How to Get Your TV Spec Script Read by the Right People

Okay, so you’ve followed the steps in the wehow entitled, “How to Write a TV Spec,”—twice—and you’ve got another piece of great original material (short story, web article, screenplay, play) in your back pocket. You’re ready to find that agent, manager or professional writing mentor to help you take that final leap--actually being paid to write for television. Needless to say, it's not an easy biz to break into, but here are some tips to get you started...

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 professional-quality television specs and a piece of original material, all WGA registered
• well-written cover letter with one-sentence synopses of the specs
• persistence
• patience

1. 

   While is possible to live somewhere other than Los Angeles or New York while trying to break into the industry, it does increase the difficulty significantly. In that and any case, really, I would start by entering your specs in contests. Most screenwriting contests accept film scripts only, but there are at least two contests specifically for television spec scripts, at scriptapaloozatv.com and slamdance.com. There are others out there as well. Search the web to find them.

2. 

   Six degrees of Kevin Bacon’s agent. You need to get someone who’s actually in the television or film business to read your material--preferably an agent, writer, producer, network or production company executive or director. If you don’t know any of these people personally, start working your contacts. Join your school’s alumni organization. Ask everyone you know if they know anyone in the TV business. Often, someone went to school with so-and-so who’s now writing for such and such. Or they have a friend, who has a friend, whose cousin is… Kevin Bacon’s agent.

3. 

   If you’re a comedy writer, hang out at a local comedy club and get to know some of the comics. Often, they’ll have good contacts for you. And if you’re brave, get up and do a set yourself. Lots of sitcom writers are also stand-up comics.

4. 

   If you are in LA or New York, try to get a job on a television series as a production assistant or ideally, as a writer’s assistant. Let people know you’re an aspiring writer, but don’t pester anyone the first day, week or even month, to read your spec. Work hard, become one of the family. Then, when you really get to know your colleagues, you can ask one of them to read your spec. This is the “official” way of paying your dues. Getting a prized writer’s assistant job is like an apprenticeship. You’re expected to be a good writer and ready to step up with those excellent specs when asked.

5. Another good way to make contacts is to take a TV writing class. Uclaextension.org has many of them, both in Los Angeles and on-line. If you’re good, your work will stand out and your professor will likely be able to put you in touch with someone who can get you started.

6. 

   You can also try blind queries to agents. There is a list of legitimate agents at the Writers Guild website, wga.org., and also in a book called the Hollywood Creative Directory which is updated quarterly. Examples of how to write a good query letter can be found at scriptsales.com and inktip.com, both great general resources for screenwriters.
   
   However, the better agencies won’t accept unsolicited submissions. That’s why you need someone to recommend you. DON’T lie and say you have someone’s recommendation when you don’t. They will check and you will be embarrassed if not blackballed. And beware--no legitimate agent or manager should charge you any money to read your material. If they do, RUN, do not walk, in the opposite direction.

7. When you do get a name, call or email that person and tell them who referred you, that you're an aspiring writer with great specs and would love to have the person read them. They may not respond at all. Take that as a “no thank you.”
   
   If they say no or that they don’t have time, then ask if they can recommend an agent who’s just starting out, who might be willing to take on a new writer. Assistants at agencies are often promoted to agents and need to build a client list. So first rule, always be nice to the assistants.

8. 

   If the person you've contacted agrees to read your material, send clean copies of your scripts with a proper cover letter, thanking them in advance for their time. Your scripts should contain no spelling errors or typos, be fastened with two brads, and have a cover page which contains the name of the series, the title and your complete contact info, including email.
   
   Follow up in two weeks. If they haven’t read it, give them another 3-4 weeks before contacting them again. Remember, these are busy people who are doing you a favor. If they still haven’t read it, chalk it up to experience and move on. If by some miracle they do pick it up and some point, read it and like it, they will get in touch with you. They might even have notes, which they will expect you to do. Part of being a working writer is taking and incorporating notes. Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• WGA.org is a great site for registering your scripts and more. Check out “writer’s resources” at the top of the home page.
• If you want to be a writer, WRITE. Keep your material fresh. Always be working on a new spec.
• If more than one industry professional is lukewarm on your specs, you need to rethink sending them out and write better ones. You’ll do a lot of damage to your career sending out poor material over and over again.

[tanmills]

on 3/22/2008 I have a story, but i need someone to write for me.its a great Script, how do i get this story out?.i can direct the events but unable to write it.i am always making mistakes when am writing so i think ill turn to narrating.