How It Works
Everything you need to know to participate.
Schedule
The same calendar repeats every month. All times are Eastern Time (ET).
| Phase | Date / Timing | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prompt Release | 7pm ET on the 7th | The monthly writing prompt is announced. Your 7-day window begins. |
| Prompt + Link Delivered | 7pm ET on the 7th | Registered entrants receive an email containing the prompt and their unique single-use submission link. |
| Writing Window | 7th – 14th | 7 days to write up to 7-pages in a standard script format. |
| Prize Deadline | 7pm ET on the 14th | Scripts submitted after this time are ineligible for prizes but may still receive written feedback if submitted before 11:59pm ET. |
| Hard Deadline | 11:59pm ET on the 14th | Scripts submitted after this time will not receive written feedback. |
| Judging & Feedback | 15th – 21st | Judges score and write individual feedback for every submission. |
| Results & Feedback Delivery | By the 22nd | Winners announced. All entrants receive their written feedback. |
| Podcast Episode Published | Within 30 days of results | The winning script is produced and published as an episode of the Write 7 in 7 Podcast. |
Requirements
Your script must be no more than 7 pages, not counting any title page. Scripts longer than 7 pages are automatically disqualified. Fewer than 7 pages is allowed.
Submit your script as a PDF file. The file must open and be readable. No other formats are accepted.
Your script must follow standard screenplay format click here for an example. 12pt Courier font, fixed width, 1.5 inch left margin, 1 inch right top/bottom margin, sluglines, action lines, dialogue blocks. Page numbers in top right corner, starting on page 2.
Your script must engage with the monthly prompt in a meaningful way. Literal interpretation is not required.
Submissions must be original, written solely by the entrant during the 7-day writing window. AI-generated content will lead to automatic disqualification.
Your PDF must contain no identifying information. If included, a title page should feature the script title only, with no author name.
Your submitted work remains your intellectual property. Entering grants us a limited license to share excerpts with you as part of your feedback, and to potentially produce your script as an episode of the Write 7 in 7 Podcast. All other rights remain entirely with you.
Eligibility
Your script will automatically be ineligible for prizes if:
Scripts that are ineligible for prizes still receive written feedback, unless submitted after 11:59pm ET on the 14th.
Scripts submitted after 11:59pm ET on the 14th, or containing plagiarized or AI-generated content, are disqualified and will not receive written feedback. No refund will be issued.
Judging
Category 01
Standard screenplay format: sluglines, action lines, dialogue blocks.
Here is a sample screenplay with some do's and don'ts on the last page
Category 02
Is the central idea clear? Does it use the prompt in a meaningful way? Literal interpretation is not required.
Category 03
Does the story have a shape? Setup, turn, resolution. Pacing appropriate for 7 pages.
Category 04
At least one character feels specific and motivated. Change or stasis is intentional.
Category 05
Sounds human, does work, avoids on-the-nose exposition.
Category 06
Written for the camera. Story told through action and image rather than dialogue alone.
Category 07
Does it land? Does something stick after the read?