Where Should Screenwriters Go Now? A Post-Coverfly Survival Guide
Written by ISA Staff Member
Where Should Screenwriters Go Now? A Post-Coverfly Survival Guide
So… Coverfly is shutting down.
If you’re feeling a little confused—or even a bit panicked—you’re not alone. A lot of us used it to track submissions, keep scripts in one place, and feel like we had a shot at getting noticed. Losing that kind of structure can feel like someone pulled the rug out from under your writing momentum.
But let’s take a breath together. This isn’t the end of the road. It’s just a reroute. And luckily, there are other paths—ones that can actually give you more control over your writing journey. So grab your coffee, your tea, or whatever helps you breathe, and let’s figure out what to do next.
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Rebuilding After Coverfly: Let’s Get You Reorganized
First things first—don’t let your scripts float in limbo. You probably had some projects sitting in your Coverfly dashboard, maybe some pending contest results or older entries you forgot about. Now’s the time to take inventory.
Open a fresh spreadsheet or even a simple Google Doc and start listing:
- The scripts you’ve been submitting
- Where you sent them
- What feedback (if any) you got
- What your next step is for each one
Once that’s in place, it’s time to look at where to go from here.
Submitting Your Script: Where to Enter Competitions Now
The International Screenwriters’ Association (ISA) is a great place to start. Their Contests page lists carefully vetted screenwriting competitions, with filters to help you find the right fit for your genre and goals. Plus, if you’re an ISAConnect member, you get four free contest submission waivers per year—which can really add up if you’re regularly submitting.
FilmFreeway is another solid option, especially for film festivals that also accept screenplays. It’s a bit more general (serving all kinds of creators), but many reputable screenplay contests still operate there. Just be sure to do a little digging: check out the judging panel, look into past winners, and make sure it’s the kind of opportunity that truly moves the needle.
Quick tip: Don’t hit pause. Get your stuff organized and start looking at where to resubmit—and maybe where to aim higher.
Where Else Can You Share Your Work and Get Seen?
Okay, so what if you really liked that “upload once, get seen by reps” vibe that Coverfly had?
The ISA has tools that are honestly pretty similar to what Coverfly and The Black List provide. If you’re an ISAConnect member, you can host your scripts on the platform, get evaluations, and even apply for exclusive, paid screenwriting gigs directly through the site. It’s a great way to keep your work in circulation and visible to industry pros without feeling like you’re shouting into the void.
Then there’s The Black List, which is still a strong option—especially if you’re writing feature films. You can pay to host your screenplay and request evaluations. If you score well, it can lead to visibility with agents, managers, and execs. It’s not a shortcut, but it can open doors with the right material.
Other platforms worth exploring include Stage 32, which offers pitch sessions and webinars, and Roadmap Writers, which leans into career coaching and industry prep. They’re a bit more interactive than Coverfly was, but depending on your goals, they can add real value.
Also, don’t overlook community-driven spaces like ISA’s Circle. It’s a blend of screenwriter community, event calendar, and support hub. Webinars, meetups, feedback sessions—you’ll find screenwriters who are navigating the same challenges and milestones you are. Sometimes, that kind of peer support can be just as career-boosting as a pitch session.
Bottom line: You don’t need one magic platform. You need a system that actually supports your voice, your screenwriting goals, and your next step forward.
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Your Screenwriting Career Isn’t Just a Platform—It’s What You Do With It
Let’s be real for a second, platforms like Coverfly made it feel like you were making progress just by uploading your screenplay. “Hey, I submitted. That’s something, right?” And yes, putting yourself out there is something. But this moment? It’s an invitation to take a more active role in steering your screenwriting career.
Your mission hasn’t changed:
- Keep writing
- Keep improving
- Keep showing up
If things feel quiet right now, that’s okay. Use the time to revise something older, start outlining a new idea, or challenge yourself to try a different format, like adapting a feature into a pilot or writing a short film just to experiment.
Here’s a real example: Rebecca C. Jacoby requested an ISA Development Evaluation for her animated feature, The Key of Seas. After receiving detailed notes, she rewrote the script and submitted it to a call for projects tied to the Cannes Film Festival. Just a few weeks later, the project was in the running for final selection—proof that thoughtful feedback and a solid rewrite can make all the difference.
Yes, tools like ISA, The Black List, and others matter. But they work best when you are actively engaged: developing your voice, revising with intention, and staying connected to the screenwriting community. A dashboard can amplify your efforts, but it’s your commitment to the craft that drives the real progress.
Platforms are powerful, but only when you power them.
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Ready to Keep Your Screenwriting Career Going?
Change is hard. We all get used to our routines and tools and when one disappears, it feels like everything is up in the air. But the truth? Coverfly was never the thing that made you a screenwriter. You did that.
So here’s your next move:
- Get your scripts organized
- Explore other platforms (ISA, Black List, FilmFreeway, Roadmap Writers)
- Keep writing, rewriting, and submitting
- Connect with writers and industry folks outside the algorithm
The industry is always changing, but the screenwriters who adapt, stay curious, and keep showing up? They’re the ones who break through.
And if you’re looking for some structure or inspiration, take a look at the ISA Writer’s Showcase or check out one of their community events. Not because it’s a replacement for Coverfly, but because it might help you stay connected, motivated, and on track.
You’re still in this. Let’s keep going.