Page Work: The Last Thing You Fix, But the First Thing You're Judged On

For writers wondering why their screenplay feels off… even when it’s technically “done.”

Hello Writers!

I am hosting a Rewrite Class on July 12 on Zoom, which will include a full read and 1-on-1 call to give you notes on your rewrite. It’s $497, but if you email me before Saturday, June 21, I will give you $50 off. Just mention it in the email. Email me at max@thestoryfarm.org. A lot of what I cover in today’s Substack will be covered in the workshop in full.

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When screenwriters reach out to me for help with their script, they usually say something like this:

“I’ve done three drafts, I know it needs a polish, but something still isn’t clicking.”

What they’re often describing, without realizing, is the script’s Page Work. The formatting. The dialogue. The pacing and presentation of the story on the page.

But here’s the truth I always mention:

Page Work is the last thing you should fix, but the first thing the industry will notice.

That’s why I take a top-down approach to development and rewriting.

The Story Farm Pyramid: Why I Start from the Top

I teach development and rewriting through four level. Every writer I work with 1-on-1 or in group knows this and is probably tired of hearing me discuss it, but I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to see this clearly:

1. Concept

2. Character Development

3. Structure (using my 12 Sequence model)

4. Page Work

Think of them like a pyramid; Concept sits at the top, the peak of your script’s identity. And Page Work is at the base.

Why?

Because if the concept isn’t clear or compelling enough…

If your character doesn’t change…

If the story structure isn’t supporting emotional movement…

Then no amount of clever dialogue or formatting cleanup will save the script.

You can polish a broken clock until it shines, but it still won’t tell the right time. (I found that cheesy quote online and I thought it was fun…I apologize for the cheese, unless you like cheese.)

The following content below is for paid subscribers…

If you’d like to join my Circle community, attend live workshops, and get personal feedback through one-on-one coaching calls, my call packages are the perfect way to dive in. I don’t have a horn to toot, but if I did, I would say that working with me will change your writing life, your writing craft, your writing ability, and help you create a long-term career.

You need to start with education and continue with dedicated deadlines WITH a coach or guide. If you intend to create a career for yourself, you have to invest in yourself. You can email me with questions if you have any: max@thestoryfarm.org. The link below will give you details about my call packages. Every writer who signs up for a call package will receive free membership in The Story Farm Community on Circle.so.

👉 Click here to explore my available Call Packages. Payment Plans are available.

So… what exactly is Page Work? And what’s probably hurting your script?

Let’s get into the specific, actionable things I look for when evaluating whether a screenplay is truly ready for the market, or whether it still needs a layer of rewrites or polishes.