Now I'm confused. I posted a script on The Black List and paid for a read. I got less than a half page of feedback. Pros and then Cons. Maybe eight lines total. Did I just get coverage? It didn't help me at all, but it sound's like Donna's notes were five shades of awesome. Was she excited about getting a high score? Then she wouldn't notes to fix much. I got a low 4/10, so presumably they would tell me what to fix? Confused about the lame notes.

Yeah I gotta say, I'm a big fan of the black list. I think it's really helpful for the community. It allows us amateur types to see how we stack up against professional scripts and also helps professionals find good amateur scripts... But I don't think it's a good coverage service. The notes given are basically required to help professionals browse scripts without having to read every single one (totally impractical) and to rank each script for the search engines. Now personally... I actually did find my notes really helpful. I got two big takeaways from the coverage and did a quick new draft as a result. But still... I'm not sure it's a coverage service so much as an exposure service with coverage as the means to achieve that exposure.

SecretSharer101, could you email me?

I guess I didn't look at the BL service as paying for a 'read' and was looking for exactly what they provided--script coverage. Getting read isn't that tough. Seeing what the professional readers are getting out of your script is what's tough. As I said in my email to Scott, when you query your work you simply don't get the insight as to WHY they passed. Having this type of coverage helps a great deal. And I didn't get much more than those 8 lines you spoke of, SecretSharer, but those few, precise comments helped a great deal. Was I excited about getting an above average score? Certainly. I can imagine that unless and until you have an agent/manager, you're never really certain about the quality of what you write. But I submitted my script knowing that many who had read the script liked it. What I needed to know was what about the story could be improved because my objective eye was blind after so many rewrites and in this busy business, no one will take the time to explain it to you--even if you ask. And I disagree, LDR7, that this service is impractical because it allows professionals to browse rather than read. In my experience, no matter where you submit your query, someone just like those who are reading for the BL, is reading for the professional you think you're contacting. Everything goes through readers and is weeded out with the vast majority never being read by anyone who can make a decision. There is a difference between paying a reader and getting script coverage. Personally, I don't think anyone needs a professional reader. Build your network of writer friends online and you'll get plenty of quality feedback for free. What that network won't do for you, though, is tell you why a director/producer/studio isn't interested because those you are networking with are exactly like you and, again, for me, BL gave me that.

Sorry-messed up your name 7LDR! ; )

Donna, I see your point. It's awesome to have professional readers providing coverage and letting us know what they think. It's great for the screenwriting community overall. The coverage is succinct: Strengths and weakness. Maybe I'm just not used to that. Writers are at different levels, sounds like you already know your scripts are good. I'm assuming most people are like me and can't tell. Guidance would be nice to get to the next level. The BL site should also post scripts. Old scripts from 2009/2010 Blacklists should not be an issue. Maybe a little library. Then the site would be tops.

Well, SecretSharer, I'm no professional but I'd be happy to read your pages and give you some notes. If you're interested, contact Scott, he has my email address.