This might seem like an afterthought, but proofreading is an underrated skill in screenwriting. It should not be underestimated, though, how important it is. A script laden with typing errors, spelling errors, and formatting errors will be destined for the “pass” pile. It doesn’t matter how good your story is, how likable your characters are, or how the riveting action will keep people on the edge of their seats. If the script isn’t presented professionally, the people reading it will assume you’re an amateur, and they will move on to the next script in the stack.

Don’t be one of those writers.

You might think this goes without saying, but I have received several scripts over the years with multiple errors per page. I tell writers that if I were a studio reader or executive, I would stop reading after a certain number of errors. If you don’t care enough about your own screenplay to take the time to literally make sure your I’s are dotted and your T’s are crossed, why should I care about whether the story is any good or not?

The other problem is that it smacks of laziness when a screenplay clearly hasn’t been proofread. If you won’t make an effort to make sure your work is clean on your own, then how can I count on you to make the required effort when I call out notes or rewrites? The entertainment industry is a detail-oriented business, and if your script isn’t buttoned up, you will not be taken seriously as a writer.

I have been guilty of a few typing errors here and there, and some executives will let that slide while others will call it out. But when there are so many errors that it becomes distracting, there’s no way in hell you’re getting that executive, producer, or agent to consider your script. In fact, it’s not likely it will even make it that far, as the reader or assistant will probably pass on it before it even makes it up the ladder.

Do yourself a favor.

Take pride in your work. Demonstrate your willingness to go the extra mile to ensure your work is presented professionally. Do not cut corners on proofreading because I don’t want to have to think about all the errors while I’m reading it when I should be thinking about how good the story is and how much I like the characters.