Paying for a "coach"?

[harrisbloom]

Has anyone here paid for someone to work with you on a screenplay? HOw much was it? Did they also help you sell it?

Thanks,

Harris

[NikeeGoddess]

coaching is for actors, not writers.

there are plenty of people who will take advantage of a newbie like yourself. most of these people (who do take advantage) will be persons who are unable to write well enough to sell their own or have the right contacts to sell your script. the more gullible your are and the more money you have is an open door for abuse.
most people go the long hard road of self education. but, it helps to take screenwriting classes which are usually inexpensive and/or join screenwriting groups which are usually free.

later, you can move on to script consultants. but, don't waste your money on them just for the learning process.

[WritingFool]

Remember
"theres a sucker born every minute, and two to take him"

Anyone can claim to be an expert worthy of your money. But you ask them to show you what theyve done, who theyve helped.

Personally, Im tempted to pay for Joe's consultation for some reason.
If I can ever get this thing down to 120 pages.
Im at 150, and still trimming. But Ive taken a break. Catching the online poker bug as my diversion.

But good luck to you. Hope you dont get taken.

[scripter1]

And where are you at in your writing?

As has been stated there are many people who are willing to part you from your money and probably not give you much back. You've got to educate yourself and get a solid foundation under you first.
You can do that by reading books and scripts.
Do you have The Screenwriter's Bible by Trottier?
That will give the basics and get you started.
Other books to read are Story by Mckee, Writer's Journey by Vogler,
How NOT to write a screenplay, and Making a Good script Great by Linda Seger.
(There are plenty of others, these are just the ones I've recently read.)

Puruse the message boards, read the articles over at Wordplay and at scriptsecrets.

All this "coaching" will be free and will give you the solid foundation you need to have in order to recognize if someone is giving you reasonable advice.
If you hear something funny then post it and we will say "aye" or "nay."

Also there are the pages forums and logline clinics.
You can get a bunch of free help there.

For some strange reason I am wanting to use Joe's consultation as well.
Are you spiking the water cooler again Joe?

[NikeeGoddess]

DON'T DRINK THE WATER!!!