Set up a directory on your computer to store the most recent draft of each script you’ve written. I’d recommend occasionally burning this directory to a CD and storing it at a location other than your home. This way, in case of a fire or computer problems, you will always have your writing in one secure place.

Set up databases to track each type of dramatic writing submission you do (i.e. one database for screenplay submissions, another for stage plays, and another to track the writing jobs you apply to) Each database should include fields that capture the follow information: company/theatre name, contact name, address, script title, and correspondence. In the writing job ad database, be sure to also include a field for the job ad itself. Consider using either MS Access or FileMaker Pro to create the databases with. Both are easy to use. Remember to back your databases up to a disc on a regular basis to guard against file corruption and data loss.

Create electronic images (i.e. PDF, JPG, TIFF) of all hard copy correspondence and script project files. These can be housed in a project-specific directory on your computer. Maintaining directories like this will enable you to easily access information on any given project. When a project becomes inactive, burn its project directory to a disk for safekeeping and remove the original files from your computer.

Write notes after every meeting you have with an industry professional. These should be a summary of what was said by each of you. Opinions and impressions can be included as well, but make sure they are noted as such so that if you need to refer to your notes later, you will be able to discern conversation facts from your personal opinion.

You never know when an opportunity will arise to show your work, so be sure to carry at least one polished script with you at all times. When meeting with a specific industry contact or company, try to tailor your script section towards the genre they produce.

Strive to develop relationships with individuals and companies that you submit your work to whenever possible. You can initiate this by simply wishing your contacts well with a specific production they are currently involved in or by empathizing with a producer’s daunting task of sorting through voluminous correspondence to find a writer they are compatible with. These will help personalize your business relationship right from the start and show that you have a genuine interest in your contact’s work.

Create meaningful file names for your script drafts. One way to do this is to set up a naming convention. For example: ScriptTitle_Draft-1. If you adapt your scripts from one medium to another, (i.e. from stage to screen or stage to radio) you may want to consider a naming convention like ScriptTitle_RadioVersion_Draft-1. This way you will always have a clear understanding of which draft is which when you need to find a specific version.

Maintain an identical hard copy and PDF script master for each of your polished dramatic pieces. This document can be reproduced and sent to interested production entities upon their request. Having a script master will make discussions with production entities easier because you will know exactly which version of your script they have.

Create a “writing history page” for each of your scripts. This is essentially a list of every major draft completed on a particular project. Each entry on the “writing history page” should include the draft number, the completion date of that draft, and a brief synopsis detailing why that draft was created. Here is an example:

DRAFT 1 (10/02/07)
Initial concept draft

DRAFT 2 (11/07/07)
Rewrite – Major rewrite to clarify characters and flush out subplot.

DRAFT 3 (12/14/07)
Rewrite – This draft incorporates the initial plot changes that were requested by Ibrini
Productions as part of my development deal with them.

A document like this will enable you to track the various versions of your script. I’d recommend storing the “writing history page” with the hard copy script master it corresponds to. Every time you revise a script, be sure to update its “writing history page.” This will enable you to track script versions in the most efficient manner.

Compile a spreadsheet that lists all of your copyright certificates. Include fields like: script title, copyright number, script draft number, date sent to copyright office, date copyright certificate was received, and official copyright date. This will help you track what scripts need to be sent for copyright along with vital information on those that already have a copyright. You may also want to consider creating a PDF version of your copyright certificates to store on your computer for easy access. Be sure to keep the originals in a secure place.