Script coaches take workshop techniques to the next level - the marketplace. Services vary among the individual coaches, but most include extensive script notes, phone conferences, and sometimes personal industry referrals.

Is it worthwhile? Script coaches can be expensive, but if your coach has legitimate industry credentials, they can become the professional referral all aspiring screenwriters need.

Popular Script Coaches to Check Out

1. Michael Hauge

   Michael is the author of one of the best-selling books on screenwriting: WRITING SCREENPLAYS THAT SELL. In addition, Michael has two decades of experience as a successful writer and script consultant. He offers two-day intensive screenwriting seminars throughout the US, Canada and England. For script consultation and seminar details, e-mail mhauge@juno.com.

   For a preview of Michael's coaching technique, visit http://www.breakingin.net/hauge2.htm.

   Check out Michael's NEW SITE at http://www.screenplaymastery.com

   
   

2. Kate Wright

   Since 1995, Kate Wright has been a screenwriting professor at UCLA. Hundreds of successful writers have taken her popular course - Writing the Million Dollar Script. Kate has a decade of experience as a film and television executive at Interscope Communications where she worked with some of the finest writers in the industry. She had the extraordinary good fortune to work with the legendary Tennessee Williams; and she collaborated (as producer) with Pulitzer Prize winning actor-writer Jason Miller to win Interscope's first Emmy!

   For script consultation information, e-mail katywrite@aol.com.

   Interview with Kate is at http://www.breakingin.net/kwright.htm.

   
   

3. Write Movies

   The consultants for this site are well-known industry insiders: manager Alex Ross, screenwriter David Newman, and film exec/producer Peter Saphier. Writers choose the staff member they want to read their script - there is a sliding pay scale. Scripts which receive a high recommendation are then managed and marketed by Alex Ross, who discovered screenwriter Andrew Niccol ("The Truman Show").

   
   

4. The Screenwriters Room

   Experienced film executives, Kathleen Hannon and Ann Zalid, help screenwriters break into the business. They offer script notes, phone conferences, face-to-face meetings and industry referrals if they recommend your script.

   
   

5. The Writer's Guild Mentors Program

   This completely free service is provided by experienced Writer's Guild members. Aspiring writers visit the Guild's website and choose from the mentors who have volunteered. The mentors are listed by writing genre and work experience. The aspiring writer corresponds privately with the chosen mentor to discuss writing and script marketing issues. Please DON'T ask them to find you an agent!

   
   

6. The Screenwriting Center

   Dave Trottier has decades of experience as a screenwriter and screenplay coach. Many writers he's coached have gone on to win major script contests and establish successful screenwriting careers. Dave is the author of "The Screenwriters Bible" - one of the best-selling guides to writing and selling a script.

   
   

7. W. C. Martell

   If you have an action script that needs feedback, this well-respected screenwriter has the experience and the expertise you need.

   
   

8. Tracy Keenan Wynn

   Tracy offers excellent writing experience and coaching credentials, especially for character-drive stories. His award-winning scripts have impressed writers for decades: The Autobiography of Jane Pittman, The Longest Yard, The Deep, The Drowning Pool, and Quigley Down Under. Serious, dedicated writers only!

   
   

• Check credentials thoroughly. Look for extensive industry experience and current film community contacts.

• Get references. Investigate the recommendations given by their clients. If you belong to a screenwriters networking group (and you should!) ask your peers about their experiences with script coaches.

• Be clear which services you are choosing and how much each service will cost.

• DON'T send them a first draft screenplay. This is not a writer's workshop. Send them a polished script you believe is ready for market. Let them help you take it to the next level.

• Many coaches offer reduced fees for resubmitting scripts. This can be worthwhile if your next draft is significantly improved.

Good luck!