Hi Reader,

If you’ve ever finished a screenplay draft and thought…

“Is this any good?”
“Is this ready?”
“Why does the middle feel… weird?”

…you’re not alone.

That’s exactly where screenplay coverage comes in.

What is “coverage”?

In the simplest terms, script coverage is professional feedback on your screenplay, usually delivered as a written report. The goal is to give you a clear, unbiased read on what’s working, what’s not working, and most importantly… WHY.

Good coverage doesn’t just say “the pacing is slow” or “the characters need work.”
It points to where the problem shows up, what it’s doing to the story, and how to fix it.

It may also include a conversation (Zoom/phone/video) so you can ask questions and turn the notes into an action plan.

What to look for in a screenplay coverage service

If you’re shopping around for coverage, here are the big things that matter:

1) A focus on the core story elements

Your coverage should dig into the fundamentals:

• Plot and structure
• Characters and arcs
• Dialogue
• Tone/theme
• Pacing
• Clarity and stakes

If the feedback stays vague (“make it more engaging”), that’s not coverage. That’s fortune cookie advice.

2) A clear summary + evaluation

Strong coverage usually includes pieces like a logline, a synopsis, and an overall evaluation of the script’s readiness and strengths/weaknesses.

Why does that matter? Because it shows the reader actually understood your story (and can communicate it clearly - just like a producer would need to).

3) Actionable notes, not just criticism

The best coverage leaves you with an action plan:

• What to fix first
• What will move the needle most
• What changes will improve marketability without killing your voice

4) The right reader for your genre and goals

A horror script read by someone who hates horror is going to get weird notes.
Same with action, sci-fi, thriller, comedy… you get it.

You want someone who understands the rules and nuances of your genre, and how to bend or break them on purpose - for maximal effect.

5) Professionalism + honesty

A good reader isn’t your mom. (No offense to moms - mine is my biggest fan.)
A good reader is there to be fair, clear, and direct. Honesty matters, even when it hurts - or maybe especially then - because the film industry can feel cruel to someone who is unprepared.

Coverage is how you pressure-test your script before it hits contests, producers, or agents.

Looking for coverage from someone you can trust?

If you’re ready for a thorough, story-first breakdown, I offer personalized screenplay coverage that looks at character, structure, pacing, tone, theme, and dialogue - plus a clear plan for what to do next.

👉 Script coverage: Click here!​

Click Here for Coverage!

And if you prefer to talk things through before you're ready for coverage, you can also book a one-hour coaching call with me (great for quick brainstorming, rewrite ideas, structure fixes, or getting unstuck).

🗓️ One-hour coaching call: Book Your Session today!​

Book Your Coaching Call Here!

Thanks for reading, and keep writing. Keep rewriting. And don’t guess in the dark when a clean, professional read can save you months.

Until next time, 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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