BEA Writing Division Show Bibles Competition

Deadline: December 15, 2026
BEA’s Writing Division welcomes submissions for a Show Bibles Competition.  Submit 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)
  • Provide more than the physical descriptions, also include 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)