5 Alternative Ways To Sell Your Script

The realm (or should I say galaxy) of screenwriting. It’s a great place, but it has its own unique set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is finding someone to buy (option) your script. In this article, I’ll talk about five alternative ways to sell a screenplay and how they can help you get your work in front of an audience.

Selling a screenplay is difficult, but it’s not impossible.

Selling a screenplay is difficult, but it’s not impossible. If you’re able to write a good script and put yourself out there, there are opportunities for you to make some money from your work. It’s just not easy.

• Be persistent: This may sound obvious, but it’s important to realize that selling a screenplay isn’t always going to be an easy task. You need to be ready for rejection—and maybe even some negative feedback—but if you keep at it, improve at the craft, rewrite like crazy, and stay positive, eventually people will take notice of what you’ve done and give their support in helping spread the word about what makes your script special.
• Know when enough is enough: Once again this advice seems like common sense (and sometimes even heresy), but sometimes we get so caught up in trying harder than anyone else does that we forget all about our own needs for rest or relaxation time before taking so that we don’t burn out. Trust me a few trips to the ER will back me up on this.

1.  Build a web presence for yourself and your work.

A good way to sell your screenplay is by building a web presence  and brand yourself. You can do this with:

• a website (if you don’t already have one)
• social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok (yes even TikTok) & YouTube are a good place to start.
• a blog that chronicles your journey as a screenwriter.

2. Turn your script into a comic book.

If you’re looking for a way to get your script in front of people who can help you get exposure and even possibly sell it, then comic books are a great option. Comic book artists (like screenwriters) are always on the lookout for new projects. This is also a great way to build your network. You never know who will have connections that can lead you to an agent or managers whose clients might be interested in reading scripts like yours.

The best part about using comics as a way to promote your screenplay is that there’s no limit on where to take your script. Let your creative energy out and explore the world around your story. You no longer need to worry about a shooting budget. There is freedom in that. Plus you can choose how long your story can go. You could do one issue every month or every week if that’s more convenient for you (and I recommend doing so to build that fanbase).

3. Turn your script into a novel.

There are other ways to tell your story and sell your script. For instance, you can try adapting your script into a novel. To some, this sounds like a cop-out but remember: plenty of successful movies have come from books first (Harry Potter, Twilight,  Lord of the Rings). These all grew from the original I.P. that had a huge fan base. Build your following up around the novel and it makes pitching the script to a producer, agent, or manager all the more enticing.

4. Get a Kickstart From Short Films and Producers.

Short films are a great way to get your screenplay noticed. You don’t have to be an expert filmmaker or even have an extensive budget, but you can still make something that people will want to see.

• This is where most writer/directors start as they try their hand at breaking into the industry. It’s also one of my favorites because every time I’ve interviewed someone on my show who started with a short film that became a feature, it felt like such an accomplishment for them because so many people give up after seeing their first few attempts at selling a script fail miserably.* Find producers who will help fund your project or get investors involved through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo (or both). These platforms allow people who want something made quickly—like shorts—to raise money from fans all over the world through donations.

5. Turn your script into a podcast.

In the age of podcasts, there are many ways to take your script from page to screen. You can even make your own podcast! Podcasts are a great way to get your script out there and into the hands of potential readers and the cost of this avenue is quite low.

If you’re not sure where to start with creating a podcast or how to distribute it, here are some tips:

• Create an Audiodrama of your script. This can vary from a narrative approach to more immersive storytelling with a soundscape.
• Bring in some voice actors to perform.
• Upload that file onto an audio-sharing platform like SoundCloud, Spreakr, or Loudr (for free).
• Create cover art for your podcast by using Canva (a free tool).
• Share on your social media and build your following!

BONUS TIP! Develop a career strategy (and be ready to jump on every opportunity).

• There are plenty of ways that people can find success as a writer beyond film or television. Some go into script consulting others become teachers at the college or even high school level. The key is finding something that works for YOU and not blindly following anyone’s advice (even if they are famous or write a blog .) It’s also important to remember that success isn’t easy; there will be challenges along the way which frustrate us greatly but push us forward anyway because we know deep down inside ourselves that this journey has brought greater meaning into our lives than anything else could have done before now. Literally, for me, screenwriting has become part of my own spiritual journey.

Conclusion

It’s important to know that there is no right or wrong way to sell your screenplay. You just have to find the method that works best for you, which could mean using one of these methods or simply sending out query letters and hoping for the best!

-Geoffrey D. Calhoun