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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions About Our Services
Why do I need coverage or development notes?
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With these written reports from someone in the industry, you'll get an idea of what Hollywood thinks of your script before you make the official submission. This way you'll know if you rare submitting it too soon which is a fatal flaw many writers make.
Once you send an agent or producer your material and they don't think it's ready, you don't get a second chance.
What's the difference between coverage and development notes?
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Coverage is a sort of like a book report you used to write in grade school.
It is written by "readers" and is designed to help busy movie people decide if your material is worth reading in its entirety. It's basically a summary of your material with a few notes regarding its strengths and weaknesses. Development notes is a more in depth analysis of the material. It is designed to help writers who are in the process of rewriting their script. Before a screenplay is filmed, a creative exec usually provides these notes to the writer so that the script can be refined.
Isn't this new service just a reading fee for Escape Artists, the production company mentioned
on your website? Isn't the fee funding their development process?
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Notat all. We're not owned in any way, shape or form by Escape Artists. They are mentioned on our website since they have a "first-look" at any material based
upon a logline or treatment that is submitted through our free online submission system. Other than that, they are on an equal basis to dozens of companies that have
requested to see our positive coverage. Be aware though, there are several production and management companies out there that do indeed offer coverage
services as a way to fund their development services. Although it isn't illegal, we don't play that game. We are not an agency or production company. We don't earn
any money down the line like an agency or production company will. Our fee is derived strictly from providing our services.
Why is your company different than all the other companies out there offering
similar services?
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We've been around longer (since 1997) than most of those companies, and since that time, we've introduced many writers to the industry. We are also aligned with a major production company (Sony-based Escape Artists) which further assures you of our credibility and standing within the film industry.
Plus, as of March 24, we are the only company that offers the exclusive HLS Reader's Checklist. This is either a 10 question or 25 question checklist that will pinpoint any problems your material might have. Since Hollywoodlitsales.com is the leader in providing services to writers, we are certain other companies will offer a similar bonus. Just remember, you saw it offered here first.
Are you sure these services that you provide are not in reality reading fees?
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Yes, were sure. Reading fees are requested by companies that are either scamming writers or they're legit but they want writers to fund their development process.
We don't play either game. Since we don't claim to be an agency or production company, the only money we make is from the fees charged for our services. If we didn't charge, we couldn't be in business. Unlike agencies and production companies, there's no money down the road for us should the material get produced. So rest assured, we are not out to scam you. We would never be a leader in helping writers since 1997 if we were.
How will I receive my coverage or development notes?
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By e-mail.
Why can't you mail me back the script or book?
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In order to keep our prices down, we want to eliminate this part of the process. It takes a while to go to the post office and do a mailing; especially for overseas mail. Besides, many scripts or books that are read and then delivered by the post office or other delivery service are not in any shape to be used again. We RECYCLE all material. There is no chance anyone will read it other than our staff.
What happens if my material gets a "consider" or a "recommend?"
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If it receives either a "consider" or a "recommend" it's put into our online database with a special designation that makes it stand out from other material already listed. We have hundreds of producers and agents who look through the database for material so having this designation is a big plus.
We also send your coverage or development notes to the many companies who have requested to see preferred material from us. If they like what they read and want to see your script or book, we will put them in touch with you. We do not take a cut of any deal you might enter into.
If it receives a "recommend," we will make phone calls to a number of agency and/or production company contacts and get the word out about your script. Since we'll call only those companies we feel are a good fit for your material, the number and the names of the companies can't be determined until we look over the coverage or development notes.
If they wish to read your material, we will put them in touch with you. We do not take a cut of any deal you might enter into.
If my script or book gets a "consider" or a "recommend" and I send it out to companies who respond, will you followup with them?
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Once we put you in touch with a company, we step aside. We're not agents or managers and do not make followup calls. Even though your material was requested, there is no guarantee that you will hear from the company that requested it. Hey, this is a tough business. These companies usually reply only if they're interested. If you don't hear from them after six - eight weeks, you can assume there's no interest.
If a company wants to option or buy your material and you need a rep, we might be able to introduce you to one. At that point though, if it is a legit offer from one of our contacts, you can probably pick up the phone and get a rep by yourself since they will smell money.
What if my script gets a "pass?" Will the coverage be shown to any outside party?
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No. We will only show coverage that gets a "recommend" or "consider." Even then you have the option of not allowing us to show the coverage. Remember, it's yours.
Let's say I get the notes and make the necessary changes. If I submit that same material again, do I get a discount?
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Yes. Our price list addresses this subject.
What if I get a "consider" or a "recommend" but I don't agree entirely with the reader's comments and I want changes before it is sent out to the industry?
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As we just stated, we stand behind our readers 100%. Once a report is completed, changes will not be made.
What if I don't agree with the coverage the first time, can I get a second opinion?
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Sure, if you pay the resubmission fee. Before you submit you must realize that you are paying for an informed OPINION and even if we got a studio head to read your script, you might not agree with the assessment.
Do you get a cut if you sell or get my material optioned?
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Unlike other companies, we do not take a percentage of anything we help set up
via this service.
What is the turnaround time?
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Once we receive material and payment, (if paying by check, it must clear bank first) the turnaround time is 2-3 weeks for screenplays; 2-4 weeks for books. Rush is three days for an extra $50. Books not allowed for rush service.
How do I get you payment and my material?
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Currently we are accepting submissions via online and by snail mail. Payment must accompany the submission. We accept checks against a US bank only, money orders or credit cards
(Visa, Am Ex, Visa).
Should I register my script or book before sending it to you?
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It's always a good idea to do this before you let anyone see you work. We recommend that you register with Protectrite. They are less expensive than the Writers Guild of America and their registration time is longer.
Why don't you have a board of directors?
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Who needs them? They're nothing but a bunch of fat cats who sit around sipping caffe lattes and smoke high-priced cigars. No board means lower prices and a more efficient company.
Do you have a payment plan?
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Nope. Sorry. We're not a bank. If you can't afford us, cancel your internet connection for a while then use the money that you saved to order our services.
Out of 100 scripts that pass your way, how many will get at least a "consider?"
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Based on past experience, we figure that at least five will move up the ladder. Writing a great script that is also commercial is a very difficult thing to do.
Hey, isn't it in your best interest to give my script a "pass" so I can
keep resubmitting?
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No. It is in our best interest to find quality material so we can let
Hollywood know about it. That way we both win. We've been serving writers since
1997. If we were in the business of scamming writers, we would never have gotten as far
as we have. To allay any of your concerns, we also have a policy that does
not allow us to accept the submission of the same script more than three times.
Can you help me even if I have an agent or manager?
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Most certainly. Since we aren't agents or managers and don't take a commission, we co-exist very well with writers' reps. Should your coverage or development report get a "consider" or "recommend" and the industry wants to see your material, your representative can then take over and contact the company that requested it. What agent or manager would mind that? You're doing work for them and
they're still making money!
How can I contact someone about this?
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E-mail us or call 310-204-6213. 11AM-5PM Hollywood Time. Leave message with e-mail address and
phone number if we're not here. Returned calls to US only.
Contact us here.
Sounds good, where do I begin?
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Questions On Material That We Accept
Can I still submit a screenplay that is an adaptation based on other material?
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Yes as long as you control the rights to the other material (article, book, life rights, etc.) that the screenplay is based upon and can attest to it in writing on our submission form.
My book is a true story, is that okay?
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Of course. There are many feature and TV films based on true stories. Remember ERIN BROCKOVICH? Remember SCHINDLER'S LIST? We accept all genres, fiction or non-fiction.
Can I submit a published or unpublished book that I didn't write?
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Only if you control its rights and will attest to it in writing on our submission form.
Do production companies really buy unpublished books?
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Yes! They are looking for great stories no matter what form they are in. Once they buy a book they hire a screenwriter to adapt the material. Can't get published? Show Hollywood your book!
Is this service for published and unpublished books?
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Yes. Hollywood is looking for great stories no matter if published or not.
Can I send you my book already printed in book form?
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Yes, we accept manuscripts as well as printed and bound books.
I have a book that contains several stories. May I submit that for coverage?
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Yes as long as you pick one story and it's at least 20 pages in length.
I'm out of the country, can I still send you a script or book?
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Sure, as long as payment is by credit card (Am Ex, MC, Visa) or international money order.
Questions About Our Readers
Who does your reading?
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Professional readers who have worked at least five years in the motion picture industry as a reader. This is VERY important. Many other companies, especially the ones who charge less than us, use film students or recent college grads to read their scripts. This
is how they can afford to charge so little.
Can I decide who does my reading?
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No. Our staff of readers is well established in the industry. It simply would not be cost effective for us to have customers select readers at this time.
*If you do a rewrite though, and want the same reader, we should be able to accomodate you.
Can I speak with the reader after I receive the notes?
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No. At this time we only offer notes.
Will the readers write notes on the screenplay?
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No. The notes will be on separate pages. We assure you that this will be enough to get across their points.
Questions About A Guarantee
Can you guarantee that I'll get an agent or get my script produced?
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No. It would be impossible to back up a claim of that sort. We can guarantee that if you are able to follow our advice, you will become a better writer. Unlike other companies that claim to be able get your script set up (and then don't), we downplay that part of our service. We will help sell your material only if it meets our high standards.
What if I keep rewriting my material and it improves?
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Sorry, we still can't guarantee a sale or representation.
If I don't agree with the reader's notes, can I get my money back?
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No. This isn't like buying a coat where you can return it and another customer can buy it. Our readers put lots of time into reading your material and writing notes. They are very experienced, and we back them 100%. You might not agree with everything they say, but if you are capable of implementing their advice, we are confident that you will have much better material and will become a better writer.
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"HollywoodLitSales delivers what it promises -- and more. And if HLS likes your book or script, they will go the whole nine yards for you. I got a killer coverage
and within two weeks was contacted by two Hollywood producers, an agent representing a well-known TV star and later HBO -- and I m still getting calls. Way
to go, Howard and HollywoodLitSales -- and thank you. If my book ever makes it in Hollywood, I know it will be thanks to you."
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-- David Pereda, Author "Havana Confidential"
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