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Do you have a screenplay or novel that is finished and you don't know where to turn?  Here are some answers to a few questions:

                There are a variety of contests/competitions listed on the Internet and through other sources, but you NEED to do your research.  All contests give some prize or award.  If you are looking to get your script or novel purchased, look for contests that offer to show the winners to an agency, management company, publisher,  production company or other entity that can make that decision.  Monetary awards are good, but don’t enter a contest if this is not the only thing you are looking for. 

                A few tips: 1) Set a limit you are willing to spend on an entry fee and why.  Some contests will also offer free “coverage” or “notes” on your entry while others will charge a fee for this extra service.  2) Look to see which companies have access to your “winning” story.  Are they companies you can benefit from?  3) Make sure your story is solid, without any spelling or grammatical errors.  If you need to use a “script doctor” or "review" service, then invest and do so.  4) Don’t get “hooked” on entering contests just to gain a winning place.  You do want to sell your project don’t you?

                Are you writing a screenplay in a certain genre?  Then do not submit a query letter to every agent, manager, producer in town.  Research the industry.  Find out who is buying or interested in your genre then go after them.  This saves time and frustration on everyone's part.

                Are you not sure who is looking for what?  A good suggestion is to go into your local Blockbusters or other video/DVD rental store.  Take a look at the movies that fit your genre, jot down the production companies and other pertinent information, get the Hollywood Creative Directory or other publication that lists production and other companies and plan your method of attack.  Research what goes into a query letter and why.  Don't make your query letters dry and dull, but not too comical either.  Pleasant is a word that most people wish to describe the letter they just read.  Add something in your query about yourself.  Are you an attorney writing about a unique court case that you worked on?  Or are you a single mother writing about a fantasy world that you would want your children to enjoy - HARRY POTTER.  These items add interest to your query along with background to the reader of who wrote the story.  There are also books, free email newsletters, web sites and more to learn on how and what to put into your query letter.

                The same goes for those writing a book.  Research the local Borders or Barnes and Noble for publishers and use the same process as above for screenwriters.  The Writer's Market is a good resource for publishers and agents.

            Is your screenplay, novel or non-fiction book a high concept and commercially marketable project?  I can either help you get there or let you know if that is what I am looking for.  For more info log on to www.AEIonline.com   01/03/2008

            The Writer's Script Network www.inktip.com is a place where you can post your project for viewing.  The Writer's Script Network has a large group of agents, managers and production companies in search of scripts.  Browse www.scriptpimp.com, www.zoetrope.com, www.studionotes.com or screenwriting links for other areas.  Some of these web site groups require a membership prior to their assistance.  The minimum membership fee is a great investment to have these services help you gain access to the buying masses.

            One of the first items you need to work on is your next script.  It is suggested that you have a minimum of 3-4 complete scripts ready for the open market prior to approaching anyone with your projects.  If you feel your first script is great and want to take a chance of showing it, then nothing can stop you.  You should still be working on the next few treatments and scripts.  Some agent, manager, producer or other is going to almost always ask you, "What else do you have?"  This is somewhat a standard in the industry for they want to see what other projects you have.  Think of it as if you are going to the supermarket to buy milk.  There are all types of milk to choose from and you do want the best for yourself.  Same with the industry, they want the best.

             There are many, but which ones can help?  To begin with, Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters by Michael TIERNO is an excellent book.  Tierno gives the basics of Artistotle's Poetics and applies it for us, the screenwriter.  How Not to Write a Screenplay by Denny Martin FLINN is extremely helpful as you go over your script in rewrites.  He gives the "how to" and "why" you do or don't write your script.  The Script-Selling Game by Kathie FONG-YONEDA is the best book for a screenwriter at any level.  She takes you on the journey on getting your script sold and produced.  (Books may be purchased through this web site soon)

             www.filmstew.com gives more than just "coverage" for your script, you have a wide variety of information to keep you updated on the industry.  There are an assortment of industry "script doctors" and others who can give your script a "review," full "script doctor" comments, "coverage," along with screenwriting coaches.  David Trottier, Michael Tierno, Michael Hauge, Linda Seger, Michael Thunder and David Freeman to name a few.  (web site info coming soon)  Or log on to our Consultation Center.

            Of course!  No one in this ever changing industry can ever have learned too much.  You can always learn to make your story better and find new innovative ways to sell your projects.  In years past, I attended a weekend conference in Palo Alto, CA promoted by www.hollywoodbythebay.com and I learned a lot especially about how to market my projects.  A big networking center is Creative Screenwriting Expo held in October of each year in Los Angeles.  You can network at these conferences or lectures and meet other writers to share with.  From these events I have been able to meet Richard Walters (head of the UCLA screenwriting program,) Lew Hunter (co-chair UCLA screenwriting program,) Victoria Wisdom (agent Becsey Wisdom Kalajian,) William Martell (screenwriter, director, filmmaker,) and more!

            These are very important items along with your screenplay and/or manuscript.  These are your selling tools.  Why?  You want to introduce someone to your story with these items so they can request your entire project for review.  No one is going to ask to read your screenplay and/or manuscript without initially knowing what it is about.  If you are fortunate enough to have verbally pitched your story to someone who has interest enough to want the entire project, then that's great!  Before you buy a book that you know nothing about, don't you read the jacket cover?  The same applies here so make sure your "selling tools" are in shape.

            Always remember to put your contact information on all correspondence when sending out your projects for any type of review or consideration.  I have had submissions of treatments with no names or any contact information listed.  This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!  Along with this, be sure your screenplay or manuscript is in PROPER INDUSTRY FORMAT and bound properly.  Another fact is spelling and grammar should also be proper.

            Don't piss people off!  You may have a great story, but if you are arrogant, self-centered with a big ego and MORE, people will NOT want to work with you.  If an agent or manager has not returned your call or email, do not threaten them with words that you will consult your attorney to bring suit against them.  You do not accomplish anything positive for yourself or your potential career.  All you have accomplished is that you have made that person 'pissed off.'  Ask yourself why that person would want to work with you or give you the time of day now?  The bigger question is, who needs who?  You just blew your shot at either being accepted or receiving a PASS on your project.  How many people would even get 'that far' up the chain in the industry?  You've gone pretty far already if you've received even a PASS on your story.  Think about it.  Think about the next move you will make and how it will enhance or jeopardize your career in this tight industry.

Come back soon and read more questions and answers.

Do you have a question you would like to see an answer to posted or just to ask? 

email:  JadeKingSF@aol.com

(Updated 01/03/2008)