Should I enter a Screenwriting Contest?

It seems there are more Screenwriting Contests than there are days in a year. The question is, should you enter? If you win, will you get a screenwriting agent who will sell your screenplay or find a producer who wants to fast track it into production?

Since there are so many contests, it is a good idea to do some research. First, select the contest that offers the screenwriter the best exposure. Remember entering a Screenwriting Contest is all about selling a screenplay.

View Website Video Introduction Ok, you've found what you believe to be the best contest to enter. Now do some research on the contest. How many writers generally enter the contest? Does the contest have winners per genre and then a Grand Prize winner?

What does the contest tell you about the judges? If not by name, do they give you an idea of their credentials? What is the process for entering and of course how much does it cost? You can spend a lot of money just entering contests.

You've decided to enter a contest. What should you do first? Without question, MAKE SURE YOUR SCRIPT IS READY! Are you really done writing? One big lesson, don't put your screenplay out there unless it is truly done. It's as good as it gets!

Now you believe your script is ready. Maybe there are some other questions you should consider? Have past Grand Prize winners or genre winners sold their scripts? If not, have they secured an agent? Of course it is nice to win a contest, but even better when you receive representation or your script is purchased.

A few more questions. How old is the contest? If the contest is several years old, has one genre been named the Grand Prize Winner more often? If your screenplay is action/adventure and the majority of past Grand Prize Winners have been drama, is this contest really the best for you?

So we are back to the old question, TO ENTER OR NOT TO ENTER? Yes, it does cost money to enter a Screenwriting Contest but then again it is also exciting just to enter; waiting anxiously for the results. Also some screenwriting agents and producers will only read a new writer's script that has won or placed in a contest. If you think your script is ready, pick the one or more that you believe is best for you and go for it.

Do remember one very important fact: reading a script is subjective. One person may read your script and think it is a waste of paper. Another may think it is the best script they have ever read. So do your homework. Pick the Screenwriting Contest(s) you think best fits your script. Win or lose, never stop writing.

From Screenwriting Contest to Writing Your Script.