Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I APPLY?

• Click on the APPLICATION FORM.
• You will be routed to The Writers Lab page on the Scrybe website. (Scrybe hosts this contest and you will need a free Scrybe account to submit. You will be able to restrict Scrybe contact to correspondence from The Writers Lab if you wish.)
• Choose one of the Entry packages for our contest and follow the prompts.
• Complete all fields of the application.
• When prompted, upload your script as a PDF labeled with the project TITLE ONLY. DO NOT include the name of the screenwriter(s) ANYWHERE on the PDF.
• Click the SUBMIT box
• After you finalize payment and submission, you will receive a confirmation from Scrybe that you have successfully entered The Writers Lab contest.

Additionally, prior to submission, writers in the U.S. should register their script for copyright.

• Register your script with either The Writers Guild or the U.S. Copyright Office. Registration is quick and easy, and will protect you and TWL’s staff and volunteers. (The Writers Guild of America, East, has offered the discounted price of $17 to TWL applicants who are not members of the Guild. Click HERE to register through the WGA. Choose the Student and NYWIFT/The Writers Lab option.)

• If you are entering from outside the U.S., please register your script with your local Writers Guild or U.S. copyright office. TWL also recommends THE SCRIPT VAULT for those outside the U.S.

Submission windows and fee structures are below. Please note, there are no deadline extensions.

• SUBMISSION DATES
  • Thursday, February 12 – Early Submissions OPEN
  • Thursday, March 12 – Early Deadline
  • Thursday, April 9 – Regular Deadline
  • Thursday, April 30 – Late Deadline
    
• FEES
  • Early Deadline (March 12):
    Standard Entry: $50
    Feedback Packages:
    Feature: $150 /  1 Hr: $135 / Half Hr: $125
  • Regular Deadline (April 9)
    Standard Entry: $70
    Feedback Packages:
    Feature: $170 / 1 Hr: $155 / Half Hr: $145
  • Late Deadline (April 30)
    Standard Entry: $85
    Feedback Packages:
    Feature: $190 / 1 Hr: $175 / Half Hr: $165
• DISCOUNTS
  Members of WGAE, Film Fatales, The Independent Writers’ Caucus, NYWIFT and any other WIF organizations can use a discount code at checkout. Please ask your organization to share the Discount Code with you. All membership claims will be verified with these organizations, and any falsified applications will result in disqualification.
• NOTIFICATIONS
  • Quarterfinalist: by June 30
  • Semifinalist: by July 15
  • Final: July 30

In addition to

• Practicing writing to deadline
• Honing your competitive edge
• Joining an incredible community
• Receiving our free newsletter
• Possibly placing in the contest, and
• Potentially being invited to join the cohort

In 2026 we are offering three free virtual workshops to our community, where you will learn more about The Writers Lab work and strengthen your craft. The three workshops will be in February and March, ALL on Zoom.

This event has passed.
WORKSHOP ONE Wednesday, Feb 11th, 3pm ET

This event has passed.
WORKSHOP TWO Thursday, Feb 26th, 3pm ET

WORKSHOP THREE
Open to Regular Applicants
Thursday March 19th, 3pm ET
Audience Choice! Bring your questions on everything from TWL intensives to submissions to craft to the development process. With Q&A. 

• Basic contact and biographical information (name, email address, contact phone number, mailing address, birth date).
• Script log line and genre.
• Full-length narrative feature script, in PDF format, preferably no more than 130 pages long and/or pilots, preferably no more than 4o pages (half-hour) or 70 pages (hour-long), in PDF format. Script lengths beyond the number of pages listed will incur a per-page surcharge.
• Registration of your script with an appropriate copyright agency. (See “How do I Apply” above for further details.)
• Credit/Debit Card for payment.

We ask Int’l writers to register your scripts to prevent infringement, which will protect your work as well as The Writers Lab staff and volunteers. It is a standard industry practice in the U.S. to register any professional script with the U.S. Copyright Office or The Writers Guild in your home area (U.S. citizens use WGA East or West) or with your country’s equivalent Writers Guild.

The WGA East has generously offered a discount to The Writers Lab applicants. (See “How do I Apply” above for further details.)

Writers may submit up to three (3) complete scripts. Each script requires a separate completed application, and a separate non-refundable application fee paid by credit card.

Yes. Both writers must meet eligibility requirements (See Eligibility Requirements section below). Please designate one writer as the primary contact/potential attendee, and list that writer first in the writing credits on the application.

You may pay by check. Please email us at submissions@twlstories.org to discuss the process.

Please email us at submissions@twlstories.org with “Proof of Need” in the subject line to discuss the process. You will need to provide proof of public assistance or SSI with your application.

Scrybe offers the option to upload a revised draft of your submitted script for a surcharge after you have applied. If you have questions, please email support@scrybe.to.

Keep in mind that once our evaluation process is underway your initial submission might have already been read by our evaluation team. If you are considering submitting a revision, remember that our jurors are very experienced and thoughtful. A strong, carefully crafted script will stand out—even a script that needs development.

If you are NOT able to submit electronically, please email submissions@twlstories.org.

False! You might have heard that the judges get tired of reading, or the winners have already been chosen. Quite the opposite. Every submitted script is read—multiple times—with the same care and rigor. Our readers are paid for their work and are always eager to find talented writers and exciting projects.

We use application fees to pay our independent readers, who carefully evaluate hundreds of scripts, through multiple rounds. The contributions of our primary donors cover only the Lab Intensive.

Writers selected for either of the two Int’l Lab Intensives are responsible for travel to and from New York City or Los Angeles. The Writers Lab organization covers food and accommodations during the Intensive.

No. Our final decision is based on the material alone. Your work will speak for itself.

All notifications will be made via email. You will hear from us, whether you place or not, on or before July 30, 2026.

Notifications may be made on a rolling basis. Final decisions will be made on or before July 30, 2026.

The Writers Lab is open to ALL women and nonbinary writers over 40. We honor the fact that gender is personal and specific and seek to create an inclusive and supportive community. In addition, for BOTH 2026 U.S. Lab Intensives, applicants must be 40 or over by this year’s cutoff date of October 1, 1986. That means that your birth date (and that of any cowriters on your project) must be ON or BEFORE October 1, 1986, to be eligible.

Absolutely not. The Writers Lab seeks to foster exciting voices, regardless of professional experience. However, TWL does NOT teach screenwriting basics. Submissions must exhibit knowledge of screenwriting formatting, standards, technique and style.

Your birthdate is necessary for us to confirm age eligibility, as outlined in the previous question. This year, your birthday must be ON or BEFORE October 1, 1986, to be eligible.

Yes! Keep in mind that we do not cover transportation to/from New York City or Los Angeles for selected writers.

Yes! Citizenship and country of residence do not affect eligibility for the The Writers Lab Intensives. However, your narrative feature script or pilot must be in English. Additionally, keep in mind that selected writers are responsible for their own travel to/from New York City or Los Angeles for the Lab Intensives (and related passport/VISA requirements), and are expected to be in New York City or Los Angeles by the day before the Intensive begins.

Both of The Writers Lab Int’l Lab Intensives, in New York City or Los Angeles, are open to ALL international applicants. At this time, we are not offering a 2026 Lab Intensive in the UK or Europe. Please see the previous question for information on travel and visa considerations.

No, you do not need to submit these documents with your application. However, accepted writers will need to provide these documents in order to sign The Writers Lab Contract, which finalizes acceptance.

Yes. The Writers Lab requires submission of a FULLY COMPLETED script/screenplay.

While there is no correct length, but generally: features are ideally between 80 and 130 pages; half-hour pilots are 22-40 pages; and hour-long pilots are 45-75 pages (depending on genre and other factors). Please note that feature screenplays longer than 130 pages, and pilots longer than 44 pages (half-hour) or 75 pages (hour-long), might incur a per-page surcharge to the application.

The Writers Lab has no software preference, as long as the script uses industry standard formatting, and is converted to a PDF before submission.

All scripts must be submitted as PDF files. All film industry professionals expect scripts in PDF format, so this is a good opportunity to format your script to industry standards.

Although your script may include other languages, the predominant language must be English. (Tip: Providing translation for passages in other languages can help, but we don’t recommend translating every non-English line, as doubling up can slow the pace, and is often unnecessary.)

We welcome re-submissions, as long as the script has undergone a substantial revision that has addressed the following:

• Are all characters clearly introduced, established, and fully realized, with a defined need and arc?
• Is every line of dialogue necessary, either revealing character or moving the plot along?
• Are the descriptions well written, specific and succinct?
• Will this story speak to a wide audience?
• Is this story right for this Lab? Does it tell a story from a POV not generally seen, or for an underserved audience?
• Does the script follow standard formatting protocols? Has it been carefully proofread so that readers will not struggle with typos, long paragraphs, or confusing scenes?

Yes, we will consider scripts based on prior works as long as you have secured the underlying rights to the material. We ask for proof of rights, in the form of a contact, e-mail, or letter, if your script reaches the Finalist level in the selection process.

No. The Writers Lab application accepts only completed feature and television pilot scripts.

While we will consider scripts at various stages of development, the draft submitted must meet the following standards of completion:

• Scripts must be either feature-length polished drafts, in the 80-to-120 page range, OR polished pilots that are 22-44 pages (half-hour) or 45-75 pages (hour-long).
• We will not consider screenplay fragments, treatments, synopses, book excerpts, or stage plays.
• Scripts should show a strong understanding of screenwriting technique and style.
• Scripts should present a fully realized story, with an identifiable concept, world, characters and genre.

We will make all reasonable and customary efforts to protect your ideas. Additionally, we request that you copyright your submission. (Please see “Why must I register my script for copyright” under THE APPLICATION.)

Yes. We have no restrictions on material that has been to, or developed through, other labs, workshops or programs.

This year, The Writers Lab Int’l is offering TWO Lab Intensives in the United states: in Los Angeles in October and in New York City in November. As of February, we do not have other Lab Intensives planned. Please see the first FAQ above for information about that application.

Both virtual and in-person Lab Intensives include the writers who have been selected; over 20 mentors and guest speakers; and the founders plus TWL team members.

Writers, mentors, guests, the founders and team members gather for workshops, discussions, peer groups, story rooms, individual story presentations, screenings, keynotes, Q & As, panels, and, of course, one-on-ones. We also connect informally over meals, cocktail hours, walks, and exercise sessions. The Intensive is a very full three days.

The Writers Lab is a screenplay development lab. We are not a producing lab, nor do we offer any kind of production funding. However, in addition to connecting participants with a peer group of driven and talented writers, the Lab Intensive offers access to, and interaction with, a range of other film industry professionals.

Any script accepted to our Lab Intensive will benefit from further development. That is the primary focus of The Writers Lab, and all selected writers should expect to revise their script with the support of experienced industry mentors. Beyond script development, TWL offers recognition for your work as well as a unique chance to connect with a supportive community of peers and industry professionals.

The Writers Lab offers additional development support for writers in the months following the Lab Intensive as well as a range of programs and resources for all TWL alumnae. When possible, we also plan follow-up networking events.

Demographics

Our readers represent diversity of gender identification, age, race, and ethnicity. In the first TWO rounds, we have a team of trusted readers who have been trained to look for well-crafted stories that meet The Writers Lab mission. In the THIRD round, we invite industry professionals to read scripts and take notes. The Founders read alongside readers in all rounds.

• 95% identify as women
• Ages 21 – 75
• 40% identify as Non-white
• 100% are in media and/or entertainment: directors, writers, producers, actors

Qualifications

Reference, interview, previous experience, sample script discussion, implicit bias meeting. Reader Mandate: Transparency of genre preferences, personal biases, time limitations.

Overview

In the first TWO rounds, we have a team of trusted readers who have been trained to look for well-crafted stories that meet The Writers Lab mission. We meet regularly to explain our mandate and mission; to discuss scripts; to answer questions. We use a buddy system so each writer can bounce thoughts and questions with a fellow reader.  Each reader must complete a scoring section, answer a list of questions AND provide at least a few lines of commentary on each script. In the THIRD round, we invite industry professionals to read scripts and take notes. The founders read alongside readers in all rounds. All scripts are read blind. All readers are paid per script.

Details

Round 1

Each script is assessed twice. Two readers are required to read and score the script across several assessments and then provide brief top-line notes. Any script that receives at least one positive recommendation moves to …

Round 2

A Round 2 reader must answer a slightly more detailed list of assessment questions, and provide notes. If the reader scores high on all the questions, the script moves on to…

Round 3 

Scripts that have reached this level are read by professional jurors, a team of about a dozen allies (eg. managers, producers, execs.) This script group comprises a few hundred features and pilots that have been and continue to be assessed and discussed.

Round 4

The top 45 to 60 scripts from Round 3 are read again or discussed by founders, and reader notes are carefully reviewed. To select our final cohort of 12, we assess the excellence of the script alongside diversity of race, ethnicity, genre, format, age, residence, and short personal statements in the application.

Overview

Readers are instructed to look for a strong grasp of screencraft as well as diverse voices, POVs, genres, stories and characters. Below is a sampling of the questions our readers must answer: 

• Craft / Formatting: Is this a complete feature or pilot (1-hr OR half-hour)? Does the writer know basic screen craft? Does the script show standard formatting (slug lines, character introductions, indented dialogue, proofed for typos, etc)? 

• Cinematic Storytelling: Is the writing VISUAL? Does the writer clearly establish the world, characters and action? 

• Characters / Representation: Are the characters diverse (eg. gender, race, ethnicity, ability, POV)? Are they authentically and fully developed with individual voices, appropriate arcs and journeys?

The Writers Lab has THREE notification dates.

In June we email TWO groups: writers whose scripts are NOT moving on and writers whose scripts are moving on as Quarterfinalists.

By July 15 we email TWO groups: writers whose journey ends at Quarterfinalist and writers whose scripts are moving on to the Final Selection round.

By July 30 we email and announce TWO groups: Semifinalists and Participants.

Scripts submitted are predominantly in the following genres: Drama, Coming of Age, Historical, with strong numbers in Sci Fi, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller, Comedy and Romcom. We intentionally maintain genre proportions at higher levels of the competition to ensure an inclusive variety of stories.

We strive for over 30% diversity of race, ethnicity, ability, POV and other demographics at each level of selections.

The Writers Lab explicitly invites applicants to choose how they wish to identify themselves in terms of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and ability. These application identifiers are consulted at each round of selection to ensure that diversity remains proportional to submissions. Because The Writers Lab serves women and nonbinary writers over 40, applicants must identify as women or nonbinary. We honor the fact that gender is personal and specific and seek to create an inclusive and supportive community.

Clearly establish your protagonist’s need and obstacles, and make sure you carry through the arc of her story, all the way to some sort of resolution.

World needs to be clearly, economically, and cinematically established (especially in genre scripts).

Choose a main story and set it up clearly for your audience. Many scripts take on too much and lose their way.

Most film stories can be told in well under 120 pages. Every line or sentence should add to the story, not repeat or distract. Cut what you can, and keep your story moving.

Ask yourself: Is that line essential? Is it stating subtext or exposition that can be SHOWN? Does it successfully build conflict? Does it reveal character through wit and/or texture?

Have you written too little? (Set your scenes! Introduce your characters! Include important visual details!) OR, do you have way too much? (Don’t describe characters’ feelings, camera shots, or back story.) And, break up blocks of description into easily digestible bites.

Old or new, your story must stand out, with new insights into universal themes or compelling characters or perspectives. At the same time, know your cliches and tropes, and when to use or lose them.

Make sure your story effectively uses the visual and auditory aspects of storytelling for the screen. (Note: use music references with care; referencing unlicensed songs can reveal lack of screenwriting savvy. Suggest only, i.e. “She sings something like [song name]…”)

TWL doesn’t require a woman protagonist, but we definitely notice scripts that pass the Bechdel test, and wince when female characters are introduced solely as “gorgeous/hot/pretty/curvy.” This applies to gender across the spectrum. TWL isn’t interested in gender clichés, tokenism or stereotypes. We champion complex and compelling characters, and stories that provide an authentic experience and point of view.

Proofread, proofread, proofread. It matters.

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