Trying to get work or representation before you are ready is a mistake that many writers make in the early stages of their careers. The initial connections you make in this industry are vital. You don’t want your first impression to be that of unprepared, or worse, the notion that you are incapable of meeting the demands of the job.
 
So, here’s the real question. How do you know if you’re ready?

1. Gauge your physical and emotional health. 

Healthy eating, physical activity, and finding emotional balance in your life are a few of the most important – and overlooked – factors in finding and maintaining success as a writer. A career in TV and film is stressful, and you need to be ready to face that stress in a healthy way.

Ways to cope with stress: 

• Understand your diet and include foods that give you fuel, like fruits and vegetables. Avoid energy-sucking fast food, and shun processed foods. 
• Take a walk, ride a bike, or do jumping jacks and push-ups in the office; anything to get the blood flowing and the mind ready for action.
• Talk to a therapist who focuses on working with creatives. 
• Find a hobby that exists completely outside of the industry. 
• Practice meditation. Check the App Store or Google Play if you’re not sure where to start.

2. Be familiar with the politics of the writers room.

As a new writer you must have the ability to negotiate the politics of a room. This means not only recognizing the hierarchy inside the room, but respecting it. That often breaks down into knowing when to speak and when to be quiet. 

Podcasts dedicated to television writing [of which there are many] can be a valuable source for first-hand information. These podcasts often feature writers at various stages of their careers – from novice staff writers to seasoned showrunners – discussing politics, policies, and best-practices inside of the writers room. While each experience can vary greatly, commonalities can be discovered and put to good use.

3. Know your craft, and put it on display. 

There are two methods that will allow you to both hone your writing craft, and demonstrate your writing abilities – the spec script and the original pilot.

Spec Script: The spec script is a sample script for an existing show. A successful spec script will demonstrate your ability to  replicate the world, characters, tone, and writing style of an existing show that currently airs on television.

Original Pilot: You should also be able to come up with original characters, themes, and stories to populate your own, riveting pilot. If a spec script shows how well you can fit into an existing model, the original pilot is proof that you have the ability to be creative and speak through many different points of view.

Finally, you have to be proud of your ideas and deliver your messages clearly in the writer’s room. This comes from practice. Another great benefit of the Writer’s Club is practicing pitching, brainstorming with fellow writers, learning to take and give notes and working as a team.