Knowing that, you find a place to get script coverage that you feel will do a good job for you. Then you get the notes back and they say that your script falls somewhere short of perfect and they tell you why. It’s not quite what you wanted to hear about your screenplay that you worked so hard on.

In fact, you don’t really want to make any changes and you’re not even sure if you agree with the feedback. But yet you know you getting feedback on your script with a script analysis is part of the process of selling your script, so you have to do now you’re in the middle of it and you got the notes. So what do you do when you’re sure if you agree with the notes?

Three things to keep in mind.

1. First, let go of your disappointment, defensiveness, or hurt feelings about what the script coverage says.

It’s natural to feel a little bit badly when someone tells you they think your work is not the best it could be. But let go of that as quickly as you can. You can’t make good decisions when you feel that way.

2. Listen objectively to what they’re saying and try to get it. If you don’t get it, ask questions.

Once you let go of the disappointment or any other negative feelings, then you can listen for the value in what they are saying. Hopefully, when you looked for someone to review your script, you did your homework and found someone who has credibility. And if you did that, why would you NOT listen to them objectively? That would be silly to not seriously consider what they say, even though in the end you may or may not apply it.

So as you listen objectively, try to fully understand what they are saying and why they believe you need to do it – that is, if you can ask questions. When you get script coverage or a script analysis, whenever possible, try to get something oral so you can ask questions of the person giving you feedback. Then make sure you fully understand both what they are saying and why they think you should make the change they suggest.

3. Finally, think it thought later and make your choice about whether you will apply it or not.

Make your choice NOT based on the fact that you don’t want to rewrite it, but based on what the script needs to fulfill your vision – not the vision of the script analyst or coverage person, but your vision.

Also keep the craft in mind. Many suggestions may be to improve the script in the arena of the craft that doesn’t effectively change it. Most of those kinds of changes you should definitely give very serious consideration to – such as raising the stakes, developing the character arc, and making it more dramatic and so on.

In the end, however, it is important that as a screenwriter, you connect with your gut. If a script analyst suggests a change that you are not sure about, get connected to a place deep inside of you to see if it fits with the story you are trying to tell. And be open to the answer. When you do this, you will be surprised at what you find.

Your best bet starts with you choosing a script analyst who you feel is both professional and will communicate with you in a way that supports you instead of tears you down, but who will also be honest with you about what needs work.

Good luck in writing screenplays and happy re-writing, too!