How to Go About Selling a Screenplay
Writing a screenplay is only half the battle. Once your masterpiece is finished, you need to find someone to buy the rights to it and hopefully develop it into a film or TV show. Selling a script can be a long and involved process, and many scriptwriters succeed only after getting many rejections. The key is to persevere and not give up. Whether you are approaching production companies directly, or are looking for an agent, preparation and patience will help you to sell your screenplay.
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Instructions
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Write a log line, a short description of your screenplay's plot. The log line is generally around three or four sentences long and should grab readers' attention.
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Write a synopsis of your screenplay. This is generally a one or two-page summary of your story that expands on your log line. The synopsis should be written in the present tense and should include descriptions of the major characters and any plot twists.
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Prepare your query letter. This is the letter you will send to agents and production executives to try to interest them in your screenplay. The query letter should include information about the concept, title and genre of your screenplay. It should also include your log line and a short list of your relevant qualifications. It can also include a story summary, which is a one- or two-paragraph synopsis of your screenplay, or a pitch on paper, which is your log line and story summary all on one page.
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Make a list of agents. You can get a list of agents who do not charge fees to read a script from the Writers Guild of America (see Resources). The Hollywood Representation Directory publishes an updated list of individual agents' names and contact details each year. You can order a copy from Amazon.
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Make a list of production companies that work in your genre and that accept unsolicited screenplays. You can find out the names of script editors and directors of development through the Hollywood Creative Directory, available from Amazon. Use the information in the directories to address your letters to agents, studio or production staff by name.
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Send your query letter to the agents and production staff you have targeted. Write a separate query letter to each person to avoid having the letter look like a fill-in-the-blanks form. Always include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
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Use any personal contacts you have to get your screenplay hand-delivered to an agent or production company. Any type of personal connection, even if it is a friend or acquaintance, or someone in the agent's mail room, can be more effective than an unsolicited submission.
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Apply for screenwriting contests such as the Blue Cat Competition (bluecatscreenplay.com) or the Hollywood Screenplay Contest (hollywoodscreenplaycontest.com). Winning a screenwriting contest can help you get noticed in the industry.
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References
Resources
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