Tools I Use to Write and Edit My Romance Screenplays

Writing romantic comedy screenplays is part art, part technical craft, and a whole lot of hustle. Endless hustle. Never. Ending. Hustle. Whether I am drafting a flirty meet-cute or writing a third-act grand gesture and culminating one dry kiss, having the right tools at my disposal makes all the difference in my writing process.

Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of writing industry tools and a few have been “can’t live without” staples. Here are the tools/softwares/apps I use in my writing process— from loglines, first drafts, and pitching to producers.

Final Draft - Screenwriting Software

I have used different screenwriting softwares in the past. Celtx was what I downloaded first when I was just beginning because they offered a free version. I recommend this for anyone wanting to dip their toes into learning the screenwriting format and layout, without having to fork over an immediate $140 (or whatever the going rate is for Final Draft these days.) WriterDuet is another of these free version screenwriting softwares (though their usage comes with script number limitations.)

I now only use Final Draft as my go-to screenwriting software. It is the leading industry standard for film and TV, and for this reason, it is a crucial tool in my writing process. Not only do I utilize Final Draft for writing my actual script drafts, but I also utilize its outlining and collaboration features. In fact, post-pandemic, my writing partner (Amy Maestri - funniest and best human) and I almost exclusively write over Zoom together (to avoid LA traffic, despite living in the same city.) Together, we utilize Final Draft’s collaboration feature constantly. We’d be lost without it!

Another reason to use Final Draft over other screenwriting software options is that the producers you work with will require you to work within Final Draft. They can easily edit within the software and easily track updated versions of scripts.

Producers also use Final Draft to process reports, like Locations Reports and Character Reports. These reports allow them to see how many lines each character in your script has, and how many different locations you’ve written.

This is a shortcut for producers to gauge how much your script is currently costing them. Too many locations? Too many dollar signs. Too many one-off characters with only one line? Too many $$$.

If you plan to be a screenwriter on a professional level, you will have to invest in Final Draft at some point

IMDB PRO - Entertainment Industry Intel at My Fingertips

If you want to write romance screenplays— not just for the joy of writing— but to sell to producers, I highly recommend you get an IMDbPro membership. It is my go-to resource for researching production companies that work in the made-for-TV movie space. I keep tabs on which execs are attached to projects I think were made well, and what they might be developing next. When I am tailoring a query letter, I utilize the information I find about their slates via IMDb.

70% of the time these movie-of-the-week producers list their emails. I have emailed producers with their given contact info listed on IMDb with success. If I can do this, so can you.

GoogleDocs - My Portable Pitch Deck

I store all my loglines, one-pagers, outlines, etc., in Google Docs. Why? Because producers don’t always respond at a convenient time, and I travel an insane amount.

I can’t always remember which computer (my desktop or laptop) contains my important pitch documents. Therefore, I found it best to house them somewhere I can always access them — even if I didn’t have my computers with me. Knowing that I could log on at any time via a library computer or a friend’s computer is a huge stress relief.

The other benefit to Google Docs is the ability to share the file with someone and allow them to ‘comment’ without having ‘editing permissions.’ I do this often if I need feedback on a synopsis.

The BlackLst & Stage 32 - Coverage and Community

Getting professional feedback is crucial to having a solid script. While having your mom or bestie read your script can be helpful, there is no substitute for professional eyes. The notes I have received from the BlackLst evaluations have helped me level up my character dynamics, clarify emotional turning points, and streamline my plot. A good reader can tell you if your leads in your romantic screenplay have real chemistry— or if it’s missing that spark.

Note: I find it helpful to tell your reader that you are writing for the made-for-tv movie (Hallmark & Lifetime) genre. These movies are tonally very different from your blockbuster rom-com.

Stage 32 is another favorite for script coverage, competitions, and community. Stage 32 now hosts a Holiday Screenplay Competition. Look out for it! Competitions like this can be a great way to get your made-for-tv romance movie out there.

Why the Right Screenwriting Tools Matter

Writing romance is about connection— and that begins with connecting your characters, your audience, and your collaborators. The right tools help you to stay organized, keep up with industry standards, minimize stress, and elevate your work.

If you are a romance writer (or want to be) I hope this gives you the head start you need. And if you have tools that work for you that aren’t on this list, I’d love to hear about them!

Because in screenwriting, as in love, the best stories are built together.

Have questions about writing or pitching romance scripts? Drop them in the comments or connect with me.