BEA Writing Division Show Bibles Competiton

Deadline: December 1, 2025
Submission: A series bible for a television show that includes a detailed treatment of the pilot episode, character descriptions, season 1 outline, and season 2-5 summary. The final document should not exceed 25 pages.

The series bible for a television show submission must include the following:

A one-page pitch (1 page)

Series Overview & Format (1-2 pages)

• Necessary backstory to explain the story world, previous happenings that explain the current situation, location descriptions, etc.)
• How will the story unfold?
• Explain unique storytelling, or series structure
• Explain best outlet for series (channel, streaming service, etc.)

Character breakdowns (2-4 pages)

• not just physical descriptions but the character’s inner landscape
• A short paragraph about who each person is, what he or she wants, and what this person will do to get it
• How do their wants/needs relate to the plot/theme of the show

Detailed pilot episode story outline/treatment (10-12 pages)

• Scene by scene description of what happens
• Character arcs explained
• Plot explained in detail

Episode list with short synopses (3-5 pages)

• Brief summary of each first-season episode including title and basic description for each episode
• Focus this on the character arc, not simply the plot.

A short summary of seasons two through five (1-2 pages)

To submit, visit the BEA2026 submission site and click on the following:
– Submit or Edit a Paper or Panel Proposal
– Submit a New Paper or Panel Proposal
-Select “Writing”
-Select “Show Bibles Competition”