Script/ Screenplay Writers Resources: From Affordable Edits & Critiques to Agents

In the past I wrote an article providing some online resources for screenplay / script writers. Recently I was informed that writers interested in some of them cannot make contact with them. So I reviewed the article and checked up on the resources myself. It turns out that some of the suggested resources have new web sites, some are the same, and some are gone. So I decided to make a new updated list of script/screenplay writers resources.

PROFESSIONAL & AFFORDABLE PROOFREADING EDITING& WRITING SERVICE BY ANDREW RANDALL
Fax: (916) 384-3796
Email: Andrew@AndrewRandall.com

He provides service for Formatting, Proofreading, Light Editing, and Full Service. Fees are a per word rate.
An advantage of the per word rate is that the writer knows up front what exactly will be charged. Writers can calculate the service charges. The charges can be costly if a writers work is lengthy.

AFFORDABLE PROOFREADING & CRITIQUE SERVICE
Several writers have informed me the website for this service is not working. I currently continue to work with this editor. She has a new website. Click here to see it http://pcsqlserviceblog.blogspot.com. The editor of this service continues edit and critique film script/ screenplays and books. The service also writes query letters. The cost is still low and the fees are flat.

This service will also provide lists of script / screenplay agent, producers, and literary agents for free to help get a writer started.

SCREENPLAY/ SCRIPT AGENTS
I advise writers not to use online query letter services that claim to have access to hundreds of literary and script agents and movie producers. These services are just scams. Their emails are considered as spam mail to agents, and agents do not read them. It is better to contact agents and producers the old fashion way, by phone and snail mail.

The following book and websites can be a good help.

Get the latest addition of Hollywood Representation Directory It contains a vast listing of agents, managers, directors, and producers along with their contact information.

Check out the website www.imdb.com to get the names of producers and their contact information. There is a monthly charge, but it is reasonable. The information on this site is up to date mostly.

Also check out www.donedealpro.com from this site you can get names and contact information for script agents, managers, studios, producers, and production companies. It costs $23.95 a month.

SCRIPT/ SCREENPLAY EXAMPLES
Reading an actual movie can be the best resource for a writer. By reading actual movie scripts a writer can get ideas on how to start a story and see different writing styles and approaches to portraying a story. Reading these scripts can give a writer confidence and encouragement when he or she reads and compares a script to his or her own.
Following are some web sites that offer free downloads of movie scripts. These scripts are of actual box office movies.

Simply Scripts at www.simplyscript.com
Sample Scripts/Script Writing & Screenwriting Help at www.filmscriptwriting.com
Sci-Fi Movie Page offers a vast list of Sci-Fi movies at www.scifimoviepage.com

Do not use these scripts as examples for industry formatting. The scripts on these sites are all in production draft form, not script spec form. If you have written a script spec have an editor to proofread it for proper script spec formatting.

CREATIVITY
Are you experiencing writers block? Here are some web sites that provide information to get those creative juices flowing.

The Story Starter thestorystarter.com
If a daily prompt isn't enough to stuff your writing appetite, check out this site. Get a random story-starter sentence from more than 340 million (yes, you read that correctly) choices. Just one click of a button and you're on your way.

WritingFix writingfix.com
Here's another fun site that creates writing prompts on the spot. The site currently has several options-prompts for right-brained people, for left-brained people, for kids-and is working to add prompts on classic literature, music and more.

WORDS AND NAMES
Sometimes when writing a writer is literally lost for words and lost for names for characters.
If you are a foreign writer and you are trying to write a script in English, check out

Dictionary.com Translater dictionary.reference.com/translate
This site will help bring your characters to life-even if they speak a different language than you do.

If you need to expand your vocabulary or are tired of overusing the same words, check out

Merriam-Webster m-w.com
When it comes to word-lover reference material, it's hard to beat Merriam-Webster's online dictionary and thesaurus. Besides the basic functions, it provides word games, a spelling quiz, a Word of the Day and the "Word for the Wise" podcast.

If you are having a hard time trying to think of names for characters, go to the Social Security Administration Popular Baby Names list at

Social Security Administration Popular Baby Names ssa.gov/OACT/babynames
Need character names that suit your 1920s setting? The Social Security website has the most accurate list of popular names from 1879 to the present.

GENRE
Horror Writers Association horror.org
Do you model your writing after Stephen King? If so, the Horror Writers Association is the perfect place for you to get tips, advice and the latest news on this niche.

Kid Magazine Writers kidmagwriters.com
Get the latest news, info and tips on writing for kids here. Plus, this site offers a wealth of paying children's markets.

Romance Divasromancedivas.com
What's not to like about a site whose motto is "unleash your inner diva"? Join the Romance Divas for advice on the craft and business of writing romances, and share stories about your life and career with this fun writing community.

The Erotica Readers & Writers Association erotica-readers.com
If you like the extra randy stuff, check out this site, dedicated to erotica writers and writing. It's a great place for tips and stories, but definitely not a playground for the youngsters.

I hope this updated list of resources will be helpful. All of the web sites are in function. Except for the Affordable Proofreading and Critique Service they are all free. I thank my faithful readers for bringing this to my attention.