Pro Script Critique
$30.00 – $300.00
Request a professional critique of your script! The fee is determined by the number of story pages in a script. Comics Connection members receive a 30% discount on Pro Critiques. See the Guidelines/Rules tab for specific instructions on how to submit your script for critique.
The Comics Experience staff aim to be both honest and professional. Your critique will most likely contain both criticism and some praise. We believe in treating each creative person (all people, really) with respect and that extends to their work. We aim to let you know what is working in your script, what does not appear to be working for the critiquer, and offer up either a possible solution or some advice on how to approach the perceived issue. We do not intend to be harsh nor do we couch criticism in overtly personal ways. We hope that our critiques, while being honest and indeed critical, are also constructive for you and your work. With that in mind, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Clients should have their script in a format that follows the Comics Experience Script Template or is a similarly industry accepted format. Unusually formatted scripts are harder to critique, and may result in delays on the critique or, in some cases, rejection of the script for critique.
- The script must be submitted as an MS Word document or a PDF.
- Naming Your File: use the name of your story, your name and state the page length (e.g. World’s Greatest Comic by Jane Doe – 20 pgs).
- Pages must average 225 words or LESS per comic book page. If word count exceeds limits, additional charges may be required or script returned for edits.
- Script revisions that are submitted after an initial critique are treated as new critique requests.
Story notes – Provide relevant context to your story – include genre, themes, structure (mini-series, one-shot, etc) and/or state areas that you are most concerned about or want specific comments on.
Recap – When submitting a script that is not the first issue in a series, include a synopsis of what came before, and a character guide. The synopsis/recap can be simply a short paragraph.
Character guide – A character guide should be nothing more than a line of text or a few words describing each of the most significant characters. Full character descriptions should be given when reading the script upon a character’s entrance.
These tips help the pro critic gain a better understanding of your story, allowing them to provide the best critique possible.
Critique questions:
If you’ve received a critique and aren’t clear about what the critiquer meant, it’s fine to request clarification. We do not give refunds on critiques.
Quote from prose writer Hanna Martine about her first experience getting critiques and advice for getting the most out of critiques:
I had no idea what to do with the comments. There were many. They were critical. I may have cried; I don’t remember.
What I do remember was taking a moment to detach myself from my manuscript (that hurt; it was like really strong Velcro being pulled apart) and saying to myself, “These people are trying to help you. This is what you wanted, to improve your writing. Right?”…
What took me a few months to realize was that all of those writers I envied/admired/feared/loved started somewhere. They once had their own doubts and anxieties. They all had their own “where I began” stories”…
They were not “better” than me. They had just started before me.
Learning how to absorb criticism and apply it to my writing was by far the most important lesson I’ve learned. It works with critique partners. It works with editors…I remind myself of these points every time I send work out to be beta read:
- Acknowledge you have weaknesses. Don’t defend your work. Listen.
- Be open to suggestions you may not have considered, even if it changes your original story plan.
- Don’t ask for critique if you’re just looking for compliments. You will never, ever, ever please everyone. And as my good friend says: “If you just want someone to tell you it’s awesome, send it to your mother.”
- Find critique partners you respect who understand what you’re trying to write and offer suggestions accordingly.
How do I submit my script for a pro critique?
1) Select the number of comic book pages in your script (this may be different than your document’s page count – see “Guidelines/Rules” below for specific details).
2) Click “Add to Cart”
3) Go to your cart. If you have a discount code (current Comics Connection members receive a 30% discount) you can add it at this point.
4) Proceed to checkout. Fill out all the billing information.
5) Click “Place Order”
6) After purchase, you will be asked to fill out a form which will request:
- The name of the script writer.
- the email address you would like your critique sent to.
- Microsoft Word document that follows the Guidelines/Rules in a different tab.