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3 Top Tips On Querying Via Email (Plus 3 Cringey Things to Avoid)

Query Via Email Email is a much abused and misunderstood tool when it comes to querying. Yet sending query emails is your first line of attack and is a great way of getting your writing solicited. Sadly, most query emails however are badly worded, weird and/or generally needy. This makes it very easy for agents, producers and their assistants to delete or send that “no unsolicited material” link back to writers. Supersadface. But as we know, it’s perfectly possible to get your screenplay solicited, EVEN IF that company’s official line is “no unsolicited material”! So how do we do that?? Model… Read More »3 Top Tips On Querying Via Email (Plus 3 Cringey Things to Avoid)

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How To Write A Great Cover Letter That Gets Results

Why do writers need to write cover letters? It’s the 2020s and the digital era, so why do writers need to worry about cover letters? Well, these days cover letters are most likely cover EMAILS … but you’ll still need the basics of how to write them. The only thing that’s changed is the delivery, basically. This means you’ll usually write cover letters as part of your submission process. This will frequently be a requirement, even if you’re using an online submissions portal such as CoverFly, Submittable or QueryTracker. Other times you may be expected to use cover letters is… Read More »How To Write A Great Cover Letter That Gets Results

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3 Steps To Writing, Editing & Submitting Your Novel

Writing, Editing AND Submitting (Or Self-Publishing!) Your Novel  B2W is best known for its screenwriting advice, but being a novelist and author myself, I also love to write and read about the art of novel writing, too. So, with lots of you Bang2writers out there resolving to write a novel then, here’s my top tips on getting yours written, edited AND out there! Enjoy … 1) Writing Your Novel DYK? Writing a novel is HARD! Le duh. The good news is, there’s a plethora of help online to get us through the process. Here’s some popular B2W articles with the… Read More »3 Steps To Writing, Editing & Submitting Your Novel

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B2W FAQs – Submissions & Careers Edition

Questions On Submissions & Careers Bang2writers ask me almost daily about writing submissions & careers!  I thought I’d round up some info on this in the same place for you guys. Whether you’re in the market for an agent, worried about ‘breaking in’, or something else, you will find help and links here. Want more information about writing, as well as submissions & careers? No problem – simply go to the new B2W FAQs page. CLICK HERE for a mammoth post detailing all the Qs Bangers ask me regularly! I have also linked to articles with further information. Enjoy! 1)… Read More »B2W FAQs – Submissions & Careers Edition

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The Ultimate Guide To Writing An Outstanding Query

How To Query A query is a short, to-the-point email that you can send to an agent, producer, filmmaker or publisher. Usually 2-3 lines long only, it will detail who you are, what you have (ie. a logline or short pitch) and a polite enquiry whether that person will read it. I am a HUGE fan of query emails. I must have sent thousands over the years. Many have lead to read requests, meetings and even paid jobs for me. What’s more, even places that say ‘no unsolicited material’ will accept queries … They either ignore and delete them, or… Read More »The Ultimate Guide To Writing An Outstanding Query

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6 Things To NOT Do When Submitting Your Script

You have hundreds of pages of a shiny submission all ready to go. The words you’ve painstakingly churned out have been read and re-read and checked, edited, checked, tweaked and checked again! So let’s try and give you and your script a fighting chance, here’s what NOT to do when submitting your script … 6)  … Ignore the submissions guidelines I see you rolling your eyes at me. Yes, they must be read. Yes, they must be followed, TO THE LETTER. The first person who gets to look at your work will be looking for any excuse to throw it… Read More »6 Things To NOT Do When Submitting Your Script

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Top 5 Proofing Mistakes Writers Make

Proofreading is an essential practice when it comes to writing. It’s that final check to make sure spelling and grammar are correct because misspelled and misused words can destroy the quality of your work. Even the best writers need to edit and proofread. Often, when we proofread our own work, the mind does not catch the little mistakes because it was that same mind that wrote them in the first place. This is why it is important to find a second party to read your writing. However, not all of us have proofreaders on hand, which is why we must… Read More »Top 5 Proofing Mistakes Writers Make

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5 Tips For Writing Effective Query Letters And Emails

One of the easiest ways for screenwriters to establish contact with agents and production companies is by sending query letters and emails. That being said, the process of writing and distributing these letters is not easy at all! This is because your submission has three main goals to achieve: Inform the agent or producer what the story is all about Intrigue them to read the script you’ve completed Provide a written record that the work has been submitted (necessary in case there’s a dispute over copyright) When you get a response like “I’m interested in your story and I would… Read More »5 Tips For Writing Effective Query Letters And Emails

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10 Ways Being A Freelance Writer Prepares Me For A Screenwriting Career

I love this post from Pinar cos it’s SO TRUE – I started off back in the day as a freelance writer and it has paid DIVIDENDS for my writing career. If you’re feeling the burn from the day job and want to make your writing PAY, then make sure you pay close attention!     So you want to be a successful, well-paid screenwriter. Me too. But it’s damn hard work, and the road to success is filled with rejection, tears and swear words. After all, competition is insane, and studios are buying fewer screenplays than they used to.… Read More »10 Ways Being A Freelance Writer Prepares Me For A Screenwriting Career

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How Do I Pick A Writer’s Pseudonym? 6 Top Tips

Many thanks to Bang2writer Amber Isleib, who asks this question via the B2W contact form: Do you have any advice on picking a pseudonym? I’m sure I can’t be the only one struggling with this. It seems I either come up with something that sounds nice but is boring, or sounds weird but appeals to me for some dorky reason, but nothing fits what I want my professional persona to be. Help!!! Pick a name: 1) You identify with There’s no rules to this. You can pick whatever you want, you’re the one using it. Just because you’re female doesn’t… Read More »How Do I Pick A Writer’s Pseudonym? 6 Top Tips

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5 Tips For Screenwriters To Find A Producer (And 3 More On Why You’re Failing)

Find Out How It Works So I don’t have to go far on internet-land before I find one of these guys: WRITER: Tell me how to get a producer??? ME: Sure. Come up with a great concept, make sure you know your audience. WRITER: ERM, YOU DIDN’T TELL ME ANYTHING! ME: Le sigh. OK, find out what is possible for what £££, then you’re more likely to hit the mark. WRITER: Fuck that. That’s the producer’s job. ME: OMFG, fine. Start networking, create some relationships. Find them that way. WRITER: WTAF??? But I only want to write!!! So this is… Read More »5 Tips For Screenwriters To Find A Producer (And 3 More On Why You’re Failing)

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The Perfect Screenplay Writer’s Resume: 5 Key Ingredients

One of the most popular and “evergreen” posts on B2W is How To Put Together A Writer’s CV / Resume, so when Michael got in touch about writing a new post on this, I jumped at the chance! Here’s some great pointers on what to put on yours … Good luck with your submissions!  Nowadays, having a well-thought out resume that is able to showcase your skills and traits as a screenwriter in the best possible light is an absolute necessity. Although some would dismiss the idea and point out that one’s work speaks for itself, let us remind you… Read More »The Perfect Screenplay Writer’s Resume: 5 Key Ingredients

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