Entitlement Issues

Entitlement is a problem in the industry. Using 'entitled' instead of 'titled' makes me suspect you think you're writing the next great American whatever.

Not everyone is bothered by this, but many are. If you think you're hitting my read pile soon, save yourself some letters in the description and just 'title' the thing.

"A Myriad of..." No.

Every time a writer uses myriad correctly, an angel gets its wings.

True story.

Claud Rain's Resume

There is no way I can look at a character and know what they minored in in college. Therefore it should not be mentioned in the character description.

If I can't see it don't say it!

Chastity St. Cloud

If your lead's name sounds like either a romance novel heroine or a porn star the script will lose a point with me.

I'd love to say I bear no malice aforethought to characters like Dusty Boner or Lily McSweetness, but I'd be lying. Unless you're going for an over-the-top angle like a character on Pushing Daisies, then it's fun.

Otherwise, leave it for The Pie Maker.

"HELLO: My Name Is..."

It's not often I see a synopsis, so on this note YMMV. But why in the name of Great Ceasar's ghost do so many writers feel the need to mention the lead's name?

Unless it's a famous historical or fictional name, like Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, you should leave it out. It's not like reading "After losing her spot on the Olympic synchronized swim team Kate* Winterbourn must accept her status as an alternate... AND DIFFUSE A TICKING BOMB!" will prompt me to think 'Didn't I meet Kate at that 4th of July party?'

When in doubt leave it out goes double for your synopsis and logline. The lead's name should be straight to the bin, nothing but net.

*I'd also like to point out not all white chicks are named Kate, but as a white chick called Kate myself I'll just STFU and GBTW.

It's the Only Way to be Sure

Yes, I can tell when you're writing about yourself.

This isn't just for autobios. It could be an obvious hit job against your ex. Wife, boyfriend, boss, I've seen 'em all.

Ask yourself if any of this sounds familiar: The secondary characters are thin and one note, 99% of the dialogue revolves around the lead and her/his wants, characters don't exist outside the lead's presence, there's an obvious mistake made but no one else understands, the lead is blamed even when they've done nothing wrong, not liking the lead is a sign a secondary character is weak or evil, the love interest is nearly perfect (and also undeveloped)...

And the number one sign your lead is an author insert, when asked to describe their biggest flaws are you tempted to say they're "too smart" or they "care too much?" If so, gut the script.

Or nuke it from space. Either way you'll save yourself some time.