What is the Purpose of the Contest?
New Works of Merit Playwriting Contest is an international contest developed in 2003 to bring works of social significance to the attention of producers and artistic directors.  We understand how difficult it can be for playwrights to have their work read for possible production.  When plays are recognized by highly respected playwriting contests such as ours, from receiving Honorable Mention through Winning the contest, there is a greater chance to have the play read by producers and artistic directors. 

When will scripts be accepted for the 2023 Contest?  
Submission date began March 5, 2023

What is the Submission Deadline for the 2023 Contest?  
August 15, 2023

What is a Log Line?
One powerful sentence that expresses what the heart of your play is about.  For our purposes, you may do that in two sentences.  Producers and readers want to know what your play is about without having to read a lot to find out. 
Example:
She was young... she was brilliant... she was a King. A true story about King Christina of 17th century Sweden whose heroism challenged and conquered a divided Europe and whose faith changed the course of history.

What is the Submission Method?
After receiving many requests from playwrights to accept Electronic Script Submissions, as a means of lowering entry costs, we have changed our Script Submission Policy to Electronic.  

Can I enter more than one script?
​Yes, but each script must have their own Application Form.

When are winners announced?
Target date to announce winners is in January 2024

How can I find the contest results?
Contest results are listed, by year, under HISTORY in the Toolbar.  

​If I purchase a script critique, what kind of information will the critique contain?
Our Script Evaluators comment with a specificity that pin-points areas and dialogue to help you strengthen and develop your script further.

Script Evaluators comment on theme, plot, story arc, play structure, character development, character voice, character arc, dialogue, conflict, clarity, consistency of tone, overall presentation within the world of the play, etc.  

How can I purchase a Critique of my play?
CLICK HERE.

If I purchase an evaluation of my script, can I enter that script next year as well?
Yes, as long as changes have been made to the script and the script has not received an AEA Contract production.

May I re-enter my script from another year?
Yes, as long as changes have been made to the script and the script has not received an AEA Contract production.

Is there any limit on how short a play can be?
No.  If the script is short, make sure it has a fully developed beginning, middle, and end.  We have found that many short plays lack full script development. 

Is there any limit on how long a play can be?
Yes.  Scripts longer than 2 hours or 90 pages (Stage Play Format) will be disqualified.  However, Scripts over 90 pages, but with performance time under 2 hours, are eligible.  

How do I make a PDF?
Most computer programs provide a "Save as PDF" option.  If your program does not offer this, you can go to Free PDF.