How to Write a Television Script for a Drama Series

A lot of people dream of writing for television. The pay is great, your work will be seen by millions and it could be the start of a profitable career. But the competition is intense, and to get started you'll need to write a "spec" script to get yourself noticed.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Approach your first script as a calling card that will sell producers or agents on your abilities. Even if your spec script (called because it's written on "speculation," with no commitment to buy) is never produced, it could lead to work if someone in Hollywood likes it.

2. Write your spec script for a show you love and know well. To be hired, you have to prove you can write to fit the format, style and characters the audience tunes in every week.

3. Pick a show that suits your talents and goals. If you want to write for a teen-oriented show, write a spec script for Gossip Girl. If you have a flair for mysteries, consider a script for Bones.

4. Study books or websites that will tell you the script format. That includes the physical script format (cover page, title page, pages typed on one side only) and formatting for time, writing a script that runs an hour less commercials, with dramatic act breaks right before each commercial pause.

5. Submit your script to an agent. If she turns it down, submit to another and keep going until you find an agent who's willing to show it to producers.

Tips & Warnings

• If everything goes well, at some point you'll be asked to "pitch" scripts to producers or show-runners. Have several ideas ready, and work on your speaking skills so you can present them well and answer questions smoothly.