FAQ

Who is ScriptShark.com?
ScriptShark.com is a portfolio product of Baseline, a division of The New York Times Company. Baseline is the leading provider of verified film, television, companies and representation data to the industry, and powers both The Studio System and InHollywood. ScriptShark has been a leader in the literary evaluation space since its inception in 2001. Its ongoing commitment to bringing professional tools to both the aspiring and professional creative communities, including novelists, screenwriters and television writers, has made it the most successful evaluation and consultation provider in the business. 

How is ScriptShark different than other online manuscript evaluation and screenplay coverage services?
Both on the manuscript evaluation and screenplay coverage fronts, ScriptShark works with only with the highest caliber analytical minds to support the creative development of its customers.

On the manuscript evaluation front, ScriptShark has garnered the services of top publishing marketplace professionals, including literary agents and critics, editors and published authors. The ScriptShark manuscript evaluation service is unlike many other services out there in that it does not seek to provide evaluation as part of a path to self-publish, or a financial commitment to a publishing house; It provides manuscript evaluation to help the writer best hone the material in the most focused and professional manner whether seeking to self-publish, pursue representation, or publish with a small publishing house. The ScriptShark manuscript evaluation services grants the writer access to top analytical minds at a fraction of the consulting costs garnered by comparable individuals working privately in the manuscript evaluation sector.

On the screenwriting front, ScriptShark aims to provide the highest caliber coverage, development and discovery services to aspiring screenwriter everywhere. None of the ScriptShark analysts are doing this while we wait on something else: We are not development executives between jobs, or aspiring writers waiting for the career to take off. Instead, we have attracted the services of entertainment industry professionals who believe in the important role ScriptShark may play in a screenwriter’s career.

Does The New York Times Company really own ScriptShark?
Yes. The New York Times Company purchased Baseline in 2006. ScriptShark.com is under the Baseline umbrella.

Can ScriptShark serve as an agent for my material?
No. ScriptShark is not a talent or material representative. Through its coverage service offered to screenwriting customers, ScriptShark serves as a conduit for the writer into the entertainment industry. However, ScriptShark does not collect a percentage from the writer, and does not seek to represent either the writer or the material. 

Why doesn't ScriptShark offer scouting for manuscript evaluation customers?
The publishing marketplace is structured differently than the film industry, and therefore allows much more opportunity for success to unrepresented and unpublished individuals. While in the film industry agents, managers and production companies don't take blind submissions, the publishing industry is receptive to unrepresented, unknown individuals. Because of this, one can easily find agents who are seeking new literary material and small publishing houses open to queries, and does not, effectively, need to wait for ScriptShark scouting services. When armed with a strong manuscript and the right information (check out www.agentquery.com), a writer can go far in the publishing marketplace and does not need ScriptShark scouting services. 

I heard that through your screenplay scouting services, you will aim to collect 10% of whatever I make. Is that true?
No. ScriptShark only collects a fee for its coverage services. Our scouting services are complimentary to our screenwriting customers and free of charge. We do not collect any additional fees or percentages beyond our coverages, no matter our customer’s financial success.

How do you choose your analysts and evaluators?
Our analysts and evaluators come to us through industry word of mouth, and through an intense vetting process. On the screenwriting front, many of the agents, managers and producers who read our customers work have also recommended analysts to us. On the manuscript evaluation front, it was of the utmost importance for us to offer the writer access to exciting analytical minds, the sort of which have previously been difficult to access for affordable fees, if at all. For both manuscripts and screenplays, we require that all of our analysts do an “audition piece” for us, as well as to meet certain requirements. You can learn more about the election process as well as our specific analysts on our Analysts page. 

How is the ScriptShark manuscript evaluation service different from other services out there?
ScriptShark's manuscript evaluation service varies from other manuscript evaluation services thusly:

* Our evaluation service is not tied in to a self-publishing commitment. Many companies out there offering evaluation services demand that their customers commit to self-publishing prior to receiving evaluation, therefore demanding a larger financial commitment. The ScriptShark evaluation service provides you insight into your manuscript whether you are seeking to self publish, find representation, or publish with a reputable publishing house.

* ScriptShark services are cost effective. While individuals may offer at similar services at up to 10 times the ScriptShark price tag, ScriptShark offers access to similar established professionals at a fraction of the cost.

* We work only with the professionals of the highest caliber. Our professional manuscript evaluators come from literary agencies, publishing houses, and critical newspaper publications and literary academic programs, able to provide unparalleled insight and guidance. In fact, many of them do offer independent services at up to five time the cost of ScriptShark's services. We provide you access to these analytical minds at a fraction of the cost.

How do your manuscript evaluators vary from your screenplay analysts?
While our screenplay analysts are professional readers from within the entertainment industry, our manuscript evaluators are professional analytical minds from within the publishing marketplace. If you would like to evaluate your manuscript with a slant towards screenplay adaptation it will be assigned to a screenplay analyst accordingly should you make that specific request. But unless otherwise requested, your manuscript will be evaluated by a professional from the publishing marketplace.

Can I pay by Credit Card and submit electronically?
You may opt to submit both payment and materials either electronically or in hard copy. Whichever your choice, instructions will be provided along the check-out process. 

Do you accept international submissions?
Yes. ScriptShark works with writers from all over the world, including Australia, Europe, Russia, Israel, South Africa, Japan, and many others. Because of the ease of internet submissions, materials are sent and received effortlessly. However, we do require that all materials submitted for coverage or evaluation be in English.  

Once you are done with my coverage or evaluation, how will you send it to me?
All coverages and evaluations are sent back to the customer via email, unless other requests/arrangements have been made.

What format should my submission be in? 
Manuscripts should be submitted in Word or .PDF. All pages must be double spaced, using size 11 or 12 font.

Screenplays should be submitted in Final Draft, .PDF or Word format, using size 11 or 12 font, and adhering to screenplay standards.   

How should I protect my material so it's not stolen? 
ScriptShark highly recommends that all submissions be registered with the Writers Guild of America and/or copyrighted with the U.S. Copyright Office.