Crafting Comedy with Depth: Gee’s Script

“Yoanna was exceptional to work with. At this point I have worked with 3 editors and there are a number of reasons her work stood out for me. She has her heart in the project and dedicated herself 100 percent in order to over deliver in the most positive of ways. She went above and beyond in terms of understanding the characters in the book and therefore was able to provide valuable feedback as to how they could develop with alternative dialogues. It gives me great pleasure to recommend Yoanna for your editing needs!”

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🌍 Who They Are:

Gee, an aspiring screenwriter, had written a fictional story about a stand-up comedian—a tragi-comedy set in the U.S. but designed to be adaptable worldwide for stage or film. He wanted the story to be compelling to directors and producers globally as well as readers, which was an interesting challenge.

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💡 The Challenge:

Gee needed comprehensive editing but had a shorter script (24,000 words) and a tight budget. The script required:

✔ Structural editing to refine the flow and pacing

✔ Character development to deepen personalities and motivations

✔ New scenes and dialogues to enhance emotional depth and comedic timing

✔ Proofreading and line editing to polish the language

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🔍 The Solution:

To fit Gee’s budget while delivering high-quality results, I provided a custom editing package that included:

✔ Voice & tone consistency – Ensuring the humor and tragedy balanced seamlessly

✔ Structural edit – Sharpening scene transitions and narrative cohesion

✔ Section rewriting – Enhancing pacing and emotional beats

✔ Developmental edit – Strengthening character arcs and themes

✔ Proofreading & Line Editing – Cleaning up grammar, clarity, and readability

✔ Review & Critique – Offering professional insights for marketability

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🛠 The Editing Process:

✔ Refining Flow & Pacing:

• Tightened scene transitions to maintain comedic timing & emotional weight
• Ensured smooth narrative progression to keep audiences engaged

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✔ Character Development:

• Deepened character motivations and emotional complexity
• One character needed a complete overhaul—I reshaped their backstory & personality for authenticity as previously discussed with Gee

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✔ Scene Enhancements & New Dialogue:

• Added a pivotal scene that enriched the plot without feeling forced as Gee was unsure how to go about it
• Crafted witty, natural dialogue that enhanced humour & depth where such was originally missing

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📑 Deliverables:

• A fully revised script with improved pacing, character arcs, and engagement
• A detailed editorial report outlining key changes and next steps

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✨ The Outcome:

By the end, the script flowed better, the characters felt fully realised, and the dialogues landed with impact. The tragi-comedy’s balance was sharper, making it more appealing to directors and producers. Gee was thrilled with how his story transformed, and I was honored to help bring his vision to life.

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🎯 Takeaway:

Great storytelling isn’t just about the idea—it’s about the execution. Whether it’s a novel or a screenplay, the right edits can make your story shine.