We talk about #screenwriting contests a lot on #scriptchat & I want to reiterate a couple of things.

THREAD ALERT.

Let’s talk about the realities of finding success & how to pick a #writing contest …

#pipelinewriters #writingcommunity #writerslife #screenwriter #amwriting

RESEARCH:

1. Not every contest is good for every script.
2. Not every contest gets you traction.

Don’t bother entering your local #screenwriting contest unless industry heavy hitters are aware of it (or judging).

If Johnny from your local gas station is a judge, move on.

Contact past finalists & ask about their experience:

Did they ask “What else have you got?”
Did they connect you with any reps?
Did they stay in touch with you, even years later?
Or was this a one-and-done situation?

Success stories: Depends on your definition of success.

Are you looking for a rep, meetings, money or all three?
What kind of reps are they connecting writers with?
Can this contest launch your long-term career?

Do not do ANYTHING to distract the reader from your story!

PROOFREAD YOUR WORK!

Prose matters. Use action verbs, try not to have a zillion typos.

PULL THE READER IN! Make it a page turner.

Here’s the most important tip …

Lean in close so you don’t miss it …

VOICE.

Have an authentic writing voice. Write a story no one else could write as well as you.

Be real. Be authentic. Write the story that consumes you.

Do not hold back.

Bleed. On. The. Page.

Even if you don’t place …

Contests make great deadlines! We’re all procrastinators, but having a deadline helps us get to FADE OUT.

You can gauge where your writing chops land in the pack.

Judging is subjective, so do NOT beat yourself up.

Yes, I work for a co that runs @scriptpipeline, but I had no idea what they were really like until I started working here.

I do NOT blow smoke & am not worried about being honest with @SPMJM #truth

(He couldn’t shut me up anyway.)

I have never seen a company work so hard for their finalists … E-V-E-R

And I respect them 10000000000%. I only wish I knew how great they were before I was on staff so I could enter.

If you have any questions about contests, @ me. If I don’t have the answers, I’ll find them.

@scriptpipeline successes: https://scriptpipeline.com/success-stories 

Finally, @scriptpipeline deadline is May 1st, late deadline May 15th.

Polish those scripts. Put your baby out there.

If you’re a finalist, I will personally welcome you to the #PipelineFamily

http://scriptpipeline.com/shop/screenwriting-contest