Resources

Script Writing Guide

🍎 Core Principles

Trust the Process: Focus on output over perfection early on; dialogue and structure will be refined in later drafts.
Table Readthroughs: Every draft undergoes a table read with the editor/cast to test spoken rhythm and pacing.
Editorial Support: Editors follow the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) per the Space Opera Editing Guide. Early grammar polish is not required of writers.
Do not use GenAI at any point in the writing/editing process.

Script writing stages, focus, time limits, tools, and readthrough goals
Stage	Main Focus	Time Limit	Software / Tool	Key Deliverable / Readthrough Goal
Draft 1: Exploration	Unstructured idea dump; scene & theme exploration	Max ~12 hrs	Google Docs	Review raw material; select core threads
Draft 2: Structure	Major rewrite; build clear 3-act narrative arc	Max ~12 hrs	Google Docs	Evaluate narrative flow and plot clarity
Draft 3: Refinement	Distinct character voices, pacing, dramatic tension	A few hours	WriterSolo (or AMPAS-compatible)	Check character arcs, dialogue balance & stage logistics
Draft 4: Polish	Spoken rhythm, line edits, CMOS alignment	A few hours	WriterSolo (or AMPAS-compatible)	Final pre-production table read
Post-Show	Incorporate tweaks discovered during run	Max ~1 hr	WriterSolo (or AMPAS-compatible)	Final publish-ready script (writer retains rights)

Transition script to WriterSolo (AMPAS format).
Differentiate character voices and heighten dramatic stakes.
Check production logistics (quick-change timing, dialogue balance across characters).
Complete the Draft 3 readthrough.

Fine-tune spoken dialogue rhythm (prioritize natural speech over strict grammar; for example, prefer "For who?" over "For whom?" if it sounds more natural).
Conduct CMOS line edits and style consistency checks with your editor.
Complete the final pre-production table read.

Record and apply minor staging/script fixes from the performance run to create your final publish-ready copy.