Resources

Script Editing Guide

🍎 Core Principles

Readability Over Rules: Prioritize natural spoken flow over strict grammar.
Avoid Pedantry: Follow the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) for line edits, but ignore minor or niche rules (e.g., decade apostrophes, etc.).
Stage-Specific Focus: Focus strictly on the goals of the current draft stage; do not jump to line editing early.
Table Readthroughs: Facilitate or participate in a table readthrough for every draft stage.
Do not use GenAI at any point in the writing/editing process.

Drafts 1–2 (Google Docs): Share in Google Docs for active commenting and heavy structural rewriting.
Drafts 3+ (WriterSolo / AMPAS): Formatted in WriterSolo (or similar AMPAS-compatible software) using standard screenplay layout (AMPAS) for cast and production clarity.

Editorial focus, tools, and table read goals for each script stage
Stage	Main Editorial Focus	Format / Tool	Table Read Goal
Draft 1	Identify 2–3 strong themes/threads; brainstorm direction with writer	Google Docs	Hear raw material and explore concepts
Draft 2	Structural flow, narrative clarity, reinforce key plot points	Google Docs	Test story clarity and plot comprehension
Draft 3	Character voices, plot logic, dramatic stakes, and pacing	WriterSolo (AMPAS-compatible)	Evaluate character arcs and scene balance
Draft 4	Spoken dialogue cadence, CMOS line edits, layout consistency	WriterSolo (AMPAS-compatible)	Final pre-production table read
Post-Show	Lightly edit staging fixes to make the script re-use ready	WriterSolo (AMPAS-compatible)	Archive final publishable script

Read raw material without judging narrative cohesion.
Highlight strong themes, moments, and 2–3 potential plot threads.
Hold a brainstorming session with the writer to agree on a direction for Draft 2.
Readthrough: Facilitate/participate in the Draft 1 readthrough.

Verify core threads are central to the new structural rewrite.
Ensure key plot points are echoed (not mentioned just once) to prevent audience confusion.
Flag extraneous scenes, tangents, or structural bottlenecks for removal.
Readthrough: Assess narrative clarity with the cast and writer.

Polish spoken dialogue cadence (prefer natural phrasing over rigid grammar, e.g., "who" over "whom").
Perform CMOS line edits for mechanics, punctuation, and clear stage directions.
Trim minor bloat and finalize formatting consistency.
Readthrough: Perform final checks in the pre-rehearsal readthrough.