The Story Farm Fellowship

FAQs:
When is the retreat?
This year's retreat is set to take place from September 30th to October 4th, 2026.

Is it one Feature writer and one TV Pilot writer that is chosen?
No, TV Pilots and Features run together. We are looking for the best writers overall, so feel free to submit both types of scripts as one writer.

Do you accept submissions via snail mail?
No. In an attempt to be green, we’re not accepting hard copies via the postal service. We’re accepting online submissions and online payments via the ISA website. This includes all major credit cards.

Do I have to submit my script as a PDF?
Yes, and if you aren't sure how to create a PDF, please search Google for help.

Should I include my title page with my screenplay?
Yes, you should include your title, your name, telephone number, and email address. If you submitted already without it, that's OK please do not submit again. It does not affect judging in any way.

Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?
Yes.

Can I submit with a co-writer?
Yes. Prizes will be issued per project, not based on the number of writers. Co-writers will both be invited to the retreat.

Does my script have to be registered?
No, but we DO recommend registering your work with the WGA and/or the Library of Congress Copyright Office.

Does the writer maintain rights to the screenplay?
Yes, always!

Do I receive feedback with my submission?
You can order feedback for an additional fee, most of which are discounted for this fellowship. Choose your FEE TYPE to make your feedback selection at the bottom of the submission form.
- 1st 20 Pages: $39
- Full Feedback: $69
- Deep Dive: $99
- Development Evaluation: $199

When will I receive my feedback?
Your feedback will be emailed to you within 90 days of submitting your script, usually much sooner.

Can I re-submit a rewrite or corrected versions of my script if I haven't ordered feedback?
No, you must submit your screenplay as a new submission for the price of the current deadline fee.

What if I make a mistake and send the wrong script?
If you make a legitimate mistake applying and recognize this within 24 hours, email us here, and we'll send you instructions on replacing your screenplay: Support@Networkisa.org

Do I need to submit a logline? Synopsis?
Logline: YES / Synopsis: NO

Do you accept short screenplays?
No, not at this time.

Will my screenplay be accepted if it’s not in the traditional format?
Scripts should be written in standard spec screenplay or teleplay format, set in 12-point Courier font. Scripts should be standard length.

What's the minimum/maximum permitted page length?
Features: 70 - 120 pages. TV Pilots: 10 - 70 pages.

My screenplay is longer than 120 pages. Will it be disqualified?
No, but we urge you to stay within the guidelines. It’s rare that a good screenplay requires more than the standard number of pages.

If I'm over 120 pages and receiving feedback, will my full script be read?
A $1 per page fee may be charged separately over 120 pages (not including the Title Page) on feedback orders, or the reader may only read the first 120 pages.

What genres do you accept, and can I submit with more than one?
We accept all genres. We understand scripts can be categorized in many genres. You are welcome to submit in more than one genre.

Do you accept novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments or synopses, reality show concepts or documentaries?
No, we’re sorry; we do not. We accept ORIGINAL narrative feature-length screenplays and narrative half-hour or hour-long TV pilots only.

Can I submit an adaptation of a book or play?
Absolutely, as long as you have full rights to the material and either are the author or have a written agreement with the author allowing this script to be written and marketed.

Can I apply with multiple scripts?
You may apply with as many scripts as you like to this fellowship, but the submission process is limited to one script per transaction on the ISA.

Will applying early increase or decrease my chance of being a finalist?
Applying early will neither increase nor decrease your chance of being chosen, but it could save you money!

How will I know if you received my script?
You will receive an email confirming your submission immediately upon completing the form and payment. If you do not, please email us here: Support@NetworkISA.org

What if my script is optioned or sold after I submit to the Fellowship?
As long as your script was not optioned or sold prior to the date you submitted, you are still eligible.

I don’t live in the United States. Can I still enter?
Yes, and we look forward to reading your work. Please just make sure it’s in English. No other languages are accepted at this time.

RULES:
All writers from all countries are welcome to apply to the Story Farm Fellowship, however all scripts must be submitted in English, and application fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
Script must be the original work of the applicant and may not be encumbered by any third party.
Scripts that have been sold, produced for a profit, or are currently under option are not eligible.
Original full-length feature screenplays and TV Pilots only are accepted. Anything else, including but not limited to short scripts or web series, novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments, synopses, reality show concepts, and/or documentaries are not eligible. Script submissions must be an original screenplay or teleplay.
Screenplays adapted from the submitting writer's own self-published books, plays, or other source materials are eligible if the writer retains all rights to the work.
Adaptations from other works are permissible provided the writer has written permission by the owner to adapt the material.
Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.
Co-written material will be accepted. However, any and all prizes issued will be based on a single applicant. Both writers can attend and participate in general meetings and the retreat.
Multiple submissions are accepted by one writer, however if one or more screenplays of the same writer tie, only one screenplay (the decided “best”) will be selected to determine the chosen "Fellow."
The writer understands that script feedback can take up to 90-days turn-around time and may not be received before the end of the final application deadline.
The ISA cannot guarantee feedback for the submitted script will be received within enough time to resubmit during the same season.
Applicants must submit materials and payment online only.
Once a script has been submitted, substitutions of new drafts or corrections may only be accepted within 24 hours of the original application. A revised draft of a script may be accepted after 24 hours if it is submitted as a new application with the appropriate fee.
Promotional discounts or waivers offered may only be utilized at the time of submission.
Promotional discounts or waivers offered may not apply on all submission platforms (i.e. Film Freeway or Coverfly).
If a writer receives an Application Fee Waiver as part of a Feedback Promotion or otherwise, the waiver is valid only during the current season, unless an expiration date is otherwise specified. Application Fee Waivers will not be honored in subsequent seasons.
Writers under the age of 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate.
Fellowship applicants must accept without reservation the decisions rendered by the judges.
The writer understands that it is his/her sole responsibility to register material to be submitted with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writer’s Guild of America or the appropriate agency in his/her country.
Applicants awarded a place in the Top 50 or higher understand and accept that the ISA will be free to use his/her name, likeness and voice for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.
Writers retain the rights to their screenplay.
Applicants are non-exclusive to Story Farm Fellowship and may submit their screenplay to any other person, competition, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization.
No transfer, substitution or cash equivalent for prizes is allowed.
The ISAConnect Membership gift may only be used within 90 days and may not be combined with any current free membership.
The Story Farm will not be held responsible for general meeting cancellations or rescheduling.
If Fellows miss or are late to a meeting or retreat, the Story Farm makes no guarantees to reschedule.
Length requirements are as follows: 1). Full-Length Features: 70-120 pages. 2). TV Pilots: Up to 70 pages.
If applicant orders feedback a $1 per page fee may be charged separately over 120 pages, not including the Title Page, or the reader may only read the first 120 pages.
Standard title pages should be included: listing the script title, name of author(s), telephone number, and email address. Applicants will not be disqualified if it is not included.
Under no circumstances should the writer include name or contact information within the body of the script.
The Story Farm is not responsible for any applicant errors or omissions on any submitted application materials.
Synopses, casting suggestions, letters, resumes and photos will not be considered.
The writer accepts, without reservation, that the submitted logline and screenplay will be reviewed by The Story Farm staff and/or panel of Industry Judges for evaluation and that any one of these employees, or judges may have been or may be exploring ideas similar to the submitted material, and the applicant hereby waives any claim that The Story Farm Fellowship and the ISA, its staff or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of the submission, logline or screenplay.
There are no refunds for any reason after 24 hours from submission.
The writer understands and accepts without reservation that he/she is an independent contractor and that The Story Farm Administrators are not responsible for withholding any taxes or payments to any government agency, at any level, be it state, local or federal.
By submitting to this fellowship, the writer's email address will be added to the contest database as well as The Story Farm and International Screenwriters' Association newsletter for weekly updates, contest promotions and other notifications. The writer may unsubscribe at any time.
It is our full intention to fulfill all prizes as posted. However, due to an unlikely event, act of God or other, we reserve the right to update or edit prizes.
The Fellow will be recorded during interviews and The Story Farm and the ISA have the right to use their name, likeness and voice for educational and promotional purposes.
To submit materials and be considered, the writer must agree to the Rules.