Listen to screenwriters who are just like you
Our clients are our Pen Pals who come to us at every stage of the screenwriting game. From Newbie writers looking to learn screenplay structure to Emerging writers ready to build their writing portfolio and book gigs to Established writers seeking to polish their pitches and develop their writer's rooms, TPP helps our Pen Pals build up their confidence and level up their professional careers. With our coaching, our Pen Pals stay winning! And so can you.
Craig & caryn rossCreative Team Craig Ross, Jr. and Caryn Ward Ross serve as Showrunner, Director, Executive Producer, and Lead Actress on Allblk's Craig Ross, Jr.'s MONOGAMY. The series aired for three seasons.
Jeff P.I have used several script coverage services in the past. My experience has been that they're kind of all over the place. Not that I haven’t gotten a good note here and there, I have. But I submitted two different scripts, twice each, to one of the more popular services providing feedback and evaluation. I received feedback from different readers on each. Both the feedback and evaluation couldn’t have been more different from each reader. And the majority of the feedback wasn’t clearly actionable. For me it came across as more of a subjective opinion than constructive feedback. Then I found a writers service called The Professional Pen. I had followed their social media for awhile before I decided to submit a script for feedback. What I received back was more than just feedback and an evaluation. What I got was page-by-page, detailed development notes on the entire script. Every note was actionable and constructive. I realized I had found a service that is designed to help writers take an existing story and make it better. Not by judging the story, but by using the same industry standards that big studios use. The extensive development notes I received were the same that a script would receive for rewrites at the studios. I have tried writing partners in the past. Without getting into those details, it’s not for me. While this service is not intended to be, nor is it a ghost writing service, the development notes definitely point out what’s working, what’s not working, and why it is or isn’t. And it’s clear to me that the Story Expert read my script, and not just once. They had to read it minimum once through and then again for the notes. My feeling is it was more than that. I state this confidently because the notes clearly show that the reader knew my story as well as I did. They covered story, plot, structure, characters, dialogue, formatting, and more. I took action on every one of their notes and I have a better script and story for it. I will be using their services going forward. 
ANGEL W.WeScreenplay Diverse Voices, Finalist (2019)
Nickelodeon Writing Program (2020) Staff Writer: That Girl Lay-Lay (Nickelodeon) Young Dylan (Nickelodeon) Moon Girl (Disney) 
TEJU P.Stage 32 TV Drama Screenwriting Contest, Semi-finalist (2024) ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship, Quarterfinalist (2004) 
FOLEY I.Super proud of the half-hour serialized, light-hearted drama I wrote with the coaching of my writing coach. We set out with the goal for me to write a nuanced story about fatherhood from a first-generation Nigerian-American perspective, interweaving culture, race, and grief in a comedic manner. Let me tell you; you know you've done your job when an Exec tells you that they loved the script because they felt the nuance. Forever grateful for attending the University of the Professional Pen. 
CHRISTOPHER R.ScreenCraft Sci-Fi and Fantasy Competition, Quarterfinalist (2022) Stage 32 New Voices in Animation, Quaterfinalist (2021) Coverfly Redlist (2021) ScreenCraft Animation Screenplay, Finalist (2020) The TPP has taken my writing and understanding of the craft to a new level. The feedback is so constructive and on point. My Story Expert Carlton is PHENOMENAL. Often times he hits on items that I was uncertain of but wrote anyway and he's right there to help me think deeper on the issue or leave it on the editing room floor. It is clear by the attention to small details that the readers at TPP are locked in to each individual script they read/review and that as a writer makes you feel good. I never feel like I'm getting general feedback that would apply to all scripts/genres. I've never felt like 'Well that didn't help at all.' 
CHRISTINE P.Writing a screenplay had always been a dream of mine, but I felt lost and overwhelmed with where to begin. That all changed when I discovered TPP. The course was perfect. Each week, we had a 45-minute Jam Session where we discussed our individual stories and received tailored feedback from an expert. This was followed by a 2-hour deep dive into the art and science of screenwriting, where I was equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to understand the craft and make real progress in my writing. If you're serious about screenwriting, don't waste any more time on generic videos and books. Work with TPP and turn your dream into a reality . 
GEORGE B.I am once sold screenwriter (11 years ago) and now make a living in entertainment visual effects. I recently wrote another script and realized it needed professional eyes. I am often blind to my own work. TPP not only knows how to find a diamond in the rough but helps you discover the inner soul of your story and improve your voice. It’s like a ship without a rudder not to have TTP help steer you and find weaknesses and most important learn from the process. I’ve hired many analysts in the past and TTP is the best I’ve yet to find. I remember while I was at Disney creating a 2 minute movie trailer we cut 87 versions to get it right. The heavy lifting is re writing and that’s where you really discover the best stuff. This last screenplay had 6 revisions and it took me about 11 months until I felt I had something worth sharing to the world. Take your time. Do it right. I wouldn’t try to be a hero alone - TTP is the Rock you need to get you to that next level. 
TIM R.ScreenCraft Drama Contest, Semi-finalist (2019) Los Angeles Int'l Screenplay Awards, Semi-finalist (2019) I have used their development feedback for my pilot 3 times now, and every single time my show gets wayyy better. I have already recommended other people to get development notes from The Professional Pen, and I'd def do it again. 
TYLER A.Do yourself a favor and JOIN THIS CLASS! The experience was a fantastic grounding I desperately needed, both in how I generated my content and how I scheduled myself to do so. TPP's guidance and teachings are not some well meaning rhetoric, nor does it placate creatives; it teaches a firm understanding of yourself and how to manipulate the page to best represent that, all while sticking to a deadline. Not only that, the other people in my class were incredible to share a space with, almost as if TPP knew what I could learn from them, and hopefully vice versa. Bottom line, I feel more like I have a chance at being in a writer's room or being a creative in general by taking this class. |
Jarnell stokesProducer and Owner of Stoked Film Group gets repped by Zero Gravity and goes into development on two series.
KIRK JW.Repped by Jennifer Hollyer Agency
WeScreenplay Diverse Voices, Finalist (2019) ScreenCraft Pilot Launch Contest, Quaterfinalist (2019) I engaged in TPP's services after listening to a podcast where Shannan, the CEO, was a guest. I wasn't sure what to expect... However, a few sessions later, I'm extremely glad that I did. Working with TPP improved the structure and clarity of my storytelling. If you’re willing to put the work in to learn the craft, then you absolutely need to work with TPP. They are personable, and they care about trying to help you tell the best version of YOUR story, and they know their shit! Do not work with TPP if you're looking for someone to coddle you and tell you how amazing you are (unless, of course, you're Aaron Sorkin or Shonda Rhimes - in which case you really wouldn't need their services to begin with - just saying. 
DALLAS R.WeScreenplay Diverse Voices Pilot Competition, Winner (2019)
Pilot sold to NBC Disney Writing Program (2023) Staff Writer: Reasonable Doubt (Hulu/Onyx Collective) 
Working with The Professional Pen was enlightening. I learned so much about script writing based on the notes and conversations. The Professional Pen was able to identify the weaknesses within my screenplay and provided suggested on how to improve those weaknesses. If I had questions about the notes that were provided, The Professional Pen answered my questions in a timely manner. I will be using The Professional Pen service for my future projects. 
MARY R.Coverfly THE RED LIST (2024) #4 Family Short Top 37% of all projects Top 38% of Family projects Top 29% of Short projects Top 32% of Short Family projects 
HANNE V.The Professional Pen gets you clear on the core of your story quick and cultivates the bright and precise writer within you. No more flailing scenes that undermine your story. No more aimless blank-page gazing. Count on sharpening your ideas one-on-one with a pro, immersive + hands-on instruction, and breakneck expansion of your screenwriting skills. You’ll emerge with a customized, actionable writing plan, and a mastery of narrative with which to forge your future features The Professional Pen teaches you to craft the story that conveys on paper what was in your head and heart all along. Can’t recommend enough! 
AKILAH C.You get exactly what’s in the name from The Professional Pen. The TPP Squad is incredibly professional and is the source for help in penning a good script. I worked 1:1 with my Story Expert from idea to script, and while it took me a little longer than scheduled due to work and health issues, she stuck it out with me. The program structure created building blocks toward completion and showcased TPP's knowledge on writing. The collaborative style confirms that they are passionate about the story being told and committed to getting it ready to go out into the world. Through the process my Story Expert challenged me with honest feedback to dig deeper, answer questions about my characters, and hone in on the story I wanted to tell all while keeping it authentic to my voice. When it was finished, I was so happy with the progress I’d made that I booked her again for a Story Jam for one more edit. I finished the process confident in my TV pilot script and within weeks was a quarterfinalist in the Black Girl Writes screenwriting competition. It’s only up from here, and I’m grateful for everything I learned in the process. 
GOZIE N.HBO Access Fellowship, Semi-finalist (2019) Fade In Awards First 10 Pages Competition, Semi-finalist (2019) 
CHANEL D.One word to describe TPP, CAPTIVATING! This was the best decision I have made this year. I came to TPP with questions about my script, creating and just the business in general, and they did not hold back. As Shannan, the CEO, says, “if we have the information, you do”. You can tell from their first sentence that they are passionate about screen writing and helping others. TPP is the real deal! I left our meeting feeling empowered, knowledgeable and ready to take on my creativity and this industry. TPP is honest about the ups and down with being a creative and getting into the room, yet still gives you hope to still pursue this dream and key tips on HOW to enter these rooms and WHAT to do when you are finally there. TPP is amazing and I’ll always work with them. 
MIGUEL D.Love and Hope International Film Festival,
Best Script Feature (2023) Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival, Semifinalist (2023) FilmQuest, Semifinalist (2023) Big Apple Film Festival Screenplay Competition, Honorable Mention (Spring 2023) Creative Screenwriting, Quarter Finalist (2023) Inroads Fellowship Season 6, Quarter-Finalist (2023) ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship, Quarter-Finalist (2023) ScreenCraft Screenwriting Feature Competition, Quarter-Finalist (2023) Outstanding Screenplays Feature Competition, Semifinalist (2022) I couldn't be more thankful for all of TPP's teachings and support. Not only my skills as a screenwriter and filmmaker improved in a significant way, they also helped me to develop more creative ways to approach my writing process without compromising my artistic vision and creativity. As they always say at TPP, "the read is king," and their teachings are the best way to put your screenwriting career in the best path possible. 
JAN m.I highly recommend The Idea to Story 2.0 course! It provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the key elements required to craft a truly engaging and mesmerizing story. The one-on-one coaching sessions every week were particularly invaluable, as they allowed me to apply the concepts I learned to my own writing and receive personalized feedback. Furthermore, the course provided me with an unexpected opportunity to explore and discover more about myself, which ultimately helped me to create more intricate and well-rounded characters with greater confidence. Overall, I couldn't be happier with my experience in this course, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to improve their writing skills. 
CHRISTOPHER B.Fade In Thriller, Grand Prize Winner (2020) Catalina Film Festival, Official Selection (2020) Oregon Scream Week, Official Selection (2020) Page Turner, Official Selection (2020) Austin After Dark Film Festival, Official Selection (2020) Los Angeles Crime and Horror Film Festival, Finalist (2020) HorrorHaus Film Festival, Official Selection (2020) 8/10 from The Black List 9/10 from Screenwriter.co |
