Writing Assignments and Screenwriting Services. What's the difference?

As a screenwriter, I’ve learned that no matter how talented or imaginative you are, growth only comes through continuous improvement, real-world experience, and relentless pursuit of new opportunities. That’s why I believe it's crucial to not only sharpen your skills but also to actively seek writing assignments that challenge and elevate your craft.

Today, I offer professional screenwriting services and am open to writing assignments of all types—from film to television, from drama to sci-fi. I also welcome collaboration with agents and managers to bring my spec screenplays to life.

Let me walk you through the key differences between writing assignments and screenwriting services, how you can land your next gig, and how to best present yourself in a competitive industry.

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS VS. SCREENWRITING SERVICES

While they sound similar, these terms mean different things in the industry.

✅ Writing Assignments refer to opportunities where a studio, producer, or production company hires a screenwriter to work on a specific project—this could be adapting a book, developing an original story, or rewriting an existing script. These are typically offered through agents or industry networks and may require a pitch or writing sample.

✅ Screenwriting Services, on the other hand, are freelance-based. You’re offering your skills directly to clients, often individuals or small production teams, to write or polish a script based on their needs. These services can include ghostwriting, script doctoring, adaptations, and consulting.

Both avenues can lead to rewarding collaborations—but knowing the difference helps you position yourself accordingly.

To put it simply: writing assignments are part of the industry’s internal project development process, while screenwriting services are more entrepreneurial—you offer your expertise directly to those in need of a professional scriptwriter.

WHERE TO FIND WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

There are several avenues to find real, paid screenwriting work:

✅ Industry platforms like Coverfly, Stage32, ISA (International Screenwriters’ Association), and The Black List often list open writing assignments.

✅ Production bulletins and job boards sometimes share writing needs for independent films or TV pilots.

✅ Networking at festivals, panels, or even online communities (like Reddit’s r/Screenwriting) can lead to leads and referrals.

✅ Representation by an agent or manager can give you access to writing assignments not publicly posted.

THE REALITY OF NON-PAID ASSIGNMENTS

In the early stages of a screenwriting career, you may come across non-paid assignments—either as contests, collaborative passion projects, or credits to build your portfolio. While it's essential not to undervalue your work, strategic unpaid gigs can:

✅ Strengthen your resume

✅ Lead to paid opportunities later

✅ Expand your network and visibility

Just be cautious: always know the terms, retain rights when needed, and ensure the opportunity aligns with your long-term goals.

WHERE DO WRITING ASSIGNMENTS COME FROM?

Landing a writing assignment often involves access and reputation. Here’s where they come from:

✅ Agencies and managers: They pitch you for assignments with studios or producers.

✅ Industry platforms: Sites like Coverfly, ISA, and Stage32 occasionally post open writing opportunities.

✅ Contests and fellowships: Winning or placing in top-tier contests can lead to meetings that result in writing assignments.

✅ Referrals and networking: Word of mouth is powerful. A recommendation from a peer or past client can open doors.

But it’s not always glamorous—some writing assignments are non-paid, especially in indie circles or early in your career.

SHOULD YOU TAKE NON-PAID ASSIGNMENTS?

It depends. While I always advocate for writers to be compensated for their time and talent, there are times when a non-paid assignment might be worthwhile:

✅ You’re gaining valuable credit or experience.

✅ It’s a passion project with real potential.

✅ It connects you with serious collaborators or producers.

✅ It helps build your portfolio when starting out.

Just be strategic: know your worth and always weigh the opportunity against your long-term goals.

HOW TO ADVERTISE YOUR SCREENWRITING SERVICES

To attract quality clients or industry collaborators, visibility and professionalism are key. Here’s how I market my screenwriting services:

✅ I maintain a clean, professional website where clients can review my portfolio, testimonials, and contact me directly.

✅ I engage on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter/X to share insights and stay connected to the creative community.

✅ I upload samples to script-hosting platforms like Coverfly and Script Revolution to increase discoverability.

✅ I reach out directly to indie producers and creatives, offering my availability for script development or consultation.

✅ I work on refining my pitch materials, including loglines, one-pagers, and writing samples, so I’m always ready for the next opportunity.

Whether you're writing your first feature or aiming for the writers' room on a streaming series, being proactive about skill-building and opportunity-seeking is key. I’ve built my career by combining both: offering tailored screenwriting services and staying open to exciting assignments that challenge and inspire me.

If you're looking for a passionate and professional screenwriter—or want to collaborate to bring a compelling story to life—don’t hesitate to reach out.