Notes Survival Guide for Screenwriters & Authors
Shownotes
Getting feedback on a script or novel shouldn't be so anxiety inducing. This episode of 5AM StoryTalk is the ultimate notes survival guide for screenwriters and authors receiving feedback – and a masterclass for producers, agents, and book editors looking to deliver critiques that actually inspire great revisions!
👉 SCREENPLAY PERFORMANCE STUDIO: Today's episode is brought to you by Screenplay Performance Studio. Check them out and use the code 5AMStoryTalk to get $25 off. screenplayperformancestudio.com/5AM
ON THE ITINERARY:
- THE FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT RESPONSE: Breaking down the actual evolutionary psychology of why creative feedback triggers the exact same brain response as a physical attack.
- THE "MURDER" IMPULSE: Why many standard industry notes often derail a writer's momentum instead of helping the story.
- FILTERING THE GOLD: A step-by-step strategy for screenwriters and novelists to separate valuable insights from otherwise questionable note sessions.
- HOW TO GIVE NOTES (WITHOUT THE DRAMA): The exact blueprint for producers, agents, book editors, and peers to deliver devastating critiques in a way that actually inspires the creator.
- HOLLYWOOD VS. THE REST OF THE WORLD: The gap between how Hollywood notes are given and how they’re given elsewhere around the globe.
- THE SCREENWRITER VS. NOVELIST DIVIDE: How the feedback landscape can differ between the screenwriting and publishing worlds.
- THE EMOTIONAL CURE: My personal toolkit for cooling down, processing the anxiety, and turning a brutal notes session into a great script revision.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY!
Join the 10,000+ members of the 5AM StoryTalk community at Substack mastering the craft of storytelling (and the art of life) together: https://colehaddon.substack.com/
LINKS:
- Read why this episode's sponsor, Screenplay Performance Studio, meets this podcast's human-made art standards for a digital tool: https://screenplayperformancestudio.com/privacy-policy.html
- Read "The Horror of 'Dracula': The Unbelievable True Story of the 2013 TV Series": https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/new-podcast-episode-the-horror-of
TIP JAR:
Not up for a paid subscription but appreciate the work that’s gone into making this podcast happen? You can “buy me a coffee” here to help keep me caffeinated (translation: writing):
https://buymeacoffee.com/colehaddon
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow Cole/5AM StoryTalk at…
- 5AM StoryTalk @ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5amstorytalkpodcast/
- Cole Haddon @ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colehaddonwashere/
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/colehaddon.bsky.social
- Threads: https://www.threads.com/Colehaddonwashere
EMAIL:
CREDITS:
- 5AM StoryTalk acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded, the Djarra people of the Kulin Nation and pay respects to Elders past and present.
- This podcast’s music is by Cary Brothers: https://www.carybrothers.com/