QUESTION #792:	I am looking for a couple credible script doctors to critique my work. Do you have any suggestions?
ANSWER:	Hey there, Unfortunately, I don’t have any personal recommendations to give you for script doctors, as I haven’t had experience in using freelance script doctors. I actually think that what you’re looking for is a script consultant – someone with some kind of writing and/or development experience who can come in, give you a professional analysis of your script, and give you development notes on how to improve it. The term “script doctor” usually refers to someone who is brought in to rewrite a script. But even without having any personal experience with script consultants, I can give you a few guidelines by which to make your decision. A query on any internet search engine will find you the names of hundreds of script consultants – ranging from the very experienced to scam artists. The key is to find someone who best matches your needs – not only in terms of development and/or writing experience, but in terms of the projects they’ve worked on. I mean, I saw that Hershel Weingrod has a script-consulting service. His experience is great, since he’s co-written a number of major comedies (TRADING PLACES among them), but if I had a sci-fi thriller, he might not be my first choice. You probably know that one of the people who runs this website, Howard Meibach, does a script consulting service, based on his experience in development and as a writer. I can’t officially endorse him – or anyone – because I haven’t used them for my own work. But I know that reputable script consultants offer their initial consultation for free – as Howard does. And what also has impressed me about Howard is that he doesn’t seem to abandon writers once the script is done. His experience is in both development and production. Again, I’m not endorsing him or anyone else, but his comprehensive style of script consulting seems to make more sense than just getting a one-time coverage on your script. I would suggest you hit the Internet and check out websites. Narrow the field down to two or three script consultants based on their experience, client testimonials, rates, and industry testimonials. Check their experience. Is it mostly as a writer or an executive? (By the way, just because someone’s a writer doesn’t mean that they’re automatically better at helping your script. Some development executives or producers have more experience and contacts in the business.) Also, think about why they’re doing what they’re doing and where they get paid. What do you get for your money? Just a written coverage, or some phone consultation time, too? Do they offer a discount to read rewrites? Do they have the industry experience and ability to advise you once the script is ready? Once you’ve narrowed it down to two or three candidates, use the free initial consultation to interview your script consultant. Ask them about their specialties and expertise. Tell them a little about your project and gauge their reaction. The consultants don’t have to have the perfect answers in every one of these areas. For instance, there are some terrific and helpful people out there who haven’t had any major films produced. The key is that they seem to have an affinity for your material – it will make them work that much harder if they love the subject matter. In short, judge from their experience, personality, testimonials, and, most of all, compatibility with your material. I hope this helps and wish you luck. -Grady
EXPERT:	Grady Hall