- No matter how you promote your work, you stand a far greater risk of not being noticed than of being ripped off. Having said that, we help protect you by requiring that your script(s) be registered with the Writer's Guild and/or the United States Copyright Office. Also, we only allow verified industry pros to have access to your queries.
2. What if I'm OK with my script but need help with my query?
- We can help you write your query. And when it's ready, we can ScriptStork it and also post it on our Stork Board. This is a good deal because when you pay for the query writing, you practically get the rest for FREE!
- Some companies offer magazines or newsletters that get mailed and/or emailed to the industry. In these publications you can place your logline for a per-logline, per-issue fee. The trouble is, there are too many loglines presented all at once. And they aren't targeted to the individual industry pros based on what those pros are seeking. So, it's easy for your logline to get lost in the crowd. These publications work for some people, but we don't think it's the most cost-effective way to get noticed. If you're not sure, our best advice is to try it and see.
- You can, but you'll spend the money and then an incredible amount of time putting together a query list. Then you still have to do the work of sending your queries to the appropriate contacts. Remember, those are weeks of your life you'll never get back – weeks that could have been spent writing your next script. And after all that money and effort, you still won't reach everyone who might be interested in your script. We've spent countless people-hours putting together our database and keeping it up-to-date so that you can spend your time writing. Some of these contacts are readily available from other sources, but most are not.
- Your manuscript should have a cover page. It should contain all the information necessary to contact you or your agent if you have one. Once ScriptStork delivers your manuscript to a pro who has requested it, it is up to that pro to contact you, and they must have that contact information right on your script. Be sure to print your WGA registration number on the title page.
- Some sites charge nearly 100 bucks for just such a list. The trouble is, their data is often inaccurate and out-of-date (yep, we checked). And, you still have to do the work of sending out all the queries yourself. There's no point spending money to access a list when - for less than most are charging just for data - we'll ScriptStork your query -- delivering it directly to the right people, right now.
7. Do you take a commission for any deals I get from using your service?
- No. Our job is simply to deliver your script to people who can offer you such an opportunity. We only ask that you let us know of such an outcome so that we can brag about it on our site and give you even more exposure. Of course, if you want to cut us in on a deal, we probably wouldn't complain...
8. What if I don't feel confident enough about my script to get it out there?
- There are a number of talented people who can help. Take a look at our Stork Help page which lists some good resources.
- Quite honestly, you probably will never know if anyone actually reads your script unless you get coverage directly from them. But when you think about it, that is not the job of the producers. They're looking for a script they can develop; they are not in the business of training writers. And generally they are so overwhelmed with material, they can't possibly respond to everything they read. However, we think your goal is to get your script in the hands of as many readers as possible. Many will respond to you in some form or another, usually with a polite "no thank you" letter. But you will never hear from others, and there is just no guarantee that someone will read your script just because they have requested it. We know that many pros would actually accept more spec scripts if they didn't have to contact the writer directly and deal with the subsequent questions (and sometimes harassment). This "anonymity" is part of the appeal of ScriptStork to the professionals. They just want to find a good script, not justify their decision and then coach writers. Given the choice, we think you should prefer they read your script, even if you know they won't respond unless they're interested.
- By bona fide, we mean that the person making the request is 1) legitimate -- because we check out everyone who signs up; and 2) interested -- because they've already read your logline and synopsis and are now ready to see the script. At that point, we notify you, let you know what sort of company it is, i.e. major studio, independent producer, etc. You get to decide if you want to go for it or not. If so, you pay us $40 and we'll send them the script with your contact information and let you know the name of the company reading it. According to our research, the majority of writers who post on passive sites don't get requests to have their scripts read. They may get their logline and synopsis read by a number of companies but, for one reason or another, no one asks to actually read the script. That's why we believe that no one should have to pay for something that may not produce any results. We want everyone to feel encouraged to post as many scripts as they want for as long as they want. Then, when a script is actually requested you have something worth paying for.
- Since it takes work on our part to process each request, we’ve come up with a sliding fee scale. It costs a little less for each subsequent request ($20, then $10, then $5) and then we cap it at $75 per query. That way, if you’re lucky enough to have many people asking for your script, you’ll never pay more than $75 per query, and it will be money well spent since getting your script read is the hardest step in the whole query process.
- We need to ensure that the finished script actually exists and is readily available for us to fulfill the pro's request as soon as it comes. Unfortunately, some writers post loglines for scripts that have yet to be finished or even written. That wastes the time of the industry pros searching our site (not to mention making us look bad). So, we just want to avoid that hassle for everyone's benefit.
4. Other sites let you post script queries. What's different about the StorkBoard?
- Posting your script queries on our StorkBoard is FREE. You only pay for the posting if a legitimate industry professional wants to read your script. And for that we charge less than any posting service out there. So there's nothing to lose. This way, industry pros can trust that we have the biggest and best selection of material to choose from. Unfortunately, too many writers pay up to 60 bucks (per script) on other sites only to have their posting sit there with no results. The thing is, we want ALL screenwriters to post on our StorkBoard, not just those who can afford to pay upfront fees. And we want those writers to be able to post ALL their work, not have to pick and choose due to cost. The only other charge for our StorkBoard is if you want us to review your posting for possible inclusion in our Premiere Section -- where we recommend the industry pros look first. But rest assured that our powerful search engine will draw any query in the database that meets the criteria of the industry pro who's doing the searching. Our goal is to have every script by every screenwriter listed on our StorkBoard and to have every industry pro use it to find new talent and material. So post your script(s) today and help us achieve that goal!
- No. Not until a verified pro asks to read your script. Withholding the author's name on the queries precludes any kind of prejudice against new writers and avoids spamming and poaching by internet predators. When a qualified pro asks to read your script, and you consent, we send them your document "as is." With it, they get your title page, which should include all your (or your rep's) contact information.
- No. Only industry pros will be able to see what you post to our StorkBoard. Other writers have no access to this area of our website. And in order for industry people to see the postings they must register on the site and submit information that allows us to verify their professional standing.
7. Why won't you show me the names of the pros who've looked at my query?
- Some sites give you the company name or perhaps the name of the individual who has looked at your query. But then they instruct you not to contact that person or that company. We don't care to police whether writers who signed up for our services contact one company or another, especially when you SHOULD contact every company that you think might be interested in your script. More importantly, we don't want industry pros to receive unwanted contact from writers simply because the pro happened to look at their query (there is a big difference between looking at a query and wanting to talk to the writer...). If a pro looks at your query and doesn't go any further, it means they aren't interested. Get over it and focus on finding someone who IS interested in your material. We’re trying to make this site appealing to the pros who are desperately trying to stem the tide of unwanted emails, phone calls and query letters. By eliminating the clutter they don’t want, they'll have more time to find what they do want and that might just be your next script.
- All requests come to us. We make it quick and easy for industry pros to request your script once they've read your query. When we receive a request, we promptly contact you via email with all the information you'll need to fulfill the request. That's why it's important that you give us accurate contact information in your Profile.
- No. There's no catch or "up sell." To post your query on our StorkBoard there's no requirement that you purchase any of our other services. Ever. That said, we do recommend that you get as much reader feedback as you can. If you can't afford a professional, get a friend, writing partner, writing group or a complete stranger to read it and give you their impressions. All feedback is good (though some readers are better at it than others...) That's why we do offer this service for a fee for those who want it. But that's entirely up to you.
10. So, ScriptStork is the be-all, end-all of script marketing, is that it?
- Of course...Well actually, not at all. To succeed you'll need to do everything you can to get your stuff read: enter contests; go to pitch events; attend film festivals and conferences. Even if you get an agent or a manager, you'll probably still need to do these things because, as a newbie, that's what it takes. ScriptStork is an important part of the process. With ScriptStork, you get your query there out fast and cheap, but most importantly, to the right people.
- The score board on the "Post It" page indicates the number of times a pro has viewed your query, whether through a direct search or through a generalized view of all queries. A level 1 view means that the pro looked at the genre and/or the logline. Level 2 means they have looked at the synopsis; level 3 is the treatment; level 4 is any contest results and coverage; and level 5 indicates a request to read your script.
- Alas, no, and it does not. The date of posting for purposes of the StorkBoard is the date you first post it. If you take it off, and then put re-post it, it still uses the date it was first posted. If you want to "freshen" your post, the best thing to do is to tighten up your logline and synopsis. That seems to be the most effective way to attract fresh attention to your post.
1. If I can post my script query on the StorkBoard, why should I pay to have you also Stork it?
- Passive posting is quite effective for some writers but not others. We've had people get no results from posting and then, after letting us Stork-It, they end up with many requests to have their script read. What works for one person may not work for another. You simply have to use a multi-layered approach to getting noticed. That's why we offer both our StorkBoard postings and our ScriptStork query delivery service. Not only are our prices lower, but unlike other sites, we offer a GUARANTEE: If you don't get any response on your ScriptStork query, we'll Stork your next script absolutely FREE.
- We'll deliver your query directly to industry pros looking for stories like yours. Some queries will be sent via email and others by fax. When you use ScriptStork, you can rest assured that your precious cargo will be delivered with great care.
- Yes, your ScriptStork query fee INCLUDES reviewing your logline and synopsis and editing it, if necessary, to ensure that it's properly formatted and free of typos. We may also recommend changes to make it more enticing. Remember, our reputation is on the line here, too. We don't want to send out poorly written queries. However, if you've been around the block a bit – placed in a contest, landed representation, or achieved some other milestone, just let us know and we won't bother to edit. But if you're a newbie, we do this as a benefit to you, to us, and to the industry pros who'll be receiving your query. Most other services charge extra for this. We don't. (However, if you want us to write your query from scratch, you can use our Query Builder to convey the essential points of the story to us. Then, for a separate fee, we'll be glad to write it for you.)
- No. Our promise to industry pros is to keep their contact information confidential. When someone requests your script, we will give you the company name so that you can decide if you want to send it to them. But we will only disclose the professional's name and contact info if they ask to have you contact them directly.
5. How do I know you won't just take my money and not deliver anything?
- Well, you don't. But when you start getting requests for your script you'll know that we did what we promised. And don't forget our GUARANTEE. If you get no response to your ScriptStork query, we'll Stork your next query absolutely FREE. However, we won't ScriptStork the same script again because industry pros don't like to be queried twice for the same material. They keep track of who sends what.
- This is why we offer a GUARANTEE. If you get no response to your ScriptStork query, we'll ScriptStork your next query absolutely FREE. If you've done your best to write a great query letter and no one wants to read the script, it may simply be that it's not what Hollywood is looking for at the moment. Our advice: Write the best script you can, then write the best query you can and let ScriptStork do the rest. And if you need help with your story or your query, we can do that, too.
- No. We only accept credit cards or PayPal.
- Your query reaches the industry pros from ScriptStork. A query from us gives you more credibility than one received directly from an unknown source. Also, a query from us lets the pros know that it's been properly reviewed so that nothing inappropriate slips through.
- For expedience, we email to as many contacts as we can. But for those who prefer fax or snail mail, we send it that way. Our goal is to provide the right query to the right person in the way they prefer to get it. That gives you the best chance of success.
10. What about all those pros who say they don't accept unsolicited queries?
- A lot of companies claim they don't accept unsolicited submissions but do so anyway. The simple answer is, our contacts are people who want to receive your queries. They want to find a good script as badly as you want to sell it. They just want to receive it in an organized and professional manner, and that's where we deliver.
1. Is it really 100% FREE for me to look at your StorkBoard for potential clients?
- Absolutely. If you’re in the business of finding new screenwriting talent and material, there's no cost for our services. All you have to do is follow our easy sign up process and you're in. If you also want to post your clients' queries there is no up-front fee. You only pay if there's a request to read the script. Then, it's a $40 fee for the first request. Subsequent requests incur an incremental cost ($20, $10, $5) with a cap of $75. That way, if you and your client are fortunate enough to have a number of requests to read the script, the maximum fee will only be $75.
2. As an agent/manager, can I post my client's scripts on the StorkBoard?
- Yes! We want agents and managers to use the StorkBoard to promote their client's work. And since there are no up-front fees, there's nothing to lose. You (or your client) only pay if you get results. Once we get a request to read the script, we charge $40 to send them the script with your contact information and to let you know who's reading it. (Or, if you prefer, you can send it to them yourself.) For subsequent script requests, it costs a little more for each request ($20, then $10, then $5) and then we cap it off at $75. That way, if you’re lucky enough to have many people asking for your client's script, it’ll never cost more than $75.
3. How can I be sure that responses to my clients' postings come directly to me?
- When you (or your client) fill out the writer Profile, there's a place to include your contact information and whether the contact should be to you or to your client.
- Yes! We want agents and managers to use the StorkBoard to find new clients. You can do that by searching the postings or by placing your own posting, or both.
- Absolutely. If you’re in the business of finding new screenwriting talent and material, there's no cost for our services. All you have to do is follow our easy sign up process and you're in.
2. What will I actually see of each writer's work when I search your StorkBoard for a script?
- Every posting includes a logline (limited to 75 words) and a synopsis (limited to 450 words. Writers may also include a treatment if they choose to do so. The scripts themselves are not posted. You simply need to select Request Script to have a PDF copy emailed directly to you.
- No. Some sites provide the writer with the company name and perhaps the name of the individual who has looked at their query. Then they instruct the writer not to contact that person or company. We don't care to police whether writers who sign up for our services contact one company or another. But more importantly, we don't want you to receive unwanted contact from writers simply because you happened to look at their query. The whole point of this service is reduce unsolicited contact and queries so that you have more time to focus on finding what you want. Should you request a copy of the script, the writer’s (or their agent’s) contact info will be included on the cover page and you can then get in touch as you please.
4. In addition to searching the posted queries, can't I post what kind of script I'm looking for?
- We’re happy to post your story criteria on the Pro-section of our StorkBoard. Your company name will be anonymous and any writer who wants to submit their query will do so through us. From there, you can decide if you wish to read the script. If so, we'll provide it along with contact information for the writer or their representative and you can take it from there. As with searching our StorkBoard, posting to our StorkBoard is absolutely free.
5. Do you get a cut on any deals I arrange from using your service?
- No. Our job is simply to provide a way for such deals to happen. We only ask that you let us know of such an outcome so that we can brag about it on our site and give you and the writer even more exposure. Of course, if you want to cut us in on a deal, we probably wouldn't complain...
- All requests come to us. We make it quick and easy for you to request a script once you’ve read the query. Once you have it, you may contact the writer anytime you wish without any further involvement from us. All we ask is that you let us know if a deal gets made so we can brag about it, or if you have any other feedback that would help us make our service better.
- When you request a script, it will come to you with a title page containing the writer's (or their rep's) contact information. You may contact them as you wish with no further involvement on our part. However, we hope that you will let us know if the arrangement was a success and if you have any feedback on the experience that might help us improve our service.
- Before posting any scripts, we require that the writer sign a release for each script. Additionally, we require that all scripts be WGA registered or copyrighted.
9. There are other posting sites like this out there. What's different about the StorkBoard?
- We want all writers on our StorkBoard, not just those who can afford to pay upfront to post each and every script. That way, you can trust that we have the biggest and best selection of material. So for writers, posting script queries on our StorkBoard is free. They only pay for the posting if a legitimate industry professional wants to read their script. And for that we charge less than any posting service out there. This way, we encourage more writers to post more material so that you have more to choose from. Our goal is to have every script by every screenwriter listed on our StorkBoard and to have every industry pro use it to find new talent and material. Hopefully, that will help reduce the slush piles for everyone.
10. Why don’t you reveal the author's name on the StorkBoard?
- Withholding the author's name on the queries precludes any kind of prejudice against new writers who we most want to encourage and it also avoids spamming and poaching by internet predators. When you ask to read your script, you then get the title page, which includes all the writers and/or their agent’s contact information.
1. Can you fax me your ScriptStork deliveries instead of emailing them to me?
- Yes. For expedience, we like to email to as many contacts as we can. But for those who prefer fax, we’re happy to deliver that way. Our goal is to deliver ScriptStork queries to those who want them and in the manner they prefer. And we always appreciate your feedback on how we can do it better.
