How to Sell Your Screenplay »

To paraphrase an old line, "Writing a screenplay is easy. Getting it signed is hard." In today's topsy-turvy world of film production, getting a screenplay sold and produced is no picnic, even for veterans. For novices, it's near impossible. To play the film game, you need to know the rules.How to Sell Your Screenplay not only lets you in on the rules, but also lets you in on the secrets of winning the game. Written by two veteran screenwriters, How to Sell Your Screenplay was designed as a complete guide to getting your screenplay seen, read, and sold.

The book begins by giving you a clear overview of the process through which screenplays are reviewed and accepted so that you have an insider's understanding of how the business works. It then guides you in putting your script into the proper format so that you can make the best--and, above all, most professional--first impression. Later chapters introduce you to the "players," including agents, lawyers, producers, actors, directors, and writers; guide you in preparing a perfect pitch; provide you with the proven Square One System for query submission; and aid you in getting the best contract possible. Throughout, tips from experts help you swim with the sharks without getting eaten by them. Every screenwriter dreams of getting that lucky break. But the pros know that you need more than luck to succeed--you need to make all the right moves. How to Sell Your Screenplay tells you everything you need to know to help make your own dream come true.

Joan and Lydia Wilen, professional writers for over two decades, have sold three feature filmscripts, one CBS Movie of the Week, and one ABC-TV Afternoon Playbreak. The Wilen sisters have also written a number of best-selling books, including Chicken Soup & Other Folk Remedies and The Perfect Name for the Perfect Baby; as well as articles for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including the New York Daily News Sunday Magazine.

Contents
Introduction
1. You, the Writer
2. The Screenplay
3. The Players
4. Choosing Contacts
5. Preparing for the Pitch
6. Using the Square One System
7. The Deal
8. When It Doesn t Happen
Conclusion
Resource List
About the Authors
Index