The Professional Pen Script Evaluation
Writers often finish a script and wonder how to get it in front of the right people to see their stories on screen. But that skips a very important step in the development process. Writing a screenplay is one thing. Knowing whether it’s working and why is something else entirely. Before submitting your script to a competition, studio executives, producers, or investors, ensure you have executed the story you intend to tell.
TheBlkScript has partnered with The Professional Pen (TPP), a script consultancy built by former TV executive Shannan E. Johnson, to provide an exclusive service for TheBlkScript community: professional script evaluations designed to help you know if your script is ready to be greenlit.
You’ll walk away knowing:
- Where your story is landing
- Where it’s falling short
- And exactly what to do next
SCRIPT EVALUATIONS INCLUDE:
- A checklist to assess the story and structure.
- A written breakdown of what’s working, what’s not, and why
- Recommendation: PASS, NEEDS DEVELOPMENT, CONSIDER
- Clear, actionable next steps for revision
- Delivered by a trained TPP Story Expert
- The opportunity to be featured in The Catalogue and get your work in front of industry professionals.
- 2-week turnaround
HOW IT WORKS:
- Select your script format (Short, Half-Hour, One-Hour, or Feature)
- You’ll be paired with a TPP Story Expert who will follow your work for consistency and growth
- Receive your full evaluation within two weeks
- Have questions? You’ll receive a link in your delivery email to book a Story Jam with your Story Expert
- Ready to revise? You can resubmit your draft at a discounted rate directly through your evaluation email.
GET YOUR SCRIPT IN FRONT OF INDUSTRY PROS: THE CATALOGUE
Writers who receive a CONSIDER rating may be selected for The Catalogue: a curated pipeline shared with our network of industry professionals, including executives, producers, and development teams.
This is a targeted introduction tool designed to connect writers with people actively looking for new voices and material.
If your work meets the standard, we position you to be seen.
Selected writers will have their:
- Name
- Logline
- Script format
- Optional demographic information shared directly with our industry contacts. When there’s interest, we facilitate the connection.
SUBMIT YOUR SCRIPT
Choose the format that matches your script. Pricing is based on standard industry page counts. You’ll be asked to upload your script and provide project details after checkout.
- Short (for short films up to 20 pages): $99
- 1/2hr TV (for TV pilot scripts up to 30 pages): $129
- 1hr TV (for TV pilot scripts up to 60 pages): $199
- Feature (for motion pictures up to 120 pages): $249
Additional Pages: Scripts exceeding standard page counts will be charged at $4 per additional page.
FAQ’s
Who will read my script?
Your script will be evaluated by a trained Story Expert from The Professional Pen. Each Story Expert is trained in TPP’s rubric and story development process, ensuring consistent, high-quality feedback.
Writers who receive a CONSIDER recommendation may be selected for inclusion in The Catalogue. Selection is based on both the strength of the script and readiness for industry exposure. If your script is selected, you’ll be contacted via email with next steps. Writers must opt in and sign an agreement before inclusion. This includes providing consent to share your logline and optional demographic information with our industry network. Nothing is shared without your approval.
Yes. Writers can resubmit a revised draft at a 20% discounted rate. Your Story Expert will continue working with you to track progress and growth. Submissions are made through your returned service email or by contacting TPP directly.
What do the Script Recommendations mean?
- PASS – The script is not yet ready for development or industry consideration.
- NEEDS DEVELOPMENT – The foundation is there, but the script requires more work in structure, character, or execution.
- CONSIDER – The script demonstrates strong potential and may be ready for industry-facing opportunities.
Yes. You can book a Story Jam with a TPP Story Expert to talk through your concept, plot holes, or next steps before submitting.
Yes. If you’re looking for more in-depth, page-by-page feedback, submit for our Development Notes service.
What happens after I submit?
Once you submit, your script is assigned to a Story Expert and enters our evaluation queue. You’ll receive your completed evaluation within 2 weeks via the email address used at the time of submission.
Can I choose my Story Expert?
Story Experts are assigned based on availability and fit. Once assigned, they will follow your work to ensure consistency across revisions. If you’ve previously worked with TPP, you will be paired with your prior Story Expert, if available. If you’d like to request a different Story Expert, please contact info@theprofessionalpen.com
What if I disagree with my evaluation?
Our evaluations are rooted in a structured rubric designed to assess story objectively. If you have questions, we encourage you to book a Story Jam to discuss your feedback directly with your Story Expert.
Yes. We evaluate scripts across genres and the following formats: shorts, TV pilots, features.
If you have a completed draft, you’re ready. The purpose of this service is to help you identify what’s working and what needs improvement, not to wait for perfection.
