be told without someone hijacking it and turning into something other than what you want
• Both the strengths and the weaknesses of your script will be identified so that you keep what's working in place and only change what's not working

In the one-on-one consultation you can ask any question you like so you're not left hanging and wondering what is meant by anything,

No matter what level you're at in your writing, we'll discuss your script and your career based on where you are -- if you're advanced, we'll use terms of the craft that cut to the chase -- if you're new, we can discuss certain points in more depth to make sure everything is clear and that the time we talk is used to the maximum benefit. The same thing goes for discussing a career strategy for you

When we finish our conversation or after I send you your written review, if you haven't yet gotten any insight into how to enhance and improve your screenplay, we'll keep talking till you are clear about specific things you can do to your script to make it better after we hang up the phone

You'll get feedback on how you're doing on the major cornerstones of your screenplay -- the plot, character arc, theme, dialogue, and the integration of all of these

You'll be asked a few questions first to make sure that your story and what you want to accomplish in your script is addressed and that you're not just being told what is wrong with your script and how you should change it to suit someone else

You will find out how to make your story the most marketable while maintaining its originality, not just how to turn your idea into a re-hash of some tired, old worn-out formula

Here's the grid again to help you decide which one suits you best.

Although we have a lot of options, it can be pretty simple to choose which critique is right for you.

First, decide if you prefer written or oral feedback, or if you want some of both.

Second, consider if you would like a smaller amount of feedback so you don't get overwhelmed, or if you would rather get the WHOLE picture with in-depth feedback.

Third, determine what your budget is so you know your options out of all of the critiques.

Finally, using these three criteria, choose the critique that most closely matches your answers to these decisions. Then call us and discuss how you will get your script to us.

Time frame for turnaround: No more than 30 days on any of them. Typically oral critiques are done within 10 business days and the written ones in three to four weeks. If you need it sooner, let me know and I may be able to turn it around quicker.

By the way, after we get your script all shined up and ready, then I can also help you with marketing it to the industry witih a Smart Girls Query Letter Marketing System™, which is another of our signature services.

Thank you for considering my services. I hope we will get to work together!

What they
are saying

"Melody saved me years."

J. Craig Stiles: "I used a number of script consutants in the development of my career. Most were very interested in getting paid. Melody Jackson was very interested in advancing my career. Within months of engaging her services I had both an agent and a manager. Smart Girls career planning program combined with Melody Jackson's superb script consultations was like adding rocket fuel to my career. Melody saved me years."

"If you need to get your foot in the door, I suggest you take advantage of Smart Girls“ marketing expertise."

Creative Screenwriting Magazine

In all three times that Creative Screenwriting magazine rated the analysts, Smart Girls founder and CEO, Melody Jackson, Ph.D., came out with rave reviews:

In 2010, they rated Melody Jackson a "Cream of the Crop" Script Consultant and placed her in the Top 3% Overall out of more than 200 other script consultants.

In 2004, they wrote "Highly Recommend!"

In 1999, she one of the Top 5 Consultants in the industry and they recommended the Smart Girls Query Letter Marketing Services.