NOW IN OUR 8th SEASON!

The Writer Speaks
Screenplay, Pilot and Stage Play
WRITING CONTEST

AS ALWAYS, OUR GOAL IS TO SUPPORT WRITERS

We also offer DETAILED NOTES

We are PROUDLY SPONSORED BY FINAL DRAFT

EACH WRITER WHO SUBMITS WILL RECEIVE A 30% DISCOUNT on FINAL DRAFT 12
(70.00 VALUE)

GRAND PRIZE WINNER RECEIVES A COPY OF FINAL DRAFT 12
AND a PROFESSIONAL TABLE READING
($559.00 VALUE)


WINNING WRITERS RECEIVE A PROFESSIONAL TABLE READING

Writers can invite up to 70 guests, including potential INVESTORS, PRODUCERS, DIRECTORS, and COLLABORATORS, etc.
You can use it as a marketing tool for your website, social media and Queries.

Our actors are ALL seasoned PROFESSIONALS with hundreds of Film, Television, and Stage credits.
Writers, like you, who have worked with THE WRITER SPEAKS have told us what a helpful tool our Professional Table Readings have been for them. They say that bringing their words to life has helped them identify where they can perfect their work.

“I learned so much by hearing my work read by Professional Actors. We read one another’s work out loud in my writing group all the time, but it is not the same as hearing actors bring it to life. An excellent experience. Very well organized and informative. Everything was so well put together and the quality of the actors and direction of the moderator resulted in an amazing experience. Can't say enough about the professionalism and realism they brought to my script. Thanks again!"

John McCarney Winner, FEATURE SCREENPLAY “THEY ALSO SERVE”

“Thank you so much. This whole experience has been so valuable and encouraging. Your enthusiasm and encouragement are like a breath of fresh air for a writer. Thank you to your wonderful and talented actors, they brought so much to the characters. Please convey my gratitude to them.
After getting a bit stuck with FORGER, the reading gave me a blast of energy. I spent the last few days, since the table reading, trimming down the 'procedural' parts of act 1. It is already tighter and much improved. I'm now plowing in to act 2. Another few rounds of rewrites and readings and it may polish into something quite good.”

Simon Bowler, Winner “FORGER” Full Length Play

"I was blown away by the acting. When you hear your words spoken by real actors, instead of just inside your head, so many ideas flew into my head. I saw where I could make the dialogue stronger, where I needed more clarity and details. I could go on forever on how helpful and energizing this reading was. I can't wait to hear another one of my screenplays brought to life! Thank you ALL! I also appreciated that the director took the time to do
retakes with the actors to make sure that the recording was perfect. I can't wait to send it to managers and agents!"

Regina Perkins, Winner, Full-Length Stage Play "Coffee Clutched”

"What can I say? I had no idea that hearing my words acted by such good actors would open my eyes and my mind to the possibilities. I heard where I was off a bit in my dialogue, and best of all I heard where the laughs weren't. This was such a powerful lesson for me. It doesn't matter how many times I read my work until you hear it out loud and read well, you haven't really "heard" your work."

Gabriel Burke, Winner, Television Series Pilot "Simple and Sweet”

EACH WINNER receives a RECORDING OF THE TABLE READ.
VALUE: PRICELESS!

**** WE OFFER DETAILED NOTES OF YOUR WORK****

By popular demand, THE WRITER SPEAKS is now offering detailed notes of your work.

Each of our judges has over 25 years experience in writing, producing, directing films, television, theatre, as well as teaching writing.

The DETAILED NOTES will give you a well-rounded perspective by working writers, producers and filmmakers. These notes will be a constructive critique of your work.

WRITERS RECEIVE NOTES that cover:
Concept
Plot
Format
Style
Character Development
Dialogue
Pacing
Marketability

The Writer Speaks offers our full support to writers in every way we can, to help you and your work.

"This was the best thing I could have ever done for my writing! I was so nervous to let someone else read my work and have them comment on it. It was scary, but, in my heart, I knew it could help. I was right. The reader saw things that I had missed. In reading their notes, it seemed so obvious, but I was so close to my work, I had stopped "seeing" what they saw. Having fresh eyes on my work helped me immeasurably to polish my script. Now, I have so much more confidence when submitting. Thank you for opening my eyes!"

Tamara Quinn
“DESTINATIONS"

"I have never felt so "taken care of" after receiving my notes.
The notes were thorough, constructive, honest and incredibly helpful.
In the past, I've submitted my screenplay to others for notes and I was so disappointed.
What I received from these other places was boiler plate coverage. One time, I wasn't sure they EVEN READ my screenplay, they actually called one of my characters the wrong name.
Do yourself a favor. If you are serious about presenting the BEST work you can, let this group give you notes. You will not be sorry. Thank you The Writer Speaks, you made me think, re-think and rewrite with confidence."

Terrence Fletcher, writer
"These Are The Times"

Choose the DETAILED NOTES or CONTEST & DETAILED NOTES at check out.

Detailed notes are separate from the contest.

https://thewriterspeaksreadings.com

We accept 5 CATEGORIES in any genre.

Short Film 8-40 PAGES Winner receives 2 readings after the first reading the writer will discuss notes with the director, the second reading will address those adjustments.

Television Series Pilot 60 PAGES (MAX)

Feature Film 41-120 PAGES

One-Act Play 8-20 PAGES Winner receives 2 readings after the first reading the writer will discuss notes with the director, the second reading will address those adjustments.

Full-Length Play 20+ to 100 PAGES

CONTEST RULES

HOW IT WORKS:
You can submit any genre in 5 categories.

There are 5 CATEGORIES:

Short Film 8-40 PAGES Winner receives 2 readings after the first reading the writer will discuss notes with the director, the second reading will address those adjustments.

Television Series Pilot 60 PAGES (MAX)

Feature Film 41-120 PAGES

One-Act Play 8-20 PAGES
Winner receives 2 readings after the first reading the writer will discuss notes with the director, the second reading will address those adjustments.

Full-Length Play 21-100 PAGES

One winner will be chosen in each CATEGORY: (FOR a total of 5 WINNERS)

Short Film 8-40 PAGES Winner receives 2 readings after the first reading the writer will discuss notes with the director, the second reading will address those adjustments.

Television Series Pilot 60 PAGES (MAX)

Feature Film 41-120 PAGES

One-Act Play 8-20 PAGES
The WINNER in this CATEGORY receives 2 readings after the first reading the writer will discuss notes with the director, the second reading will address those adjustments.

Full-Length Play 21-100 PAGES

Winners receive a table reading of the winning entries, by professional actors.
The table readings will be recorded, the writer will receive this recording to be used to promote their work to agents, producers, managers, etc.

1. All writers of submitted material must be 18 years or older, including co-authored material.
2. All materials submitted must be WATERMARKED with WRITER'S name.
3. Screenplays and any source material must be the original work of the author unless such source material is in the public domain.
4. Submissions of new drafts or corrected pages will not be accepted.
5. A writer may enter more than one screenplay; however, a separate entry form and fee are required for each script submitted.
6. Contestants retain full ownership of their material.
7. Radio Flyerz shall not provide any feedback or coverage of submitted scripts. UNLESS you have purchased DETAILED NOTES.
This contest is open to anyone except all employees, judges, directors, associates, and immediate families of THE WRITER SPEAKS Contest.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or disability. It is our intention that all qualified submissions be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on script-related factors alone.
Grand Prize Winners from previous must submit a new screenplay to be eligible.
The script and any related materials must not be in a current option agreement, and/or may not have been previously sold or produced for profit.
The writer understands that it is their sole responsibility to register material with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writers Guild of America West or the appropriate agency in his/her country.
The writer must retain at least one copy of the submitted material and understands that any material we receive cannot and will not be returned under any circumstances.
All entries must be received by the Final Deadline.
The writer may submit their screenplay to any other person, contest, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization.
The writer retains all rights to their screenplay, subject to the terms and agreements contained herein.
The writer understands that their logline and/or screenplay will be reviewed by TWS, employees, and/or our panel of Industry Judges for evaluation. The writer also understands that any one of these employees or judges may have been or may be exploring ideas similar to those contained in scripts they read, and hereby waives any claim that TWS, its employees or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of their submission logline or script.
Confirmation of entry will be received once a script is submitted with an entry form and completed with an entry fee through our payment vendor. The writer must provide a valid e-mail address with entry; if an email address should change after submission, it is the writer’s responsibility to let us know.
The writer understands that TWS will be free to use their name, likeness and portions of the WINNING RECORDINGS for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.
All winners agree to give permission to TWS for audio and video recordings of the Table Reading and other events to be used on websites and social media platforms.
There are no refunds for submissions at any time for any reason.
Additional rules may be amended at the sole discretion of TWS.
By submitting to this contest, your email address will be added to TWS contest database. You may unsubscribe at any time.
By selecting ‘I have Read and Understand the Contest Rules’ on the entry page and submitting, the writer agrees to all of these rules.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CONTEST FAQ’S

Q: How do I enter?
A: You can submit your work by clicking the "ENTER HERE" BUTTON BELOW.
Q: What happens after I enter? On our website, you will receive an EMAIL where to send your script. ON FilmFreeway, upload the MOST CURRENT VERSION of your work.
We do not want you to upload your email on the TWS website, this is for YOUR SECURITY.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept all payments through SQUARE on this website. “Pay by Credit/Debit Card.”
Q: Do you accept checks or money orders by mail?
A: No; all payments must be made through SQUARE on our website.
Q: I would like to mail you a hardcopy of my script. How can I do that?
A: TWS does NOT ACCEPT HARD COPIES.
Q: Should I include my contact information on my title page?
A: YES, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME and CONTACT INFORMATION on the title page. THIS does not affect judging.
Q: Who will be reading my screenplay/judging the contest?
A: The final panel of judges will be composed of screenwriting and other industry professionals, including but not limited to producers, managers, and established writers.
Q: Will my winning entry be read by professional actors?
A: Yes, all winning entries will be read by seasoned professional actors.
Q: Do I maintain the rights to my screenplay?
A: Yes, you retain all the rights to your screenplay. If we select your script for recognition, you agree to grant us the right to hold a live Table Read and promote your success, but the script itself is still yours.
Q: Does my screenplay have to be registered with the Writers’ Guild or another organization?
A: YES, TWS REQUIRES registering your work with the WGA West, the Library of Congress Copyright Office, or other similar organization in your country. This is to protect your own work and is not an option, it is a REQUIREMENT to enter. Proof of registration IS REQUIRED at the time of entry.
Q: Is an adaptation of a published novel or other work written by someone else eligible?
A: No
Q: Can I send you a revised copy of my script?
A: No, please be prepared to submit your final script.
Q: Can I make changes to my genre or logline?
A: YES, you will have ONE (1) chance to change your Logline or Genre, within 24 hours of your entry.
Q: What stops you from taking my idea and developing it yourself?
A: THE WRITER SPEAKS’ judges are composed of working professionals. It is not their intention to steal your hard work. THE WRITER SPEAKS respects and supports writers, we ARE writers ourselves. We are offering you an opportunity to hear your work read by professionals.
Q: What’s the minimum/maximum required page length?
A: Guidelines for suggested page lengths:

Short Films: up to 40 Pages
Feature Films: 41 to 120 Pages
TV Pilots: up to 60 Pages
One-Act Plays up to 20 PAGES
Stage Plays 21-100

Q: Can I enter two scripts in one document?
A: No. However, you can enter as many scripts as you desire, however, entries consist of ONE (1) script only.
Q: Can I submit my screenplay in multiple genres?
A: Yes, you can; however, you will have to pay an entry fee each time. Each GENRE or CATEGORY equals one entry.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Bob Canning

    Please allow me to add my 2 cents (5 stars) to this brilliant contest. Maggie is Wonder Woman because she knows her s*** and does it like a champ. Problems do arise, as it did here (it is Zoom, after all), but she was ready to fix them and make it better. The reading I had on my play on Saturday was heard and enjoyed by my guests on both sides of the Atlantic. Everyone to a person gave it high marks. One wrote to me with this: "And Maggie did a great job directing. I love that she was so dialed in to the details and insisted on redos when there was background noise. I actually liked witnessing the “false starts” etc. it’s like a sneak peek behind the curtain that audiences don’t get." I recommend The Writer Speaks to every writer who will benefit from the reading and the polished, edited finished product that follows.

    August 2021
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Bob,
    We are so glad you and your guests from around the world, enjoyed the Table Reading. The actors enjoyed reading your terrific play and playing such an array of colorful and well-written characters. We appreciate your kind words and that you actually do "get" what we are trying to do at The Writer Speaks. Namely, help writers on their journey to creating unforgettable work. We look forward to watching what happens to your amazing play.
    Thank you,
    The Writer Speaks Team

  • Simon Bowler

    The Writer Speaks is a writer's dream. The unstoppable Maggie Grant pulls together great actors into an efficient and professional table read. The performers' commitment and Maggie's directing keep the read tight and on point. Truly a blessing for a writer to hear their work 'performed', not just read.

    May 2021
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Hi Simon
    Thank you. It is very rewarding that we are accomplishing exactly what we set out to do with The Writer Speaks. Namely, to assist writers with their work. Your words are like music to our eyes. We are so happy that we can be part of the process with you.
    Happy Writing,
    The Writer Speaks

  • Paula Freeman

    I am blown away by The Writer Speaks! The communication was quick and informative. The people who run this are so professional and kind. I had a few questions and my questions were answered quickly and completely. That made me feel very comfortable with submitting. And then I WON! I was so excited! I have never been able to afford a professional table reading for any of my work before. Everything was so perfect from beginning to end. The actors were incredible. I was able to invite friends and colleagues to the table reading and it was amazing. The director of the table reading made sure every word was clear and all intentions met, or she had the actors repeat the lines. What a lesson that was for me. The attention to detail by all of the actors and the director impressed me so much. It was much appreciated. And now they tell me I am going to receive a full recording of this reading that I can use on my website. Mind blown...Thank you The Writer Speaks for such a wonderful experience.

    May 2021
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Hi Paula
    Thank you for your kind words. We enjoyed reading The Circle and the actors had a great time bringing your words to life. For us, our goal is to help you in any way that we can with you career. We feel that a table reading allows the writer to hear their words come to life, sometimes for the first time. It helps them to hear where they may want to make changes to strengthen their work. We are glad that you were pleased, and we look forward to watching The Circle's path to success.
    Happy Writing,
    The Writer Speaks Team

  • The Writers Speaks is unparalleled in screenwriting competitions. It's brilliant they offer a table reading as first prize, where else would you find that? I am so grateful they selected my screenplay and organized such a talented group of actors to bring it to life. It's worth its weight in gold. Hats off to The Writers Speak!

    February 2021
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Shanna.
    We are so happy that you see the value in what we are doing for writers. Thank you for "getting that".
    We had a blast reading your wonderful script.

    We look forward to hearing all the exciting things that are going to happen for you and "Girl On A Swing"

    With much gratitude,
    Happy Writing!
    Chief Pilot and The Writer Speaks Team

  • Jeanine Davenport

    This was a wonderful experience from the moment I submitted. I had heard very good things about this contest in my writer's group, so I decided to enter my script AND I WON!! That was exciting. The people who run this are so helpful and generous with their time and support.

    We had the table reading and I was so impressed. The actors were all spot on and great. The director made sure that every line was clear and there were no mistakes. She was very good about letting actors say their lines over again until they were perfect.

    There is a huge difference between me hearing the lines in my head for the last year and hearing them spoken by real actors. They really did bring my script to life, just like the description says. I so appreciated the time she took to make sure I will get a perfect recording. Which is also exciting.

    I invited my of my friends and family along with a manager that I have been trying to get to sign me. I received some great feedback from those who attended. It was all so very cool.

    I also entered my script for Detailed Notes and WOW! "Detailed" does not to begin to explain this coverage. I have had coverage done before, which cost me $125 more that these, and it was very generic and frankly, not very helpful.
    That is NOT the case this time. These notes were incredibly detailed and specific sometimes, down to a LINE. Their suggestions were so helpful and I can't wait to start my rewrite based on their notes.

    Not only that, they also gave me pointers on the market, where my script belonged, what my demographic would be and how to strengthen the script to reflect today's market.

    Thank you so much to everyone who was part of this contest and the reading.

    This was the BEST investment I have made in my career in a very long time.

    Thank you so much!

    Jeanine Davenport
    Winner!
    "NO RETURN"
    Pilot

    February 2021
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Jeanine.
    We are so glad that you gained insight from the reading. That is our goal to help writers grow and perfect their hard work. The actors really enjoyed the characters you wrote. They all said you made their jobs easier by giving them such a great script and dialogue.
    We wish you luck with that manager, we hope he signs you. Please let us know!
    We look forward to working with you again, we're here when you need us.
    Happy Writing!
    Chief Pilot and The Writer Speaks Team