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Inkwell

Script coverage template

Write evidence-led script coverage with a logline, synopsis, evaluation rubric, strengths, risks, verdict, and next action tied to the exact draft you read.

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Script coverage

Draft identity

  • Title:

  • Writer:

  • Format: feature / pilot / short / other

  • Genre:

  • Page count:

  • Draft date / version:

  • Reader:

  • Date read:

  • Purpose: submission / development / internal evaluation / education

Logline

One or two sentences describing the protagonist, goal, pressure, and central conflict.

Synopsis

Summarize the story that is actually on the page. Separate summary from evaluation so a later reader can tell what happened before reading what you thought about it.

Evaluation

Use only dimensions that serve the decision this coverage supports.

DimensionRating / noteEvidence from the draftWhy it matters
Premise / concept
Character
Structure
Scene construction
Dialogue / voice
Pace / clarity
Tone / execution

Strengths

1. [Specific strength]

  • Evidence:

  • Effect on the read:

  • What should be protected in a rewrite:

Risks / weaknesses

1. [Specific issue]

  • Evidence:

  • Reader consequence:

  • Likely underlying diagnosis:

  • A question for the writer, not a prescribed line edit:

Highest-leverage note

If only one issue changed in the next draft, which one would improve the greatest number of downstream scenes or decisions?

Verdict

Define the decision language before using it.

  • Recommend:

  • Consider:

  • Pass:

  • Other / not applicable:

Verdict for this draft:

Next action

  • Who needs this coverage?

  • What decision should happen next?

  • What evidence would change the verdict?

Reader calibration note

A score is not self-explanatory. If several readers use this form, compare the evidence and reasoning behind their ratings, not only the averages.

View Markdown source
# Script coverage

## Draft identity
- Title:
- Writer:
- Format: feature / pilot / short / other
- Genre:
- Page count:
- Draft date / version:
- Reader:
- Date read:
- Purpose: submission / development / internal evaluation / education

## Logline
One or two sentences describing the protagonist, goal, pressure, and central conflict.

## Synopsis
Summarize the story that is actually on the page. Separate summary from evaluation so a later reader can tell what happened before reading what you thought about it.

## Evaluation
Use only dimensions that serve the decision this coverage supports.

| Dimension | Rating / note | Evidence from the draft | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premise / concept | | | |
| Character | | | |
| Structure | | | |
| Scene construction | | | |
| Dialogue / voice | | | |
| Pace / clarity | | | |
| Tone / execution | | | |

## Strengths
### 1. [Specific strength]
- Evidence:
- Effect on the read:
- What should be protected in a rewrite:

## Risks / weaknesses
### 1. [Specific issue]
- Evidence:
- Reader consequence:
- Likely underlying diagnosis:
- A question for the writer, not a prescribed line edit:

## Highest-leverage note
If only one issue changed in the next draft, which one would improve the greatest number of downstream scenes or decisions?

## Verdict
Define the decision language before using it.

- **Recommend:**
- **Consider:**
- **Pass:**
- **Other / not applicable:**

**Verdict for this draft:**

## Next action
- Who needs this coverage?
- What decision should happen next?
- What evidence would change the verdict?

## Reader calibration note
A score is not self-explanatory. If several readers use this form, compare the evidence and reasoning behind their ratings, not only the averages.

What should script coverage include?

A useful coverage report identifies the exact draft, separates synopsis from evaluation, supports judgments with evidence from the screenplay, defines its verdict language, and ends with a clear next action. Add or remove scoring dimensions to match the decision your reader actually owns.

Is script coverage the same as writer notes?

Not exactly. Coverage usually supports an evaluation or development decision and therefore needs a concise synopsis, explicit criteria, and a verdict or next action. Writer notes can be more exploratory and do not need to reduce the read to a recommendation.

Can I download this without creating an account?

Yes. The template downloads directly as Markdown and can be edited in any compatible editor.

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