Writing a synopsis for your screenplay
You’re going to need a short synopsis for your script. It should be a little less than 1 page long and clearly show your characters and story. You’re going to…
How To Submit Your Screenplay Query Letter To Agents
I’ve started to receive a good number of emails from new writers with questions. I’ll be posting the email exchanges as I think other aspiring writer’s can benefit from them.…
Syd Field’s Screenplay
Nearly 30 years after it was written Syd Field’s Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting; A step-by-step guide from concept to finished script is still considered a must read for all…
Should I put my WGA registration number on my screenplay?
I’m always happy to answer questions so if you have a question about writing or selling your screenplay please let me know. No matter how basic or mundane you might…
How to hire a screenwriter to write your life story or great movie idea
I see people on job forums and bulletin boards like Craig’s List looking to hire a screenwriter to turn their life story or other “great” idea into a screenplay. If…
Getting your screenplay to producers and production companies
Update 2020/10/20: This article was written in 2010 so things have changed a bit since then. The basic strategy I lay out below can still be effective, although I lean…
How to write a professional query letter for your screenplay
Once you have a well-crafted log line, the next step is creating a professional query letter. We’re going to use this query letter in a variety of places but mainly…
How do you get an agent for your screenplay? (And why you don’t need one!)
I get asked this question quite a bit and I see it asked on screenwriting forums often. The short answer is this: In my experience if you don’t know how…
How much should a writer get paid for their screenplay?
When I optioned and sold my first screenplay, Dish Dogs, I had a friend who worked in development who gave me a great piece of advice about how to negotiate…
How do you protect your work? Screenplay copyrights and WGA registration
There are two main ways that you can protect your screenplay from theft – using the Writer’s Guild of America’s (WGA) registration service or sending it to the Library of…