Affordable Coverage, Edit & Critique Service

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Long Time On See

Hello, Everyone!

It has been a long time since I wrote an entry to my blog. I have been so busy. I have been working for one client after another since March. I don't know why, but this time of year is the busiest for screen writing. I have not been able to work on my own writing.

I figured I need to make a post on the blog to let everyone know I'm still around. I'm here. Tomorrow I'll make another post.

Happy May!

Hello everyone,

If you plan to enter a screenplay contest and would like to have your script proofread or critique by a fresh pair of eyes, I am offering a discount on my service:

Edits: $43.00 Contest discount

Critiques: $53.00 Contest discount

Edit and Critique Combo: $ 65.00 Contest discount

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Not entering a contest but need help with your writing? Try my services at regular prices.

Film Scripts Service
Edit and Critique combos: $75.00 discount flat fee.

Edit - covers proper formatting, grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure.

Critique - cover the follow:
-Introduction
- Development
-Climax
-Conclusion
-Character development
-Mid point development

Turnaround time is 3 weeks

Edits and Critiques will continue to be offered separately if a writer just wants one or the other.

Edits: $48.00 flat fee
- covers proper formatting, grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure.

Turnaround time 2 weeks

Critique: $58.00 flat fee
-Introduction
- Development
-Climax
-Conclusion
-Character development
-Mid point development

Turnaround time 2 weeks
Query letter Service

I provide query letter writing service for scripts and books.

Query Letter: $28.00 flat fee

Turnaround time 2 weeks
Book Consulting Service

I only provide Critique service for fiction novels. Why fiction only? Because fiction is my strong point.

Critique: $87.00 flat fee

Turnaround time 3.5 weeks

I do not edit books. I only critique them. Editing books requires a lot of time consuming detail.
Payment

Payments are made by Paypal. If you do not have a Paypal account, payments may be made as cashier checks or money orders by postal mail.

If you are interested in my services, feel free to contact me at

ahicks4298@q.com or call at (360) 696 - 4298

I will be happy to work with you.
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How to Create Tension Through Misdirection

This guest newsletter is by William Noble and is excerpted from Elements of Fiction Writing: Conflict, Action & Suspense.
A car engine breaks the stillness of the night ... the smell of seaweed intrudes on an afternoon chess game ... an unopened letter slips behind couch cushions.

These are what we might call "plot-hypers," in that they add elements of uncertainty and tension. They create a rise of anxiety by injecting an unexplained event or circumstance. What makes plot-hypers especially helpful is the relative ease with which they can be used and the impact they can have on a story.
Plot-hypers create uncertainty that might-but doesn't have to-complicate things. They raise the tension level. What plot-hypers require is a sense of proportion that tries to keep the cat in the bag while opening the bag enough so the cat can breathe.

We speak of subtlety and misdirection because the story moves with veils and whisps and bare outlines, and there's no attempt to ring a bell or blow a whistle so the reader's attention can be lassoed like a runaway calf. What this type of writing requires is a careful assessment of how much or how little to offer the reader, keeping in mind that we don't want to be unfair, and we don't want to obfuscate beyond a reasonable point. It means that we must come up with at least one plot-hyper, and we must plant the key somewhere in the text.

Why do we use subtlety and misdirection in the first place? And do they really enhance the way we build action and suspense? The answers lie in the simple equation that becomes an element of the partnership we develop with our readers: The longer we keep our reader guessing, the more attention they will pay to what they are reading. And subtlety and misdirection are two of the most effective tools available to keep the reader guessing and reading. It's as simple as that.

Take a look at this example:

The blackened mask had two slits for the eyes and a triangular hole where the nose would fit. Lips pierced by claw-like teeth were painted where the mouth would have been, and my mind screamed the question ... would I be victim or victimizer this time?

And compare it to this one:

"I didn't know you'd gone to acting school," she said.
He laughed. "My father's idea. I only lasted two months, and I was pretty bored." He pushed himself from the chair. "What about that pizza?"

Assume that both of these selections come from a scene that deals with the same suspenseful topic-a sinister mask, and how it affects the person who is wearing it. The selections come from different directions, but both seek to develop suspense. In the first, there's no attempt to hide the horrible implications; the mask is described, as are its possible effects. No subtlety here, no misdirection, only a straightforward depiction of a suspenseful event.

GET PROFESSIONAL, UNBIASED FEEDBACK ON YOUR WRITING:
Send it to The Writer's Digest 2nd Draft Editing Service

For the rest of How to Create Tension Through Misdirection, click here.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

More On Query Letter Writing Plus Get The 2013 Hollywood Screenwriting Directory

(Here's an interesting article on query letter writing. the principles hold for both query letters for film scripts and query letters for novels. Take the time to click on the bottom and read the full article.)

Hot off the presses for spring 2013 is a brand-new edition of 'The Hollywood Screenwriting Directory', featuring more than 2,500 listings (up from last edition’s 1,500). You’ll also find updates on more than 40% of the contacts, including verified information, like phone numbers, and street and email addresses. But as I often say, you only have one shot to make a first impression, so make sure your query letter is in tip-top shape before you send it! Below is an excerpt from the Hollywood Screenwriting Directory on ‘How to Write a Query Letter’ to help you.

A query is a one-page, single-spaced letter that quickly tells who you are, what the work is, and why the work is appropriate for the market in question. Just as queries are used as the first means of contact for pitching magazine articles and novels, they work just the same for scripts.

A well-written query is broken down into three parts.

Part I: Your reason for contacting/script details

Before even looking at the few sentences describing your story, a producer wants to see two other things:

1. What is it? State the title, genre, and whether it’s a full-length script or a shorter one.

2. Why are you contacting this market/person in particular? There are thousands of individuals who receive scripts. Why have you chosen this person to review the material? Is it because you met them in person and they requested to see your work? Have they represented writers similar to you? Did you read that they were actively looking for zombie comedies? Spelling out your reason upfront shows that you’ve done your research, and that you’re a professional.

Part II: The Elevator Pitch

If you wrote the first paragraph correctly, you’ve got their attention, so pitch away. Explain what your story is in about 3-6 sentences. The point here is to intrigue and pique only. Don’t get into nitty-gritty details of any kind. Hesitate using a whole lot of character names or backstory. Don’t say how it ends or who dies during the climax or that the hero’s father betrays him in Act II. Introduce us to the main character and his situation, then get to the key part of the pitch: the conflict.

click below for more information

Learn the essentials to writing a stand-out query letter »

Hello everyone,

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Meet the Reader: How to Write a Screenplay in Nine (Not So) Easy Steps

Script reader Ray Morton gives nine solid steps to writing a great screenplay. To help you outline your story, check out Inspiration 9.0, a great deal at only $29.00. For more great products, see my Editor's Picks on ScriptMag.com as well as get a $50 OFF discount code for Screenwriters World Conference East in NYC this weekend!

One of my consulting clients – a very nice fellow who is just getting started on his very first script – asked me to outline the process of writing a screenplay for him. I was originally just going to jot down a few brief notes, but as I got into it, I found myself developing a much more extensive document, which I’ve decided to share with you – as a summation for experienced writers and as a road map for beginners. So here they are – the process of writing a screenplay, broken down into nine basic steps.

1. Assemble Your Tools

The first step in writing anything is to gather your implements. Most screenwriters today work on a computer (with some using special screenwriting software — e.g. Final Draft – while others just use a regular word processing program), although some still prefer to write by hand and a few continue to use a typewriter.

2. Outline

The outline is the written skeleton of your story – the document in which you lay out your plot. Many screenwriters create very detailed, formal outlines, complete with numbered and lettered headings and subheadings. Others simply make a list of the basic story points (a.k.a. “beats”) called a “step sheet” or a “beat sheet.” Some jot down each beat on an individual index card and then shuffle the cards around until they come up with a satisfactory shape for their tale.

To read more of Roy's article click below.

Learn all nine steps to writing a great script

I have been getting a lot of request for loglines. I give different prices . Since I have so many requests for this service, I decided to set a single fix price.

Logline: $5.00 Flat Fee

A synopsis or summery is required. It well be used to form the logline. The logline is just one line.

Screenplays

Critique: $55.00 Flat Fee,

Includes evaluating the basis elements of a script

Introduction

Development

Climax

Conclusion

Character development

Mid point development

Critiques also provide suggestions for improvements and enhancement.

Payments are made by Paypal or cashier check by mail.

Other services are at regular price.

Query Letters: $27.00 Flat Fee

Editing: $47.00 Flat Fee

Evaluating formatting to industry standards

Spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.

Turnaround time:

Editing: 2 weeks

Critique: 2 weeks

Query Letters: 2 weeks

Feel free to contact me at ahicks4298@q.com or ahicks4298@msn.com.

Feel to call me at (360) 696-4298. Ask for Frances.

I also critique and edit books. I am currently organizing the service prices for working on books. If you are interested in me critiquing or editing a novel you have written, feel free contact me.

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Saturday, March 30, 2013

This Week's New Literary Agents to Query

Reminder: New literary agents are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.

1. William Callahan of Waxman Leavell Literary

This is not technically a New Agent Alert because William is actually an established rep in the business. That said, this post will resemble such an agent spotlight because William wants writers alerted that he is actively building his client list right now. Such a call-out from an established agent happens rarely, so learn more about William and see if he is a good fit for your book. He is seeking: "For nonfiction, I am currently most interested in narrative nonfiction and memoir, comedy and pop culture, and American history. For fiction, I represent crime and commercial thrillers, and literary fiction."

2. Kaylee Davis of Dee Mura Literary

She is seeking: "Kaylee is actively seeking to build her client list in the genres of sci-fi, fantasy, speculative fiction, and young adult; bonus points if there are elements of steampunk, coming-of-age, urban fantasy, espionage, social commentary, or counter culture. Kaylee is drawn to exciting, thought-provoking stories with a fresh perspective that explores what it means to be human. She is happy to work with new and emerging writers."

Click on the names of either agent to see a complete mini-profile.