Mike makes a good point. I think it's helpful to get some professional feedback. We don't realize how unpolished our stuff is until someone points it out. Hence we just keep churning it out. I see this over and over, in my own work and in others. I've been ambivalent about the value of feedback. The thing is, it depends who's giving it. Only recently did I get a review on The Black List that I felt was very helpful and enlightening. It makes sense to get reviewed by industry readers who know what to look for in terms of, not just marketability, but good story. I've been skeptical of The Black List too. Although, I think it's a wonderful concept if it really works. And it's inexpensive enough to use as a feedback tool.

You raise a good point, Jon: The quality of the feedback from script readers / analysts. I have a handful of readers whose judgment I trust. Plus the Black List readers all have professional experience. But it is important to get some objective feedback on one's script. I make this pledge to anyone who takes a Screenwriting Master Class course. If they think they have written a really good script, they can reach out to me with a logline, and if I think it is something both marketable and something I can direct to my contacts, I will read their script. If worthy, I'll pass it along no string attached. But I insist they get their script reviewed by at last 2 readers. I've had far too many scripts come along which the writer swears it is top-notch only to discover no, it isn't. A pro read will separate the wheat from the chaff. Not to say script reviews are a panacea. Responses to the same story can vary widely. At some point, you have to rely on your own gut. But a relatively inexpensive service like the Black List can serve as a helpful development tool.

Great post. 1) Also makes me feel less guilty about taking a lot more time to churn something out. 2) The comments about needing to put more effort into developing character really hit home with me - I recognize that problem in my own work.

That's pretty cool Scott. I may take you up on it once I feel I have something worthy.