Submission Guidelines

Definition

Submission guidelines are a set of specific instructions that writers must follow when submitting their work to a production company, agent, or contest. These guidelines typically detail formatting requirements, content expectations, and the preferred method of submission, ensuring that submissions are handled efficiently and meet the expectations of industry professionals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Submission guidelines vary widely between different companies and competitions, so it’s crucial to read them carefully for each opportunity.
2. Ignoring submission guidelines can lead to immediate disqualification, as many producers and agents filter out submissions that don’t meet their requirements.
3. Common elements in submission guidelines include font type and size, page count, file format, and whether a cover letter or synopsis is required.
4. Following submission guidelines not only demonstrates professionalism but also shows respect for the recipient's process and time.
5. In some cases, strict adherence to submission guidelines can differentiate a writer's work from others, making it more likely to be considered seriously.

Review Questions

• Why is it important for sitcom writers to strictly adhere to submission guidelines when pitching their scripts?
  • Adhering to submission guidelines is crucial because it reflects professionalism and respect for the industry standards. Many agents and producers receive numerous submissions daily; if a writer fails to follow these guidelines, their work may be discarded without consideration. Writers who take the time to follow the rules demonstrate that they understand the business side of writing and are committed to presenting their work in the best possible light.
• How do specific elements outlined in submission guidelines influence the overall perception of a writer’s script?
  • Specific elements in submission guidelines, such as formatting requirements and requested materials, can greatly influence how a script is perceived. For example, adhering to font specifications or page limits indicates that a writer pays attention to detail and understands industry norms. Conversely, failure to follow these elements may lead recipients to view the script as unprofessional or careless, potentially overshadowing the quality of the writing itself.
• Evaluate the long-term impact on a sitcom writer's career if they consistently ignore submission guidelines across multiple submissions.
  • Consistently ignoring submission guidelines can have detrimental long-term impacts on a sitcom writer's career. Over time, this behavior may damage a writer's reputation within the industry, leading agents and producers to perceive them as unprofessional or disrespectful. As networking and relationships are vital in this field, negative impressions can hinder opportunities for future submissions and collaborations, effectively stalling a writer's career progression and chances for success.

Related terms

Query Letter: A query letter is a brief letter sent to agents or producers to pitch a script or idea, often serving as the first point of contact before submission.

Spec Script: A spec script is an original script written without a commission, usually used to showcase a writer's talent and style, often submitted to demonstrate writing ability.

Logline: A logline is a one or two-sentence summary of a script that conveys the main idea and hooks the interest of potential readers or producers.