Films · Novels · Television · Comics — Professional Consultation
Professional consultation by working writers, for writers. No algorithms. No gatekeeping. Just honest, peer-level notes that help you grow.
Why We Exist
We built First Draft Co. because we couldn't find what we needed ourselves. As working writers in TV, film, publishing, and comics, we know the critical importance of having your work stress-tested by someone who respects both the craft and you.
The manuscript consultation industry is broken. Coverage farms charging $300 for notes generated by an algorithm. Contest readers who've never sold a script ranking your work with a number that means nothing. Development "coaches" preying on ambition to charge $500 an hour for a conversation you could have with any working writer who actually gives a damn.
"You don't need a grade. You need a conversation with someone who's been in the room."
Every person who reads your work at First Draft Co. is a credentialed professional writer. They'll give you their actual opinion, delivered with the care of a colleague who wants to see you succeed.
Whether you're finishing your first pilot or rewriting your fifth feature, you deserve notes that help you get better, conversation that can open doors, and cheerleaders who believe in your talent. We specialize in all three.
How It Works
15 minutes, no pitch. We learn where your project is and what it needs. You leave with a clear recommendation — even if it's not one of our services.
Based on your format, genre, and goals, we match you with the consultant whose experience is most relevant to your specific project.
Send us your draft. Your named consultant reads it with genuine attention and time — not in 45 minutes, not with an algorithm.
Receive your written notes and, if applicable, schedule your call. Leave the engagement with a clear path forward and the confidence to take it.
Services & Pricing
Four service tiers, designed for every stage of the writing process. From a single focused read to an ongoing creative partnership. All delivered by a named consultant. All backed by our transparency guarantee.
Tier One
Coverage + written development notes
Starting from
$135
Feature $185 · TV Pilot $155 · Novel excerpt $175
Tier Two
Coverage + 45-min video consultation
Starting from
$265
Feature $345 · TV Pilot $295 · Novel excerpt $325
Tier Three
Ongoing monthly development partnership
Designed for writers actively in a rewrite cycle, preparing to query, developing a pilot to pitch, or working toward a major submission. The most personal and sustainable way to work with us.
Monthly investment
$750
3-month minimum · Cancel anytime after
Tier Four
Comprehensive development — for your most important submission
This is for the project that matters most. A funding application. A pitch to your dream showrunner. A query to your top five agents. One dedicated engagement with everything we have to give.
One-time investment
$1,200
Non-recurring · Spots limited to 4/month
À La Carte Add-ons
What Writers Say
I've paid for coverage three times before this. Every other time I got a document. With First Draft, I got a video call. It seems small at the time, but that gesture changed how I felt and approached my own work going forward.
What stopped me from seeking notes before was the fear that someone would just validate what wasn't working. With you all I got honesty wrapped in genuine knowledge. My book is 40% better because of one session.
I've been in TV for 13 years and am taking the leap into comics. I felt completely lost. The consultant had read my whole script, understood the format deeply, and gave me a 45-minute conversation I couldn't have gotten anywhere else for any price.
Start Here
Book a free 15-minute Triage call. No sales pitch. No commitment. We'll read your logline or synopsis, hear where you are in the process, and tell you honestly whether we can help and how.
Most writers leave the triage call with something useful, regardless of what they decide next.
Free
Triage Call
15 min
No commitment
Real
Every time