Frequently Asked Questions
How is HSSW different from other script writing groups?
We are actually different in several significant ways! First, we work to help YOU – the writer, to get projects to completion with hard deadlines and expectations. So we don’t look at projects piecemeal, e.g., a few pages or ideas about a story. From the early outline stage to a solid first or second draft, we take the time to critique your work in an organized, step-by-step process. We’ll help you to see your project with fresh eyes and determine its marketability. And we’ll review script-writing basics, including act structure and formatting, to ensure your script is ready for professional evaluation.
Second, we are dedicated to the idea that we, as creatives, are only as good as we give. So all submitting writers are expected to participate in the constructive critique of at least a few other authors’ work each semester. We call this our “Pay It Forward” policy.
Third, every semester we offer workshops to inspire and inform you, featuring professionals in the field who are kind enough to share their knowledge and experience.
So, if you are serious about being part of a writing community and willing to put in the effort, this is the group for you.
Do I need a membership to attend meetings?
Anyone interested in HSSW can contact us at admin@hsswriters.com to be added to our list of active participants. Or, you can sign up here at our website using our instant sign-up system. However, you must agree to our Conditions of Participation.
Participants attend and simply pay the one-time fee for any given meeting or workshop. If you want to have your script reviewed by the group, you must first become an AUTHOR LEVEL member.
How much is a membership?
There is no sign-up fee to join HSSW. If you want to attend meetings to review others’ scripts, you pay dues as you go, only contributing for meetings you want to attend. See dues cost below.
Members interested in submitting projects for review and receiving coverage pay a one-time fee of $300 for a life-time of reviews via our AUTHOR LEVEL MEMBERSHIP. While you are a student, you can enroll for a STUDENT MEMBERSHIP for $100 which can later be upgraded to a life-time membership.
I’ve paid for AUTHOR LEVEL MEMBERSHIP, do I still pay to attend meetings?
Yes. AUTHOR LEVEL MEMBERSHIP is a one-time fee that allows you to submit scripts for review. It is not payment for meetings.
How much are meetings?
All members pay the same amount to attend meetings – $10 for our new hybrid sessions. However, students (with proof of matriculation) pay $5.00. HSSW interns attend for free.
How are scripts and other projects shared?
All scripts are privately emailed to our list of active participants ahead of the author’s review. We do not publicly post authors’ scripts on the web.
I’m coming to my first HSSW meeting, what do I need to do?
Sign up in advance and read the script. Let us know if you plan to attend in-person or virtually. Come to the meeting prepared to talk about any issues you have, suggestions for improvement, pitches for new ideas, and, of course, be ready to say what you liked about the project.
Once I’m an AUTHOR LEVEL member, how many scripts can I have reviewed by the group?
There’s no limit! If you keep writing ‘em, we’ll keep reading ‘em. Prior to each semester we send out a call for scripts. Sign-up is based on first-come, first-served basis although we always reserve some spots for new-comers.
How long do meetings last?
Meetings typically last 2 hours. After any in-person event, anyone who is interested can join the group at a nearby watering hole for food, drinks and great conversation. In-person meetings and these social gatherings currently occur in Kendall Square, Cambridge MA, near to our meeting site – the Foundry Arts Center.
Who are the other members of HSSW?
We have a mix of students, playwrights, screenwriters, directors, indie filmmakers, actors, journalists, and more. From professors to students to medical doctors our meetings are filled with people who share one passion – we love to read and write scripts!
I’m about to have my first review, what advice can you give me?
Have a logline of your work prepared. Be ready to answer questions about your genre, audience, theme, protagonist, antagonist, why you wrote this project and what you hope to learn from your review. Come ready to listen!
Do you review creative works other than screenplays?
Absolutely! In addition to feature-length screenplays, we also review pilots, other teleplays, stage plays, shorts, treatments, outlines and television series bibles.
Do I lose any of my rights of authorship by submitting?
No! You retain all your intellectual property rights. Part of being a screenwriter, or any kind of writer, is having your material READ. So, to protect your works, HSSW strongly recommends you register your script with the Writers Guild of America and the US Copyright Office. Whenever you participate in a review, you are agreeing to our Conditions of Participation.
What are your Conditions of Participation?
We’re glad you asked! You must read and agree to this document in order to participate.
I have a rich relative looking to make a tax-deductible donation. Are donations to HSSW tax deductible?
YES! We are a non-profit, volunteer organization and always appreciate donations.