Anyone have any helpful hints?

I am almost done a script, once done I will buy post-it notes and write waht happens in a scene and stick it to the page. I will do this for every scene, then read the post-its and see if I find any plots holes, issues with characters,  slug lines, and yes TYPOS  and MISSPELLINGS.

Are there any other tricks of the trade to check a first draft?

I go through this list and see if I can change any of them out...

https://yourscreenplaysucks.wordpress.com/7-deadly-sins-of-writing/

Anthony

Thanks for the link.

Anthony's list is a good guide but also remember it's not a bible. They're guidelines and I'd say a large proportion of Pro scripts contain these no-no's and still read well. Some don't of course, and that's cause a great story will often carry some not so perfect writing.

My tip: read your script out loud, preferably with someone, but even on your own is better than nothing, to listen to your dialogue. I think the voices in FD are robotic and often don't have the right inflections so I steer clear of that.

Proofread. Proofread again. Get someone else to proofread.

Check for orphaned words. Remove if you can.
Keep your description/action lines to a four line max.

Go with the 'new shot' 'new line' mantra.

Post here. You'll definitely get an objective POV.

Proofread a printed copy. You'd be amazed what you pick up on hard copy as opposed to on your computer monitor.

Quoted from AnthonyCawood I go through this list and see if I can change any of them out... https://yourscreenplaysucks.wordpress.com/7-deadly-sins-of-writing/ Anthony

Cool link, Anthony.

I use FD so the scene boxes take the place of sticky notes.

I do:

- Write out the purpose of each scene (some get deleted because the purpose is minor)

- For each scene ask - (a) could I have started in later or (b)  ended it sooner

FD scene boxes... making me think.

Having extra sets of eyes helping you is really the best way. Some are better than others.

Read it over numerous times, as you write, and after.

When you're actually done, it shouldn't be a first draft, if you've read it over and over as you write.

I try to edit page by page, or every few. I've been lucky in that I've weeded out the "passive" voice stuff when it comes to my writing, finally. I still need to learn when to stop an action line, or when the multi-sentence action line should be split in two.

Something that I like to do is actually print out the entire script, and go over it with pen. I also lend the script to trustable people who would give me honest feedback and let them pile up on my own coments.

Third for printing a hard copy and editing with a pen. Underrated. Also, once you've finished your script, set it aside for at least two weeks, go and live your life and/or work on something else, then come back to it with fresh(er) eyes.

Quoted from James McClung Third for printing a hard copy and editing with a pen. Underrated. Also, once you've finished your script, set it aside for at least two weeks, go and live your life and/or work on something else, then come back to it with fresh(er) eyes.

Concur - time away is critical