[imzadi]

I've read for screenwriting contests and it is pretty much the same thing. During the first round of reading, they usually expect you to read a minimum number of pages (usually 20 pages). Only one person will read your script during the first round, so if it doesn't catch their attention you will be cut. During the subsequent rounds you are generally expected to read the whole thing, but most of the worst stuff has already been eliminated. In some contests you can see the coverage from previous judges and some you can't. It all depends.

[atlasunshrugged]

Do you have any recommendations on which screenwriting contests are worth submitting to for a first-time historical fiction screenwriter? I've previously published a nonfiction book and am familiar with that side of things but am brand new to the screenwriting world and there are far more film festivals and competitions than I expected (and almost all seem to charge a submission fee)

[imzadi]

It's been a while, but Austin, Nicholl, Slamdance and Page are the main ones that I'd recommend. Smaller ones that include coverage might be worth it sometimes just to get the feedback. Get involved with some screenwriting communities and see which ones people are talking about the most.

[atlasunshrugged]

Okay awesome, a friend recommended Slamdance too so I'm glad to hear some confirmation there!