How to Properly Package a Screenplay for Submittal

Agents and producers receive dozens of screenplays a week from new screenwriters hoping to get their script read and produced. How the screenplay is packaged can determine if the script is read or immediately thrown in the reject pile.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Letter size card stock in white or pale colors
• 1 1/4” Brass Fasteners
• Brass Fastener Washers
• 3 Hole Printer Paper
• 3 Hole Punch

1. Print your screenplay on 3 hole letter size printer paper. Make sure your script is properly formatted before hitting the print command.

2. Print a cover page that includes the title of your screenplay, your name and your contact info. Do not put a copyright symbol or a WGA registration number on the sheet as this is a sign of an amateur.

3. Use the hole punch to place holes in the card stock.

4. Put one piece of card stock on the top and one on the bottom of your printed script.

5. Place a brass fastener into the top hole. Add a washer over the taps on the bottom and fold the tabs flat. Repeat the process on the bottom hole. Leave the center hole empty.

6. Attach a cover letter with a paper clip that gives the log line and synopsis of your script.

Tips & Warnings

• If your script has won any contests or awards, be sure to mention that in your cover letter.
• Your cover letter has to be dynamic and interesting. It should make the reader want to read the entire script.
• Bright or neon colored script covers are a turn off to many agents and production companies and will not get your script noticed.
• Make sure that you register your script with either the WGA West or the WGA East before you send it out for consideration. This protects both you and the reader from copyright issues.

Resources

• Writers Guild of America West Registry Service