If you've already posted a writing opportunity, you've probably received several proposals and/or bids from interested writers. Whether you're already working with a ghostwriter or still considering potential candidates, you want to develop a working relationship that is both professional and congenial as well. This will allow you to maximize benefits of having your own ghostwriter.

Working with your ghostwriter should be an easy and productive experience. After all, removing pressure of not having time to write and still gaining exposure through marketing with articles is your purpose for even considering a ghostwriter. It may take a few projects and a little time to develop a good working relationship with a regular ghostwriter, but there are several ways that you can help process along from your end.

- Your ghostwriter is not your employee, at least not in traditional sense. Remember, freelance writers offer their services on a contractual basis. You can't expect your ghostwriter to drop all other projects to work on yours exclusively, without prior notice. By developing a good working relationship with your ghostwriter you can be assured that they will give your projects priority.

- Be open to suggestions from your ghostwriter. He/she may have powerful ideas that can help you target your audience more effectively. Don't be afraid to ask for his/her ideas or opinions, especially if he/she has been writing for several years. While subject of an article is always your decision, your ghostwriter may have an article idea that could be very productive for you.

- Offer ongoing and/or continuing opportunities. One of best ways to guarantee that a professional is always enthusiastic about writing for you is to offer projects on a regular basis. You'll often be able to receive a less than standard rate for services once you've established yourself as a recurring client.

Introduction There are many screenplay contests available to aspiring screenwriter.  These contests can be a good avenue to getting one's work noticed and/or make a sale.  So, it's important to make certain that you have written your screenplay to best of your ability and according to industry standards.

The most important thing to do for any aspiring screenwriter is to first learn basic techniques of screenwriting before sitting down to write one.  I come across many hopeful writers who think that all it takes to write a script is a good story idea and a lot of explosive special effects.  While a good story is important, with or without special effects, writing that story using proper industry standards is equally important.  (Please visit http://www.coverscript.com/education.html -- Tips for Screenwriters link for further information.)

There are specific techniques to craft of screenwriting involving everything from act structure to proper screenplay format, which must be followed.  It's difficult to write engaging characters, focused plots and entertaining screenplays without having a solid framework in which to bring it all to life.

Before any money is spent submitting your work to a screenwriting contest, it would behoove writer to first educate himself in "tools of trade".  There are many, many screenwriting books available as well as workshops and seminars, both online and in live classroom situations.  My advice is to take advantage of them.  Then, armed with basics, write, write and then write some more.

Then before submitting your work to any screenplay competition have it copyrighted and WGA registered.  (United States Copyright office: http://www.loc.gov/copyright. Writers Guild of America: http://www.wga.org.)

Advice and Suggestions I am a judge for many contests and as such, have read thousands of TV scripts and screenplays.  I can assure you that winners are chosen because their screenplays or TV scripts contain great stories and are written to industry standards.  Therefore, putting your best foot forward is a must.  Below are some pointers to keep in mind before you submit your screenplay.