My script consulting packages to lift your stories!

My Script Consulting Packages to Help You Upgrade Your Story

Following are short descriptions of the story developing and script improving packages that I offer. I can, however, work with producers/creatives in any way that they need.

In my script assessments, I do not write synopses of your story, nor focus on formatting, style, and proofreading. Nor do I waste a page with boxes or charts. I focus in depth on concept, theme, character, plot, and structure/form, among other story elements. My written comments come out of your individual story, not from some predetermined criteria. And I apply classic storytelling techniques to help you improve your story. As a writer, I help fix stories from inside them and focus on solutions to script problems that I find. I also offer producers on-the-page fixes/suggestions re specific script issues, if they so desire. In all my edits, I endeavour to identify the deepest, most fundamental story issues.

For new clients, I offer an introductory rate. To learn specific rates, write to me with more information about your project. See the related questions at the bottom of this page. This information will help me better understand your story and specific need so I can give an appropriate quote.

Notes in Feature Script with Short Summary Notes, Advanced Draft

For a script that is a more advanced draft or from an experienced writer, I believe that the most productive edit is one where the writer can read notes entered into the script itself. That is, I will write in caps many reactions, critiques, suggestions, solutions in the exact place in the script where these are relevant and so most instructive to you. I will also give you short summary notes (2+ pages) summarizing the key problems/solutions re your story. I believe this edit is generally the best one to help you improve a developed script. For major production companies, I can supply much longer summary notes.

Summary Notes for Feature Script, Early Draft

This package is recommended for early drafts needing a big picture edit or if it is an early draft from a newer writer. I will read your script and send you 4+ pages of Summary Notes of what I think works in your story, what are its key problems, and what I think could be solutions to the big script issues. You will learn the basic story issues from which you can do a rewrite. Please note that this edit focuses more on foundational/big story, character, and theme related issues. For major production companies, I can supply much longer summary notes.

Feature Script Mentorship – Learn a Writing Process

This service is to support you to write a feature script throughout the whole writing process, from concept to first draft. I will guide you through these stages -- concept, synopsis, and outline or beat sheet, first draft -- for up to a maximum of 60 hours of my time over a maximum period of 6 months. This work includes me digitally editing your story and any phone or email discussions you might need during the development/writing process. I will teach you many principles and practises of how to create a story/write a script during its key stages. If needed, we can meet online every 1-2 weeks to work on your story together. Be aware that the mentorship especially focuses on getting the concept and characters right, which is the key to be able to write a great story. This stage, however, can take significant time.

Concept/Premise Edit

Before you write 110 pages of script, write a one paragraph summary of your story and have that edited. During our one-on-one private one-hour conversation I will ask you key questions to prompt you to develop your premise (and theme). I will make suggestions of how to develop your basic story elements, so you do this before you write your synopsis/story. Focusing on the story concept now will save you much time and pain later on! Devising a layered, original, and dramatic central conflict is intensely difficult. Please note this service is for a story premise of an unwritten script, not for a logline of a completed script about to be pitched.

Synopsis Edit with Brief Summary Notes

I will enter notes into the work itself and conclude with a short (up to 1 page) summary of my findings and recommendations re your story. Your synopsis should be between 1-2 pages in length.

Treatment, Outline, or Beat Sheet

I will enter notes into the work itself and conclude with a short (around 2 page) summary of my findings and recommendations. This service contains page limits re the length of your writing.

Pilot Script

I will enter notes in the script text and supply around 1-2 pages of Summary Notes. Besides focusing on just the story itself, I can also discuss the viability of the series concept, its world, character relationships, theme, etc. If needed, I can also edit series bibles.

Novel Manuscript Editing

For manuscript editing of your novel, I will enter notes/comments/reactions/suggestions throughout the manuscript and then include at the end several pages of summary notes. For this service I would charge per word after seeing a short sample of the writing. Please note that in manuscript editing I focus only on the big picture -- story, characters, theme, pace, etc. I do not edit for style or do any line editing or proofreading. Any verbal discussion session re my comments/suggestions is an extra charge.

Requested Script Information for Editing Packages

Title:

Writer:

Form:

Pages:

Genre:

Location/Period:

Audience:

Budget:

Submitted to: Scott McConnell

Assessor: Scott McConnell

Assessment package:

Draft no.

Theme:

Logline:

Date:

I am here to help you improve your script so it can reach its fullest potential and widest audience.

All the very best with your storytelling!

Scott McConnell, the story guy

  “Scott McConnell is an excellent Script Editor.” Snorri Þórisson, CEO Pegasus Pictures 

Stories are ideas in action!

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