Television Outreach Program (TOP)

 

 

SCRIPT SUBMISSIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

 

Please check back for future submission periods.
We kindly ask that you do not email regarding submission status unless otherwise noted on this page.

 

 

Contact

Program Director:
top@scriptwritersnetwork.org

 

 

Program Overview

The Television Outreach Program (TOP) is a Scriptwriters Network initiative created to support undiscovered television writing talent. This educational program is designed to help writers strengthen their craft while gaining professional-level feedback and selective industry exposure.

The program’s objective is to assist writers in developing the skills necessary to pursue opportunities such as:

  • Obtaining representation

  • Script development

  • Mentoring and career counseling

  • Landing writing assignments

  • Selling or optioning their work

TOP focuses on providing constructive, detailed evaluations intended to support each writer’s creative and professional growth.

As an educational organization, Scriptwriters Network’s objective is to assist writers by offering positive, constructive, and detailed feedback on their entire script, while facilitating opportunities for industry consideration when applicable.

 

 

Program Process

 

Phase One — Script Evaluation

  • Each submitted television script is read by two experienced Readers

  • Writers receive two detailed written evaluations, analyzing:

    • Structure

    • Story development

    • Characterization

    • Dialogue

    • Format

    • Overall impressions

  • Scripts receiving two recommendations advance to Phase Two

 

 

Phase Two — Selection of Winners

  • Scripts receiving a double recommend are declared TOP Winners

  • Additional Readers may be asked to review multiple winning scripts

 

 

Phase Three — Industry Outreach

  • Winners’ script titles and loglines are forwarded to vetted:

    • Producers

    • Production companies

    • Agents

    • Managers

  • Materials are shared based on industry request and interest

All evaluations will be returned in mid to late January 2026.

 

 

Important Notes

  • Readers evaluate your entire script

  • You will receive two independent evaluations

  • Scriptwriters Network reserves the right to publicize and forward:

    • Writer’s name

    • Script title

    • Logline

 

 

Prizes & Recognition

(Subject to change)

TOP Winners may receive:

  • Eligibility for industry professionals to read scripts and/or loglines based on genre and interest

  • One-year Scriptwriters Network membership or renewal ($219 value)

  • One-on-one virtual meeting with a Writer, Producer, and/or Literary Agent

  • 4-month InkTip Pro Membership

    • Pitch directly to production companies

    • Access thousands of filmmakers

    • Over 3,000 options and 400 films produced

  • Industry exposure ($300 value)

  • Social media promotion across SWN platforms

  • Feature in the SWN newsletter

  • Free Pitch Class and consultation with Melessa Y. Sargent, SWN President, including:

    • Discussion of adapting a short story from your winning script

    • Production of the short story script

    • Airing of the short story on the SWN Roku Channel

  • Consideration for airing other produced projects on the SWN Roku Channel

  • Opportunity to discuss short story concepts with Producers

 

 

Eligibility, Instructions & Entry Rules

  • Open to SWN members and non-members, age 18 or older

  • Scripts must be:

    • Wholly original

    • Unproduced and un-optioned

  • Scripts must be registered with:

    • Writers Guild of America (WGA) and/or

    • U.S. Copyright Office

  • Interstate and international entries are accepted

  • Scripts must:

    • Be written in English

    • Be submitted in PDF format only

    • Follow industry-standard script format

  • Anonymity is required:

    • Do NOT include your name or contact information on the script

    • ONLY the script title may appear on the title page

    • Personal information must appear only on the entry form

  • No limit on the number of entries (separate submission required per script)

  • Electronic submissions must be received by midnight on the deadline date

⚠️ Failure to follow all rules will result in disqualification. Please review instructions carefully before submitting.

 

 

Submitting Scripts

(When Submissions Are Open)

  1. Submit payment via the PayPal button using a credit or debit card

    • Guest checkout is available

    • SWN Members will log in to access the member rate

    • Non-members will access the non-member rate

  2. After completing payment, return to the SWN site to upload your script (PDF format)

  3. Check the box confirming agreement with all competition rules

  4. Your submission will be accepted

  5. A confirmation email and receipt will be sent upon completion

  6. Questions may be directed to:
    top@scriptwritersnetwork.org

❗ There are NO refunds.

Final results will be announced in mid to late January 2026.
All evaluations will be returned in mid to late January 2026.

 

 

New Readers

We are always seeking to expand our pool of experienced Readers for TOP.
If you are interested, please contact us at:

top@scriptwritersnetwork.org

 

 

Industry Contacts

Producers, production companies, agents, and managers interested in reading winning projects may join our Industry Contacts List by completing the Industry Contacts Form.

  • Registration with Scriptwriters Network is required

  • Scripts and projects are shared by request only

Industry Contacts Form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

Participation in Scriptwriters Network events, programs, contests, classes, and workshops is for educational and networking purposes only and does not guarantee employment, representation, or career advancement.