Expectations for Scriptwriters

Since the start of 2025, I haven’t looked into commissioning scripts or purchasing scripts already written. Scripts that I’ve filled this year were, believe it or not, purchased last year.

In reevaluating my stance on scripts, it has come to my attention that my current process for buying scripts, filling scripts, and generally working with scriptwriters has been very informal thus far. This has led to some miscommunications in the past (for which I take 100% of the accountability) about what to expect from all parties involved in the process. Filling scripts is not something I frequently do, but this does not excuse my complacency.

So, the intent of this post is to make very clear what my expectations are for scripts, scriptwriters, and my process of filling a script.

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What I’m looking for in a script:

• Full list of tags for the content of that script

• A logline for the script

  • A longer summary can also be included

• In the body of the script, clear formatting that make it easy to distinguish:

  • Dialogue

  • Acting direction

  • Pauses (for the listener’s implied dialogue)

  • Temporary SFX (footsteps, belt buckle, etc)

  • Background SFX (hum of a florescent light, wind in the trees, etc)

• Traditional Screenplay formatting is not a requirement

• Writing out the listener’s implied dialogue is welcome but not necessary.

• A minimum of 1,200 words of dialogue

• Segments of nonverbal “pleasure track” (moaning, etc) or "improvise dirty talk" are fine, for the sake of pacing, when used sparingly.

  • Please do not expect me to improvise the entirety of your sex scene.

What to expect when selling your script to me:

• Communication via email is preferred (for sharing documents especially) but my DMs are open on Instagram as well.

  • I expect all communication to be professional.

• I have not ever, nor will I ever, perform a fill of a script intended for a paid platform without paying the writer first. I encourage you to set your own price.

• When I purchase a script from you, I don't expect it to be exclusively mine. The script is still yours, and you're free to do with it what you like.

• Before I purchase your script, I will tell you which platform I expect the audio to be posted to. You will be credited as the scriptwriter on that platform.

  • This is a decision I make based on the content of the audio, the content guidelines of the platforms I utilize, and the needs of my audience.

  • Please do not ask me to post the finished audio to one specific platform over another.

• When I purchase your script, I will never ask for changes or revisions; I expect your script to be complete.

  • Very minor changes are fine, as long as you let me know before I purchase that you expect to make some changes. That way I can wait to begin recording until the changes are complete.

• Once I have purchased the script from you, your responsibilities as scriptwriter have been fulfilled. Past that point, you are not obligated to continue communicating with me.

• I, as the voice actor, editor, and producer of the audio, take responsibility for producing the audio itself. I trust you to do your job; please trust me to do mine.

• Therefore, I will never solicit your feedback on the audio during the production process.

  • In the past I have been lax about allowing scriptwriters to double as beta-listeners during the production process.

  • This always happened with consent of all parties, with enthusiasm from the writers to hear their work voiced, and with the best of intentions.

  • That said, I am no longer allowing this. This practice took advantage of scriptwriters' uncompensated enthusiasm to provide me with valuable feedback, and it too frequently blurred the line between scriptwriter and collaborator.

  • To be very clear about this: the act of me purchasing a script from you does not make you a collaborator on the production of the audio.

    • An exception could be made if you are also a VA with experience in the audio production process (recording, editing, mastering, etc). Before ever expecting you to fulfill any of those roles, I will ask you if you would like to collaborate first; you are free to decline.

When I fill your script:

• I reserve the right to make very slight alterations to lines and phrases:

  • To improve the flow of dialogue as I speak it. Some sentences that are perfectly fine in print I would struggle to deliver in speech.

  • To include small amounts of context that would make the scene more cohesive.

  • To improve inclusivity for the listener. Avoiding specific physical descriptors is a requirement.

  • I will only make these alterations when absolutely necessary.

• I reserve the right to add, remove, lengthen, or shorten pauses to improve the pacing. This is especially relevant for audios that have multiple scenes and transitions between those scenes.

• I reserve the right to add any tags that might be missing from the given list.

  • Generally required tags include:

    • The POV (M4F, MF4A, etc)

    • Any sexual acts

    • Content warnings

When the audio goes live:

• I will give you an estimated go-live date with as much notice as possible.

  • On Patreon, this date is far more precise and more flexible.

  • On Quinn, this date can be (and frequently is) changed at Quinn’s discretion.

• I will let you know when the audio is live.

• Please be advised: Quinn can (and frequently does) change any and all metadata about audios on their platform. Including:

  • Tags

  • Summaries

  • Titles

  • Credits

  • Drop dates

• If Quinn left off a tag that you believe was omitted in error, please let me know, and I will ask them to re-add it.

• If you would like to create promotional content for the audio, you’re more than welcome to do so. I’ll gladly credit you as the scriptwriter in any promotional content I produce for the audio as well.

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If you have any questions about this, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for reading,

–Barry