How To Ask For (And Receive) Notes On Your Spec

My husband and I read and give notes on a lot of specs. We also receive a lot of notes on our own specs. (Even after 20 years in the industry, my husband still sends his script to fellow writers before sending it to his agents.) If a writer agrees to read your spec, be aware, you're asking for their opinion. And they will have an opinion. Most likely, several opinions. But you're not required to take every one of their notes. In fact, you're not required to take any of their notes. Sometimes I find myself taking all but one suggestion; other times, I take only one. I always tell people, if you get the same note from more than one person, you should really consider addressing it. Otherwise, remember it's just someone else's opinion. It's your script. Your vision. Appreciate everyone's opinion, but follow your own.

Sometimes I send notes via email and sometimes I discuss them over the phone, depending on my schedule. I've been lucky to give notes to very gracious young writers. It's important to be gracious. Readers are giving you their time and it's important for you to say thank you, no matter how helpful (or not helpful) their notes are and how long it took them to get back to you. (I'm the worst about sitting on a script. It is my New Years Resolution to respond in a more timely manner. And to check my voicemail more than once every two weeks. Sorry, Mother.)

When asking for notes, it's important to specify whether you're looking for overall story notes or page notes. Story notes are notes about the story, concept, structure, etc. Page notes refer to specific moments, dialogue, jokes, etc. If you're sending out your first draft, you're most likely in need of story notes. Once you've revised your script, you may want people's opinions on specific scenes or jokes (especially if you're writing a comedy). Asking for page notes from readers is essentially saying "Please don't send me notes about how to radically change my story but rather, specific suggestions on how to make my script better." It's important to let your reader know what you want. It will save you both a lot of time.

Lastly, if you're receiving notes over the phone, remember your reader is not your writing partner and a notes session isn't a brainstorming session. It's absolutely fine to clarify a note you don't understand, but it's not a pitching session. Write down the note and move on to the next one. Don't say, "Oh, that's a good idea, what if I do this..." Many writers will pitch a suggestion along with their note. And many times, it's a suggestion you already thought of and ruled out. A notes call isn't the time to say, "Well, I thought of that but it doesn't work because of this..." Just say, "Thank you," and brainstorm after you hang up.

And unless your mother is a screenwriter, don't bother asking for her opinion. She's going to love it no matter what. Or, in the case of my mother, she'll hate you for always creating a main character whose mother is dead.

For any other questions regarding notes, feel free to leave a comment on this post.