# 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)](https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html) per the [Space Opera Editing Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1extOh_grr1kSj_n9gDizV3iWYJB7V-p_ppvvc1sZjV4/edit). Early grammar polish is not required of writers.
- **Do not use GenAI at any point in the writing/editing process.**

## 🖊️ Workflow & Formatting Summary

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) |

## 📝 Writer Checklist

### Draft 1: Exploration

- [ ] Dump all ideas without self-editing for structure or grammar.
- [ ] Meet with your editor to select key narrative threads for Draft 2.
- [ ] Complete the Draft 1 readthrough.

### Draft 2: Structure & Narrative

- [ ] Reorganize and rewrite Draft 1 elements into a cohesive 3-act plot.
- [ ] Cut scenes that do not advance the core story.
- [ ] Complete the Draft 2 readthrough to verify structural flow.

### Draft 3: Character & Plot

- [ ] 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.

### Draft 4 & Final Polish

- [ ] 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.

### Post-Show

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