# Script Editing Guide

## 🍎 Core Principles

- **Readability Over Rules:** Prioritize natural spoken flow over strict grammar.
- **Avoid Pedantry:** Follow the [Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)](https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html) for line edits, but ignore minor or niche rules (e.g., decade apostrophes, [etc.](https://www.ooliganpress.com/cmos-rule-exceptions/)).
- **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.**

## 🖊️ Script Format

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

## ⏱️ Editorial Process Summary

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 |

## 📝 Step-by-Step Editor Checklist

### Draft 1: Conceptual & Exploration

- [ ] 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.

### Draft 2: Structural & Narrative Clarity

- [ ] 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.

### Draft 3: Character & Plot Refinement

- [ ] Strengthen character motivations, distinct voices, and individual arcs.
- [ ] Tighten plot logic, emotional beats, dramatic tension, and overall pacing.
- [ ] **Readthrough:** Evaluate character distinctness and practical scene flow.

### Draft 4: Line Editing & Final Polish

- [ ] 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.

### Post-Show: Archival Polish

- [ ] Review minor staging or dialogue changes made by the writer during production.
- [ ] Lightly clean up text to ensure the script is re-use and publication ready.