Screenwriter Blog Posts

Avoid Common Formatting Pitfalls: How to Ensure Your Script is Format-Ready Before You Submit

Screenplay formatting adheres to specific industry standards that are essential for professional recognition. The accepted format includes using Courier font in 12-point size, which ensures ...

Written by

Melody Jackson

Do I Have To Live in Los Angeles to Sell a Screenplay?

This question seems to be a reoccurring question asked by many writers who are trying to sell a screenplay. The answer is simple; no you ...

Written by

Melody Jackson

Why Should I Use the Smart Girls Query Letter Service For My Screenplay Instead of Doing It Myself?

Screenwriters often ask me what the advantage is for using our query letter service instead of doing it themselves since there is no guarantee you’ll ...

Written by

Melody Jackson

Mastering the Art of Subtext: The Ultimate Skill for Brilliant Dialogue

Let’s chat about subtext in screenwriting, shall we? I hope you said “By all means, yes!” because it is truly a game-changer for your screenplay ...

Written by

Melody Jackson

Five Tips For Making Sure Your Screenplay Has Commercial Potential

You may have lots of ideas for screenplays or you may have only one. But before you write any of them, consider whether your premise ...

Written by

Melody Jackson

Screenwriters: Double Your Number Of Screenwriting Properties This Week

Have you noticed that writing a 100-plus-page script seems like it can take forever? And then you finish it and you have to re-write the ...

Written by

Melody Jackson

How Screenplay Query Letter Mailings Work When Not In U.S.

Screenwriters all over the world have the big dream of having their screenplays made into a Hollywood movie. Just because you are a screenwriter in ...

Written by

Melody Jackson

The Thieves of Hollywood: How to Protect Your Screenplay… or Not

“I’m afraid someone will steal my script. I’ve worked so hard on it and it’s really unique. I would be devastated if it got stolen. ...

Written by

Melody Jackson

Screenwriting Contests: 5 Ways to Use Them In Your Career

When it comes to contests, you may have noticed that there are countless screenwriting contests or script competitions that promise a great deal about the ...

Written by

Melody Jackson

Interest A Star With A Great Character Arc

A great Character Arc not only makes a story work, but it’s “acting bait” for a movie star. Every action your main character takes should be toward ...

Written by

Melody Jackson

Screenwriter’s Literary Manager or Literary Agent: Which To Go For?

For screenwriters who want a career in screenwriting, most will eventually need a good Literary Manager or Literary Agent who can get you into offices ...

Written by

Melody Jackson