General rule. If the organisation to which you are submitting has specified particular requirements (eg paper size, line spacing), then do as you are asked. Give them what they want. In the absence of specific requirements, follow the guidelines given below.

1. Always submit typescript. The best handwriting can be hard to read and will not endear you to a reader.

2. Use A4 size typing paper.

3. Type on one side of the paper only.

4. Number the pages, starting with the first page of the actual text.

5. Leave a margin on the left of the page - at least 1", perhaps 11/2", depending on your choice of binding. Check that the binding does not obscure the beginning of each line.

6. Numbering of scenes. This is illustrated in the specimen pages. For television each scene should be numbered, the location stated, and marked INT or EXT (Interior or Exterior), and also marked DAY or NIGHT. For radio, the scenes need not be so clearly distinguished, and for stage scripts use the format: ACT ONE. SCENE TWO, stating the location.

7. Directions must be clearly separated from dialogue. This is illustrated in the specimen pages; it can be done by spacing, insetting, capitals, underlining, italics, or a combination of these.

8. Directions should be sufficient to convey your intention but not so detailed as to do the director's job for him. In a television script leave the detailed camera work to the people who understand the technicalities. Put in just enough to tell the reader what you as the author have in mind - eg a particular scene is witnessed from a certain character's point of view (POV), or a character's expression needs to be shown by a close-up (CU).

9 Put the names of the characters in CAPITALS. (And don't give two characters very similar names, unless for a particular reason; it can cause misunderstanding).

10 Character descriptions should be no more elaborate than necessary. (If the script is right it will reveal the characters). A few words, however, can be helpful. Eg: 'Mrs. Winthrop - smartly dressed, refined, somewhat aloof, about 70'. Or: 'Cedric - surly and unkempt, about 20'. Aim to give just the quick first impression which would be available to an audience seeing the play.

11 Don't tell the actors how to play their parts. An occasional direction is acceptable and useful (see specimen pages), but generally leave it to them to work out how to say the lines and what gestures and expressions to use.