Properly format your script for competitions. Many competitions now take online submissions, but there are specific guidelines. Export the screenplay as a PDF file. Most title pages should just feature the screenplay title and any contact information removed.
Reread the script to make sure it is properly formatted and exported correctly. Any glaring errors or format mistakes can cause contest elimination, no matter how good the story is.
Find local screenplay competitions. Local competitions will get you in touch with writers and have a smaller field of competition. For example, the Nevada Film Office Screenwriters Competition only allows scripts that can be filmed at least 75 percent in Nevada.
Enter free competitions. Instead of wasting hundreds of dollars on different entries, use free contests to get your foot in the door and see potential for your writing. The New York Television Festival hosts a "Fox Comedy Script" contest where you can enter a sitcom pilot and have a chance to win $25,000. Screenplay Contests host an annual contest where print submissions are free, but digital submissions cost $5.
Find screenplay contests in your genre. Horror screenplay contests include "Horror Category" at the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. The Broad Humor Film Festival hosts a comedic screenplay competition for woman writers. Finding your genre will help you get the script to judges and readers who understand your story.
Enter early. Screenplay contests are often split up into three different tiers. The early birds get extra discounts, and the price only increases as the deadline approaches.
Pay for extra feedback in competitions. In many competitions, you will send in your screenplay and not hear anything back. Getting feedback will ensure that your script is read, and you can use the criticism to improve your script.