Introduction There are many screenplay contests available to aspiring screenwriter.  These contests can be a good avenue to getting one's work noticed and/or make a sale.  So, it's important to make certain that you have written your screenplay to best of your ability and according to industry standards.

The most important thing to do for any aspiring screenwriter is to first learn basic techniques of screenwriting before sitting down to write one.  I come across many hopeful writers who think that all it takes to write a script is a good story idea and a lot of explosive special effects.  While a good story is important, with or without special effects, writing that story using proper industry standards is equally important.  (Please visit http://www.coverscript.com/education.html -- Tips for Screenwriters link for further information.)

There are specific techniques to craft of screenwriting involving everything from act structure to proper screenplay format, which must be followed.  It's difficult to write engaging characters, focused plots and entertaining screenplays without having a solid framework in which to bring it all to life.

Before any money is spent submitting your work to a screenwriting contest, it would behoove writer to first educate himself in "tools of trade".  There are many, many screenwriting books available as well as workshops and seminars, both online and in live classroom situations.  My advice is to take advantage of them.  Then, armed with basics, write, write and then write some more.

Then before submitting your work to any screenplay competition have it copyrighted and WGA registered.  (United States Copyright office: http://www.loc.gov/copyright. Writers Guild of America: http://www.wga.org.)

Advice and Suggestions I am a judge for many contests and as such, have read thousands of TV scripts and screenplays.  I can assure you that winners are chosen because their screenplays or TV scripts contain great stories and are written to industry standards.  Therefore, putting your best foot forward is a must.  Below are some pointers to keep in mind before you submit your screenplay.

1. The author's previous books have sold well.

2. They love a book and think it will sell.

3. They think a book will sell.

4. They love it enough to publish, regardless of its commercial potential.

5. It's a book that deserves to be published because of its value to a cause or country.

6. An editor is passionate enough about it to overcome any doubts house may have about book.

7. A new editor has arrived from another house and its building a list.

8. The publisher has opportunity to reflag a successful author from another house.

9. The book will be first in a series with strong growth potential.

10. The idea for book is brilliant.

11. The idea for book is timely.

12. The writing is superb.

13. The title alone will sell books.

14. An author's promotion plan guarantees a book's success.

15. The author is a media magnet who can guarantee enough publicity to make a book successful.

16. The author has a national platform such as a column or a radio or television show that will guarantee continuing exposure for book.

17. The publisher thinks that a book will back list and become an evergreen (like evergreen tree -- sells for long long time).