Screenwriting : How many screenplays does it take to get a deal? by Steven Harris Anzelowitz

I think that's a tough question to answer. What works for one doesn't mean it will work for another. I would think as others have said, the more scripts you have the better chance you would have of selling a script. Your documentary film is a helpful step I believe. If nothing else it will let you see how things go from page to screen. Best wishes on your endeavors!

Thank you storm trooper your insights have "awakened" the force in me to soldier on. Also that is supposed to be "shout out" not "shoot out". Have to work on my proofreading,

WGA did a survey a long while back, and the average pro screenwriter wrote 9 feature scripts before they made a dime. I was average.

Thank you William. It is good to have an average to go by.

Nine, William? I was hoping six or seven. I'm behind by three. The good news, this year I wrote three, so I think the more one uses the creators muscle, the easier it is. Thanks guys!

Thank you Jorge. I guess the underlying fact is to just keep writing everyday. Learn from the education here at Stage 32 and carry on. If you believe you can and are willing to take the next right action than deals can be made. But I feel patience is key. And of course the willingness to handle rejection. And one more thing when you do sign up for script coverage here on S32 with Joey or even make a pitch here. Take all the notes that are provided to you and learn from them. I guess that's all I have for now. Happy Saturday.

Thank YOU, Steven, buddy. I'll take your advice.

Come on, seriously, do you think it's the number of screenplays you've written, that you'll hit the magic nine and viola, you're ripe for a sale? There are so many aspects of selling a script, some you control, some you don't. Put your head down and write, worry about what you control which is the quality of your work. Writing nine screenplays doesn't guarantee that. Writing 29 doesn't. Some writers never sell a thing. Some sell their first or second. Stop looking around, focus on improving your screenwriting both technically and commercially, and work on how you can get your material into the hands of people who make films. There are thousands of circuitous routes (which makes it harder.). And treat it like a business.

Hey, I focus on quality, not quantity. On stories that matter to me, for if I care, my readers and ultimately my audience will care. Yes, treat like a business, by knowing my target audiences for is for an audience that we ultimately write for.

Bart- If you look at Williams thread again the 9 screenplays came from a WGA survey. Not Williams' personal experience. We are all "Happy Writers". That is what we do each and every day. We keep writing so we can eventually get paid. It is show BUSINESS. Best wishes on your projects.

I understood it, Steven It wasn't any slight toward William at all. There are a lot of new, young writers who read these threads and keep hopes of some magic number. My point is there is not. And the original headline is "How many screenplays does it take to get a deal," I am hoping people don't think the answer is anything but "however many it takes."

Bart- Thank you for the clarity. And you are right.

Matt Cook got signed off his first draft of his first script. John Swetnam had to write 16 scripts before one sold. diff strokes for diff folks.

Danny- Thank you for more insights on the journey to deal land. With each new comment from my fellow "Happy Writers" I get more confident.

" Hope never quits" Happy writers pushes on.

Jorge- My favorite word "Hope". Thank you.

well technically, I'm a No Bull writer. not a happy writer. lol

Mine too, Steven. New year, renewed hope.

Stuart- Thank you for the info. I read "The Art of War" But I don't think General Tzu had Cameras back than.

I am just going buy memory here but I think it was my fourth or fifth script. However, spec screenplays are mainly used to get your foot in the door so if you are making some good contacts with your spec screenplay that is what really matters the most.

Dan & Jim Thank you for your comments and interesting facts. The general sense I am getting is that as long as I keep at my craft and continue to learn and grow from Stage 32 the chances of getting paid for what I love to do can only increase. I

You are welcome. I don't disagree with any of the statistics other people offer but one statistic I think is the most relevant is that almost every screenplay that gets made got made because someone knew someone. So use your screenplay like a calling card not just something you want to sell someone. Good luck and keep writing.

Dan- You are right. It is about building relationships not just trying to sell. Fine words indeed, sir.

Jim - Might try contacting her production company.