How to Sell Your Screenplay in 8 Not So Easy Steps
So, now you’ve finally finished your screenplay how do you sell the damn thing?
In this post we’re going to take a look at the best way to do just that—sell your screenplay. Unfortunately, the steps are anything but easy and there’s no guarantee to any of it.
Follow these steps, rigorously, though, (for as long as it takes) and your hard work will be rewarded!
Step 1. Write another screenplay
By that we mean, keep writing until you have mastered the craft. Some people nail it after writing one script, but the chances of that happening are about a million to one.
Be prepared to write at least six scripts and six drafts of those scripts before you crack the art of screenwriting.
Step 2. Gain some positive feedback
You only want to start sending your script out to people who matter when you’ve gained some positive feedback from people who don’t matter.
Make sure that before you show your script to an agent, manager or producer, (or someone who can give your script to an agent, manager or producer) it’s rock solid.
By all means show your work to friends / family, but we suggest gaining some objective positive feedback from an industry professional before showing it to anyone really important. Gaining a “Recommend,” or at least a “Strong Consider” from a screenplay consultant is a good way of doing this.
Step 3. Create a portfolio
Once you’re confident your writing has reached the standard necessary, you should create a portfolio ready to show industry people at the drop of a hat.
This should include:
Two, preferably three, amazing scripts. There’s no point putting yourself out there with just one awesome script if that’s all you have. The first question you’ll be asked is, “What else have you got?” and you’d better be able to show them another script equally as good if you don’t want to blow your big chance.
An amazing synopsis for each script, including a title, logline and two or three pages outlining the story and characters. This is what people are going to ask for to save them reading the whole script in order to get an idea of the project and your talent as a writer.
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In our next post we’ll show you the following five steps in how to sell your screenplay.
