The Rewrite Ritual: Embracing Feedback to Forge Your Screenwriting Masterpiece

6 Essentials for Requesting and Receiving Feedback to Improve Your Rewriting Skills

As screenwriters, we too often think our first draft is “it”. It’s amazing. There are so many scenes and characters that I couldn’t possibly part with - it’s all so good and I feel so proud of myself for finishing.”

First…you SHOULD feel proud of yourself for finishing! It’s a huge accomplishment to finish a draft of a screenplay. It really is. What we can’t do, however, is accept that first draft as finished, complete, or ready to submit to the industry (ie. managers, producers, agents).

Seasoned writers know that the true craft - the actual mastery of what we do - is in the relentless, horrifying, painstaking, and nightmarish process of rewriting. What comes after that? The god-awful feeling of not only submitting your precious baby to readers for notes, but actually receiving and applying those notes! It sucks, man…but it can also be so incredibly rewarding because…why? It’s all for the benefit of your script, and you as a writer. We must get feedback. We must rewrite. It’s just the way it is, folks.

Before I dive into the six ways to embrace feedback and rewrites, I want to share this promotion that Craig James of the ISA sent out the other day. I am offering this to my Substack subscribers for a limited time. Here is what he said…

“As a more advanced writer ready to captivate agents, managers and producers, we wanted to present to you an exclusive promotion for our Executive Feedback. This premium service, led by Max Timm, ISA's Director of Education, offers you an unparalleled opportunity to refine your material and make a lasting impression on industry executives. The Executive Feedback includes a full script read by Max, accompanied by an in-depth, industry-level notes session to polish your work into a standout sample. With a recorded phone consultation (45-60 mins) and written notes, you'll gain personalized feedback to help you land general meetings and assignments. Plus, you'll be considered for the ISA Development Slate."

Through March 31, receive $200 OFF with promo: MARCH14
ISAConnect Members receive an additional $100 OFF.

Quite nice of Craig to say these things, but I do actually want to toot my horn a bit. I’ve been doing this - working with writers 1-on-1 and in the classroom, as well as pitching material to just about every major studio and streamer around town - for nearly 20 years. I know how to give notes. I know how to work with writers in a supportive way so that you actually learn something WHILE receiving such feedback. So…think about it. Hit me up if you have questions - max@thestoryfarm.org

I am making this article today free for all subscribers because I think it’s essential for you all to read, regardless of your experience level.

Here are six pivotal considerations to guide you through this essential and seemingly never-ending cycle of feedback-rewrite-notes-rewrite-more notes-rewriter (I could keep going):

1. Seek Out Multiple Perspectives

Limiting feedback to a single source can narrow your understanding how your script impacts a reader. Work with multiple professionals - script consultants, fellow writers, and contest readers. It allows for and provides the possibility of noticing patterns within the critiques. This diversity among readers helps you figure out which critiques are universal, glaring, and even simply applicable. It also helps you see which notes you agree with, feel are helpful and supportive, and not just one reader who happened to have a bad on the golf course that day then sat down and read your script.

2. Identify Recurring Themes

A bit like #1, when multiple reviewers highlight similar issues, it’s a clear indicator of areas needing attention. Recognizing these patterns allows you to prioritize revisions that will enhance your screenplay’s effectiveness, but it can also allow you to see what flaws you might personally have at this particular stage in your craft development. Imagine if we only ever practiced basketball by ourselves for our entire lives and never tried playing in a game, or worked with a coach. What good does that do, really?

3. Distinguish Between Subjective Opinions and Objective Issues

Not all feedback carries equal weight. I know this from a lot of firsthand experience - not only in my own writing, but when reading notes that come back from other sources that my Story Farm writers receive. Understanding the difference between a reader’s personal taste and fundamental script flaws is crucial. This is also why a screenwriting coach can be so helpful. He or she can read the feedback you received, and since he or she already knows your project, they can help you figure out which could support a rewrite. While individual preferences of course vary, structural problems or character inconsistencies can more often than not require immediate correction. We need to be able to see and read between the lines of a reader’s notes, too. The more receive feedback, the better at consuming that feedback you become.

4. Embrace Continuous Rewriting

A screenplay rarely reaches its full potential in a single rewrite. Embracing ongoing revisions, informed by continuous feedback, is vital. I can’t stress this enough. More often than not, a writer will receive one set of notes, be completely overwhelmed and maybe even frustrated, and then put the script away thinking that they’re either a terrible writer or the reader hates you. Neither of these things are true! Rewriting is simply part of the process, and we have to plan on at LEAST three big rewrites on a script before it really feels like it’s settling into something special and ready to submit.

5. Develop a Receptive Mindset

We have to approach feedback with openness and humility. Viewing critiques as opportunities for growth rather than personal affronts isn’t only healthy, but it helps create a more practical approach to the rewrite. Do we need to accept every single note that comes across and apply them? Of course not! But this mindset shift is essential for professional development, personal development, and for training us to be pro writers. If you think a contest readers’ notes may be harsh, wait until you have a studio executive working with you and giving you notes. That studio exec is under immense pressure because they are staking their career on you succeeding with this script, because that studio executive told his or her boss that this project is going to be the next Wedding Crashers. Be open, but don’t simply be a “yes man”. Listen, and receive, then consider and THEN discuss. Never EVER immediately defend against a note.

6. Invest in Professional Development

Regularly participating in workshops, attending industry seminars, and working with writing groups keeps you up to speed of evolving storytelling techniques and industry trends, but it also allows you to make new connections AND practice giving notes to others! This is so critical because it falls along the lines of the golden rule; treat others as you wish to be treated. The better you become at giving notes, the better you will become at receiving them. This commitment to learning enhances your craft and ensures your stories resonate. You will also understand how an audience reacts and responds to your work, and hey guess what? This entire industry is audience-driven. Without an audience, this entire industry doesn’t exist. You have to get used to putting yourself out there. Jerry Seinfeld is famous for talking about writer’s block by saying, “Accept that your mediocre and that you have more work to do.” This applies to receiving notes, too. Be proud of what you created, but stay humble and open to making changes where you feel comfortable making them.

If you have any intention to make it in this industry as a professional, you have to consider investing in yourself, in your work, and in your development. I have so many different ways through The Story Farm and my work with the ISA that can help you grow and work toward the kind of achievement you wish for on a daily basis. Take advantage of it! Email me: max@thestoryfarm.org or check out networkisa.org and our new ISAConnect Community. At the very least, utilize the $10/month Connect membership and access the insane amount of educational videos and resources we have for you. If you are unwilling to spend $10/month toward your writing career, I hate to say it…there is only so much help I can give. Do you need the ISA’s membership or to work with me individually? No. But you do need to work with someone, some kind of professional who has been doing this for a long time.

And the offer I mentioned earlier in this article? Jump on it! I won’t be offering my Executive Evaluation 1-on-1 call at such a low rate for very long. Use the coupon code MARCH14 to get it at a discount.

At the end of the day, getting your screenplay where it needs to be is all about rewriting - again and again - while listening to smart, thoughtful feedback. The more you embrace the process, the better your script (and your skills) will get. So keep going, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to tear things apart and rebuild. That’s how great stories are made.

Remember, every critique is a stepping stone toward your screenwriting triumph.

I wish you all the best, and keep working hard!

—Max Timm & The Story Farm