Writing for Radio - turning on, tuning in...

"As with all forms of storytelling that are composed in words, not in visual images, radio always leaves that magical and enigmatic margin, that space of the invisible, which must be filled in by the imagination of the listener."  Angela Carter
Bearing in mind that the BBC receives something in the region of 10,000 unsolicited manuscripts every year, it's important to make sure that your offering stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons.  There are a few basic conventions you need to get your head around, but there is also some incredibly helpful software that will help you to do this. Click here for information about how to download ScriptSmart, which is the BBC's preferred script formatter.

1. Print your play or story on A4 paper, it using one side only.
2. Characters' names should be clearly separated from the speech and should be given in full throughout -- don't use abbreviations.
3. Sound effects and other technical information should also be clearly differentiated from the speech.
4. Attach a synopsis of the play, even if it is a completed script, together with a cast list and brief notes on the main characters. 
5. Make sure you keep a copy as things can go astray.

Deciding which radio slot you are going to pitch for (see my last post) will  dictate the length of your submission.  As a rule of thumb, half an hour's broadcasting amounts to between six and seven thousand words, although you need to indicate whether your material should be performed in front of a live audience or not as this will also have an effect on how long it needs to be.

A few basic abbreviations to have at your fingertips :

• F/X means sound effects
• GRAMS refers to recorded music
• D means distort
• V/O stands for voiceover

Having looked at some of the nuts and bolts that will help you put a script together competently, tune in next time for the interesting stuff: : thinking in sound.  It's through the blue door....