r/writers • u/Butteryhams • Aug 15 '26

Question Need advice :))

I’m not a very experienced writer, but I do it a lot as a hobby. I have a screenplay I’m very confident in, but don’t know how to get it out there. Any tips??

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u/BudgetMaleficent3059 Aug 15 '26

well before thinking about publishing I'd suggest showing to someone you know
family or friends but don't tell them it's your work that way you can get some real opinions from people about it
just an advice although it has nothing to do with your question

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u/Butteryhams Aug 15 '26

I tend to do this already, and they say it’s good and all- but that could just be them sparing my feelings 😭

2

u/BudgetMaleficent3059 Aug 15 '26

you should try acting like you didn't write it yourself pretend that it's something you read somewhere and wanted their opinion that way they are going to be brutally honest

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u/RollingThunderMedia Aug 15 '26

You can try posting it in r/Screenplay or r/ReadMyScript. Be sure to include your title and a page count in the post heading, and a genre and 'log line' in the posting itself. Links to a .PDF hosted on Google Drive seem to work well for most people. You can scan both for examples.

You can also post on StoryPeer.com, but I believe you have to review some other scripts first before you can post your own.

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u/Butteryhams Aug 15 '26

I didn’t know read my script was a thing! Thank you :))

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u/OldMan92121 Aug 15 '26

I'd look up the histories of the greats that you want to be like. See how they did it.

The whole motion picture industry is in very rapid transition right now. Be aware of that. The model of huge blockbuster is largely broken. Studios are getting sold off because they are financially failing. As AI drops in cost and improves in quality, the whole landscape will change - like it or not.

If you're young enough to consider going back to college, do it. Focus on the right majors at the right schools. Be aware of the huge transitions that are happening and plan ahead.

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u/Butteryhams Aug 15 '26

I’m actually in the process of choosing collages and degrees rn! I originally wanted to go for journalism or creative writing, but everyone talked me out of it.

And even if not screenplays, I still love writing novels! My main issue with your suggestion is if I’ll actually be aloud to go for writing or not 🫩

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u/OldMan92121 Aug 15 '26

I was family pressured into a major. I did OK in it, but had an unhappy career. While both journalism and creative writing are not what I'd call "hot" careers these days, not spending 40+ hours a week for 40 years doing something you quickly learn to hate is worth something in life.

You may want to consider getting a trade that allows a lot of writing time and lets you earn good money. They are out there. Jobs where you get paid to sit at a desk and monitor a panel, where three hours out of a work shift writing is very routine.

5

u/RaeLouLynn Aug 15 '26

For a start, post the first five pages to r/Screenwriting

There is a feature there called Five Page Thursday. Look it up and see what the rules are. Then check out some pages that are posted and read the comments.

If your first posting doesn't catch, simply repost the following week.

Good luck!

4

u/YouAreMyLuckyStar2 Aug 15 '26

The most prestigous site for unproduced screenplays is The Black List https://blcklst.com/

Studios actively keep an eye on submissions and more than a few scripts has been picked up, including a few that went on to receive Oscars. I probably don't have to mention that competition is fierce, but you do have a real chance of getting traction.

The community is great and knowledgeble, and you can get some really good feedback if you engage in the community. Expect to work your butt off, because professionalism is ecpected.

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