How to Get Your Screenplay Recommended by a Reader

According to Brian O'Malley at Screenplay Readers—a guy who's seen more than his share of screenplays over the years—you should focus on a few basic things to give your script a better shot at garnering the "elusive" RECOMMEND from a Hollywood reader:

Convince Them You're a Pro

A Hollywood script reader's got to convince someone up the chain of command to take time out of his busy day to look over what you've got. The last thing he wants to do is to destroy their trust. Allay his fears by demonstrating that you’re a  true professional (or could pass for one). Format your script properly, first of all. Economize on your writing—only what's absolutely required to tell your story should be included. Get the movie going in the reader's head and don't distract from it.

Show don't tell. Telling is for novels; you're in the movies now.

Create an Emotional Connection

Now that you've got the reader past worrying about your typos, format, and overwriting it's time to connect emotionally. If your script cannot excite the reader in some way you're not going anywhere with it in Hollywood anyway. Make your characters do and say things that move. Script readers want to be moved. This is your chance to give them what they want (and maybe get a leg up in Hollywood as a result).

Amaze

If you can’t get the reader jumping out of his chair exclaiming "What a GREAT idea!!" you might just want to hang up your pen right now.

Be Original

Chasing trends in Hollywood may seem a sure path to success, but by the time your script has made it all the way through development the hot fad this year will have cooled. Create the next trend!

LISTEN

Actually listen when you get feedback and consider how you might apply what your critics are saying to enhancing your script. Turning it into an actual movie is a collaborative effort—show that you work and play well with others. Besides, they might actually know better than you do. Isn't that why you went to them in the first place, for their valued advice?

In the wise words of Brian O'Malley:

"So learn to let go of your ego. Take those notes. Listen to the good, listen to the bad. If you can get your script sold, you’ll be in a much better political position to have more say on the next one."

SOURCE: "How to Get a Recommend on Your Script Coverage" by Brian O'Malley (2011).