Writing, Editing, and Mucho More
I sell almost everything. You can, too. Please Note: When you pay me an advance and I have completed substantial work on your project, the fee is non-refundable.
Pro Script Training - It's like co-writing with me. I advise as we develop and you complete a polished screenplay, with advice on marketing. -- $2,000
Polished Pages - I help many writers sell books; one student got a three-novel deal. I guide as you outline and write, then I read two drafts and provide marketing advice. -- $2,000
Ghost Magic - Let's sell your non-fiction story with a book proposal. I'll write it and get it to publishers, editors, and agents. -- $5,000
Skip Scripts - I've sold all sorts of scripts. I work for partial payment up front, with a larger payout and profit participation at sale. -- Negotiable
Pro Script Training - It's like co-writing with me. I advise as we develop and you complete a polished screenplay, with advice on marketing. -- $2,000
Polished Pages - I help many writers sell books; one student got a three-novel deal. I guide as you outline and write, then I read two drafts and provide marketing advice. -- $2,000
Ghost Magic - Let's sell your non-fiction story with a book proposal. I'll write it and get it to publishers, editors, and agents. -- $5,000
Skip Scripts - I've sold all sorts of scripts. I work for partial payment up front, with a larger payout and profit participation at sale. -- Negotiable
Client Successes
I know Hollywood thoroughly, and where where to find agents, editors, and publishers for books and novels. I can help you self-publish. 50% of the books and novels I've worked on have achieved success. I'm an expert collaborator.
Reader, client and "Skip's Hollywood Hangout" member Oklahoma Ward got advice from me, made his first feature film, and got distribution. When his was the last one cut from the Sundance Film Festival, he found out the judges thought the first 15 minutes were a drag. He went back to my notes on the script from two years before. I'd told him to cut those 15 pages and he ignored me...he laughed when he told me!
Tim Casey and Lee Denny took my advice on script changes and got a rare "Recommend" at Disney. Tim is now the most popular screenwriting teacher at the Univ. of Colorado.
James Ossi won dozens of screenplay contests and received offers after I worked with him.
Alexander Orelle, a former student, won the first Sundance Online short film contest, worked for Pixar on "The Incredibles" and now owns Israel's only animation company. He was in charge of the most recent "Yogi Bear" movie for Warner Bros.
Michelle Sewell, my student, won a short film screenplay contest put on by Black Entertainment Television (BET) and got it produced.
My screenplay class student Josette Doyle sold her screenplay about a relative who was a serial killer.
Screenwriter Ted Gasowski, though living in Detroit, got a Hollywood manager and then became a novelist after taking my script to novel course.
I'm in the business of profitable writing. I know what I'm doing because I've done it and that's why my people do so well. I've made the mistakes you don't have to make, if you work with me.
I know Hollywood thoroughly, and where where to find agents, editors, and publishers for books and novels. I can help you self-publish. 50% of the books and novels I've worked on have achieved success. I'm an expert collaborator.
Reader, client and "Skip's Hollywood Hangout" member Oklahoma Ward got advice from me, made his first feature film, and got distribution. When his was the last one cut from the Sundance Film Festival, he found out the judges thought the first 15 minutes were a drag. He went back to my notes on the script from two years before. I'd told him to cut those 15 pages and he ignored me...he laughed when he told me!
Tim Casey and Lee Denny took my advice on script changes and got a rare "Recommend" at Disney. Tim is now the most popular screenwriting teacher at the Univ. of Colorado.
James Ossi won dozens of screenplay contests and received offers after I worked with him.
Alexander Orelle, a former student, won the first Sundance Online short film contest, worked for Pixar on "The Incredibles" and now owns Israel's only animation company. He was in charge of the most recent "Yogi Bear" movie for Warner Bros.
Michelle Sewell, my student, won a short film screenplay contest put on by Black Entertainment Television (BET) and got it produced.
My screenplay class student Josette Doyle sold her screenplay about a relative who was a serial killer.
Screenwriter Ted Gasowski, though living in Detroit, got a Hollywood manager and then became a novelist after taking my script to novel course.
I'm in the business of profitable writing. I know what I'm doing because I've done it and that's why my people do so well. I've made the mistakes you don't have to make, if you work with me.
What I Offer
At your service with chimes of positive change!
Every client is different; let's talk possibilities. Most clients start with a half-hour consultation ($49.95) and are very happy.
Per hour prices are $35 for editing, and $60 for writing and consulting. I stay very busy, so when I have a slot open, please take it.
You can pay me via Paypal.com using skippress at yahoo dotcom. No Paypal account? I can email you a Paypal invoice that walks you through it with links you just click on. I take check, money order, bank transfer, money via Western Union (which works for people from countries like Russia who can't access Paypal).
Your Screenwriting Career - Best Basic Screenwriting Course Online Today
I taught this course for eight years, with it eventually being available in 1,500 schools. Then I took a break but now I'm teaching it again via KSurf online university. We cover:
The History of Storytelling; The Outer Story of a Screenplay; The Life of Hollywood; More Hollywood History and Your Road Forward; The Evolution of Screenwriting; The Business of Screenwriting; Mining the World to Find Your Heart; The Magic of an Unforgettable Screenplay; Superstar Screenplay Structure, Format and Structure of a Screenplay; Inside the Hero's Heart; Kids, Heroes and Memorable Characters; Inside the Villain's Brain; A Touch of Nostalgia; Organizing Your World with 3x5 Cards; Outlining a Screenplay; Structure Outside the Lines; A Closer Look at Structure; Making the Perfect Screenplay Better; Rewriting and the Road to Improvement; Reading, Polishing and Reality; Getting Feedback and Making the Best of It; Getting It Out to People Who Matter; Making Connections
How's that for only $48? It's me answering every single question, not some software robot or assistant.
The History of Storytelling; The Outer Story of a Screenplay; The Life of Hollywood; More Hollywood History and Your Road Forward; The Evolution of Screenwriting; The Business of Screenwriting; Mining the World to Find Your Heart; The Magic of an Unforgettable Screenplay; Superstar Screenplay Structure, Format and Structure of a Screenplay; Inside the Hero's Heart; Kids, Heroes and Memorable Characters; Inside the Villain's Brain; A Touch of Nostalgia; Organizing Your World with 3x5 Cards; Outlining a Screenplay; Structure Outside the Lines; A Closer Look at Structure; Making the Perfect Screenplay Better; Rewriting and the Road to Improvement; Reading, Polishing and Reality; Getting Feedback and Making the Best of It; Getting It Out to People Who Matter; Making Connections
How's that for only $48? It's me answering every single question, not some software robot or assistant.
Comments on "Your Screenwriting Career"
Comments from students
"The course content was fantastic. I learned a subject that I've been dying to know about for years. Mr. Press took all the mystery out of films. It is fun to watch a film and pick out the elements that make up a good screenplay."
"I was surprised at how much help and inspiration I gleaned from an online course, my first of this type. I have a book picked out that I plan on adapting to a screenplay and am eager to begin."
"I loved this course! I will never look at movies the same way again."
"Skip's writing is immaculate...He speaks to you not as an authority but as equal; instead the resonance of his truths establishes Skip's authority. For example, Skip reiterates again and again that if you are diligent and keep doing what you like you will eventually succeed and principally every thing is possible. His information is full of wisdom about what it means to be a screenwriter, navigating yourself through the Hollywood movie business and how to get where you want to go."
"Mr. Press improved my screenplay 100%. I gained greater insight into how Hollywood really works."
Consultations Done Via Email, Phone, Or In Person
One Free Question - Have one big pressing question about writing and don't know where to get it answered? Send me an email at skippress at yahoo dotcom.
Know Before You Go - $49.95 - Most books, novels, and scripts have flaws that should have been ironed out before being written. Hitchcock worked out films completely before the cameras rolled. Nikola Tesla worked out an invention in his mind completely before making it. Let's talk for 30 minutes and enhance your chances.
Know Before You Go - $49.95 - Most books, novels, and scripts have flaws that should have been ironed out before being written. Hitchcock worked out films completely before the cameras rolled. Nikola Tesla worked out an invention in his mind completely before making it. Let's talk for 30 minutes and enhance your chances.
Script Scrutiny - $250 - Many script consultants are not sold writers. One dubious professor asks $5,000 for an evaluation. I deliver: (a) notes throughout the script (most need notes); and (b) a report on how to make it saleable. Please note: every screenplay I've ever sold was rewritten several times.
Double Scrutiny Plus - $499 - I know how to sell your work as well as anyone in Hollywood. I'll read your script, read the rewrite, offer advice on people to approach, and coach you on loglines, pitching and queries.
The Big Jump - $999 - If you have a book, novel, or script and need a marketing plan and sales help, including writing effective sales documents, or if you want to reach potential buyers/sellers that I can contact for you, personally, this is the one for you. Reading/evaluation/improvement fees included.
Post-Screenplay Courses Taught Via Email
Your Hollywood Breakthrough: Rewrite and Marketing Mastery - $149</i>
A self-paced course intended for anyone who's completed a screenplay. Lessons, questions and answers are delivered via email - ssk as many questions as you like. Find out why I get personal sales and why my clients and students win contests and get movies made.
A self-paced course intended for anyone who's completed a screenplay. Lessons, questions and answers are delivered via email - ssk as many questions as you like. Find out why I get personal sales and why my clients and students win contests and get movies made.
End Run to Hollywood: Novelize Your Screenplay - $99
This course walks you through turning your script into a novel that could easily become "source material" in Tinseltown. It's done by email and I personally review your work. Far more novels get published than screenplays made. Your overall writing ability will improve. You'll learn how to find a literary agent, and where you can personally promote your work to the publishing industry or publish it yourself.
This course walks you through turning your script into a novel that could easily become "source material" in Tinseltown. It's done by email and I personally review your work. Far more novels get published than screenplays made. Your overall writing ability will improve. You'll learn how to find a literary agent, and where you can personally promote your work to the publishing industry or publish it yourself.
I try to answer all emails the same day I receive them. If you don't hear from me immediately, I'll get to you soon unless I am researching the mating habits of the bonobos.
My normal turnaround time on a screenplay evaluation is 10 working days. I'll do things on a rush basis for a higher fee.
In this economy, there are more screenplay consultants than ever before. I don't seek out that work, but I do get perturbed when I hear horror stories about people who have been ripped off. I've heard too many complaints about people who charge $2,000 or $5,000 and lie about their responsibility for a script or writer's success, and basically blow hot air. I offer a much more than reasonable alternative, I've been told. Let me help you.
My normal turnaround time on a screenplay evaluation is 10 working days. I'll do things on a rush basis for a higher fee.
In this economy, there are more screenplay consultants than ever before. I don't seek out that work, but I do get perturbed when I hear horror stories about people who have been ripped off. I've heard too many complaints about people who charge $2,000 or $5,000 and lie about their responsibility for a script or writer's success, and basically blow hot air. I offer a much more than reasonable alternative, I've been told. Let me help you.
I Get Questions... And More Questions...
Click and type in a question or comment
In the "Who Am I, Really?" Department
Hi Skip,
I purchased your "Complete Idiot's Guide To Screenwriting" a couple of years ago and it proved to be of great help to me as I completed my first script. Thanks for providing such an invaluable resource for us all.
My question involves the use of a nom de plume or pen name- namely, where and when to use it: Do I use the pen name on my title page or do I put my real name there? I imagine if I'm introducing myself to an agent I should use my real name. Is that correct? Also, any tips for selecting such a name- what to avoid, what works, etc.? Thanks for your help with this,
Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford (in reality Alex in Boston)
Dear Alex in Boston (in Boston, such an odd last name)
Use your nom de lie (screenwriting name). Later, when lightning strikes and someone in Hollywood offers you a contract because they can't figure out a way to steal your work, the lawyers will literally come out of the woodwork and make sure all names are copasetic on the document in which you sign away all your rights forever.
About Article Aggregators
I would like to know what you know about infobarrel. Is it worth my getting involved with. Will look for your answer to. Thank You. ~ Henry Gaines
Henry, I signed up for Examiner.com and put up some short articles just to see what would happen. I made $56 the first month and then didn't post any more because I make that in an hour. If you're starting to build a career, however, places like Infobarrel can help you build a "footprint" as a writer and showcase what you can do, and you might even make some shekels. Good luck.
Thinking Big, Starting Small, Arguing with Husbands
Hello Skip. I am in the process of reading your book How to Write What You Want and Sell What You Wrote and I am taking you advice to start small. I am looking for area magazines to write for and so forth. I have even joined the Writers Mag online and entered a short story contest. I am wondering if you know of any other online writing clubs that are good to join and hopefully get some feedback on my stuff? Plus can you tell my husband that writing a novel and getting it published doesn't happen in a few hours? Thanks ever so, Lynn Oldenburg from Wisconsin
Lynn, local magazines and newspapers are good because you can interact in person and they all have websites that you can direct future employers to. Please see my response to Henry above about building a footprint - it's all about the "platform" you make for yourself these days, so keep that in mind. Editors, publishers, and other people who can hire you want to know that you're "somebody" meaning that if they publish you, lots of people will care. You have to fake that if you can't make that yet, and the quality of your work will help. So tell your husband to not cut down your like factor and thereby upset you into decreasing your quality, and when you're rich as J.K. Rowling he'll be very happy.
My 20 Year-Old Book Continues to Impress
I imagine your book has changed my life greatly; it’s amazing how a book has the ability to do such. I meant to write you, I don’t know, nearly two years ago. But I never built up the courage to I guess. But I basically just wanted to say, How to Write What You Want & Sell What You write, is truly fabulous. It has encouraged to me to write and read books I wouldn’t have had reason to read otherwise, and although I have set it down for a while every now and then I’ll read a few chapters. I just started School again and I’m really enjoying it, one of my Professors says I have an eye for detail and seem to catch grammatical errors very well. I found a few in your book but I’m sure it’s been updated by now. Well, I just wanted to say thanks, I’m sure I had more to say and ask, but I can’t recall at the moment. ~ Rebecca Rivera
There's a Book for That - Sorry It's Not an App
Hi again, Skip I forgot to add my name to the post I just wrote-- it is Genny!
Hello Skip, I want to thank you for your "Idiots guide to screenwriting" it has been great. But how does one get through all the Hollywood red tape? I am writing my first screenplay I met a producer randomly who loved my idea and said it is what is hot right now,I need to finish it and I have a potential hollywood original(we'll see)However, I have no agent and what you have to do to get one with coverage etc does not garauntee that. And I see people without one seem to be getting tv series, movies produced etc. I think I may just finish it let you critique it and move forward but it is frustrating b/c I am not in it just to get money, I actually love writing the money is nice too but I don't just want my work to be always optioned and sit on a shelf forever either :( your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Genny, head over to barnesandnoble.com and pick up my Ultimate Writer's Guide to Hollywood. I wrote it five years ago but the information is still pertinent. I don't know anyone without reprsentation who is getting a TV series, so email me and tell me what you're talking about. Via email I can do a lot more for you than on this page.
Don't Stop Yourself!
Hi Skip,
My sister bought me How To Write What You Want and Sell What You Write because I have been writing a book for about 13 years - through the trials and tribulations of my mother passing and quite the dysfunctional family dynamics. I have been wating to publish as I am now 27 and have created more of a teenage self-help through grieving. Your book was inspiring as the style was personal yet to the point, much appreciated. However, what stops me is: my degree? In biology. My writing experience? None, just what I've come up with. My point? Nothing intense, but I can breathe now. Worth trying to publish?
Thank you for your time and printed words.
Lyndsey H.
Lyndsey, the question I always ask myself about books is "How many people out there would like or need this?" In your case, it might be a lot, depends on the content and how well you convey your truth. Email me and tell me more.
NOTE TO EVERYONE: Send me an email unless you want your question(s) featured here for all eyes to see.
The reality of reality shows
Hi Skip
I have two extraordinary ideas for t.v. reality shows and the companies I have checked out, I feel I can not trust. Can you direct me to a person or business like yourself where we can all make some money?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely
P. Fowler
I know some companies but they don't know you, they know me. That's usually what it takes. Email me.
Upgrades?
Hi, Skip. I just finished 'Idiot' and really enjoyed it. Do you have a provision to upgrade a service. For instance, if I did Script Scrutiny could I upgrade to The Big Jump without paying another $999. Arne
I can understand your concern - Will this guy tell me anything good? If that's it, well, that's why I put testimonies on the front page. I'll generally work with people who've already paid but I'd rather get the right service figured out the first time.
Does size matter?
Skip, I have written a beautiful story about 17,000 words. Do great scripts and stories have to be longer than that? Most people don't like reading those long drawn out novels. I am one of them. How do you determine the chapters for a book. Do you do a brainstorming diagram? Thanks. - Marie Davis
Marie, clear presentation of ideas is important, but you didn't tell me if you wrote a script or what. Scripts are spoken of in single-spaced pages, not word count. Books (non-fiction) and novels average about 1,000 words every four double-spaced pages so a manuscript that size would be only 68 pages. You need something bigger, most likely. Since you asked a lot of things and it seems you need a good bit of advice, that's all I'm answering unless we do a consultation.
The long and the short of it
Thank you Skip! I just read your, 'How to write what you want, and sell what you write'...It really inspired me. My question is, I write often, almost everyday but always in short story (300-500 words). I can't seem to get my mind to think in full story-mode. Is there a technique you can offer to retrain my brain? I would love to be able to work in both short story/essay and novel modes. I appreciate your input hugely!! - Lizza Cuevas
Lizza, I've sold both short stories and novels and the difference is usually TIME. Obviously there are exceptions, but generally a bigger story takes place over a longer period of time and/or involves a lot more elements and even characters. I once had a short story published - PICTURES - that got me a grant to write a novel of the same name, and I expanded the scope and time of the story immensely. That story story is in my "Rainy Day Tales" short story book available on my home page. If you read the story I will tell you how I expanded it into a novel.
The kind of compliment that makes me blush
I just wanted to say that I took Skip's basic screenwriting class through the Community Education Department at Cerritos College here in Southern California, and that it helped me unlock my writing ability that had laid dormant for 20 plus years and now I'm the author of Tormented Soul (Horror) and am also working on three other books all at the same time. One of my books is nearing 208,000 words and it's all because I decided to learn from the best. Thanks, Nathaniel Armstrong, Jr.
You can do it all, really
Hey Skip, I just finished reading "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting" and it definitely gave me great perspective towards my writing career. I have a script that i'm putting a final polish on and discovered that not only would it make a great film, it would make a great sitcom too! My questions is, is it possible to sell 'em as a movie and sitcom (once i write a pilot of course)? If my movie script gets picked up, is a spin off to a sitcom a probable idea? Thanks - Ramon Malpica
Ramon, this is one of those "let the network figure that out" type of things. A lot of independent and established filmmakers go into television because of the almost instant gratification they get. They write it one day, they're shooting it the next. I'd say, sell your movie and hope it's a hit. If so, the networks might be coming to you to make a sitcom spinoff, or to to see what other ideas you have.
If I'd only had me when I was starting out...
Good day Skip, I'm a teenager who hopes to become a well known writer. You definitely helped me learn a lot about screenwriting and I thank you. Though, I have a problem. I love writing, but I just can't find the right amount of ambition to write something without losing my mood that I have set into the story. So I ask, what can I do to help myself gather up enough courage to write what I love and keep at it?
Dear Nameless... introduce yourself, don't be shy. You might try sitting in some great place like a park or some coffee shop or diner you like, and handwriting the scenes one by one on index cards. Or even with a pen and pad. What you're probably worrying about subconsciously is how your work will be received, once written. Get these things out of your head and into the real world, and then you'll start learning for real. It's OK to mess up! The script for the movie "Cast Away" was rewritten 35 times!