Hi Reader,
One of the most common things I hear from writers is: “I know my script needs help… I’m just not sure what kind.” And honestly, that makes sense.
“Help” can mean a lot of things.
Sometimes you need someone to help you figure out what the story actually is. Sometimes you’re deep in the draft and need help scene by scene. And sometimes you’ve finished the script, but it still isn’t landing the way you hoped - and now you need to figure out why.
Those are all very different problems. And they don’t all call for the same kind of support.
Every screenplay has 3 phases
I talk about this in my latest YouTube video, but here’s the basic idea:
1. Pre-writing
This is before you start the actual script, but where you’re:
- brainstorming
- shaping the premise
- building characters
- figuring out the world
- outlining beats
- and trying to understand what the story wants to be
At this stage, what’s usually most helpful is a story coach or writing coach.
2. Writing
Now you’re actually in the draft. This is where the real questions start showing up:
- does this scene work?
- does this dialogue sound right?
- is the character arc clear?
- why is the middle dragging?
- why does this moment feel flat on the page?
This is where a script consultant can offer the right kind of insight.
3. Editing / Rewriting
This is after the first draft, and it's where many writers either level up or start rewriting in circles. This phase is about:
- structure
- pacing
- character
- tone
- plot logic
- dialogue
- genre expectations
- and whether the story is actually doing what you want it to do
This is where developmental editing matters most. In my opinion, it’s the most important type of editing for screenwriters.
Not all editing is the same
A lot of people hear “editing” and assume it all means the same thing. It doesn’t.
There are actually four main kinds of editing:
- Developmental Editing → big picture: structure, plot, pacing, character, tone, theme
- Line Editing → style, flow, sentence-level readability
- Copy Editing → grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency
- Proofreading → final typo/polish pass
All of those matter, but only developmental editing is really concerned with the story itself. The others help the script read better, look cleaner, and feel more professional.
That’s important. But if the structure is broken, the characters are flat, or the pacing is off, fixing commas won’t save the script.
The biggest question: what do you need right now?
This is the part writers sometimes skip. Before you hire anyone, ask yourself:
- Am I still figuring the story out?
- Am I stuck in the draft?
- Or do I actually need a deep rewrite?
Because the wrong kind of help can waste time, money, and momentum.
A line edit won’t fix a broken story. A great brainstorm won’t help much if the real issue is execution on the page. And a technically strong consultant may still be the wrong fit if they don’t understand (or love) your genre.
If you want the deeper breakdown, I made a full YouTube video on this topic:
🎥 Watch it here: Why Your Script Isn't Working - And The Right Help To Fix It
Genre fit matters more than people think
A consultant can be experienced, smart, and professional… and still be the wrong fit for your script. Because genre is not just mechanics - it’s instinct.
The best consultant for your screenplay should understand:
- what your audience wants
- what your genre promises
- what clichés to avoid
- what tropes still work
- and where the best opportunities are to surprise people in a satisfying way
This is part of what I do
Over the years, I’ve worked across all three phases of the writing process.
That includes:
- story coaching
- script consulting
- developmental editing
- line editing
- copy editing
- and script doctoring
So whatever stage you’re in, there’s usually a way I can help.
If you’re in rewriting:
👉 My coverage packages are a great next step if you need meaningful developmental feedback before diving back into the draft: Click here!
If you’re in pre-writing or writing:
👉 My one-hour coaching calls are great for brainstorming, outlining, character work, and solving story problems early: Book Your Session today!
If the script is close, but not close enough:
👉 Rewrite to Greenlight is my ongoing developmental editing program for taking a script from almost there to funding- or production-ready: Click here!
As always - the better you understand the problem, the faster you can fix it.
Stay creative!
Neil
P.S. Check out my feature film, Spin the Wheel - out now on Tubi!
Click here to watch for FREE: https://tubitv.com/movies/100030151/spin-the-wheel
Learn more about storytelling, screenwriting, and filmmaking: www.neilchasefilm.com.
Looking for in-depth help with your script, story or film? Check out my one-on-one coaching services here.
Check out my Gothic horror-western novel, Iron Dogs, available in eBook, print, and audiobook.
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