If you’re submitting a play for the first time, one of the biggest surprises can be discovering that some opportunities charge a submission fee—and others don’t.
So, how much should you expect to pay?
What do play submission fees usually cost?
There isn’t one standard international fee. In general, you may encounter:
- Free: Many theatres, competitions, festivals, and literary organizations accept submissions without charging a fee.
- $5–$15: A relatively common range for competitions, contests, or opportunities with administrative costs.
- $15–$25: Not unusual for established competitions or opportunities offering substantial prizes, readings, or other benefits.
- $25+: Higher fees do exist, but they deserve closer scrutiny. Look carefully at what you’re getting in return.
Internationally, fees may be listed in local currencies, so remember that a seemingly small fee can add up quickly when you're submitting to organizations in several countries.
When is paying a submission fee reasonable?
A fee isn't automatically a red flag. It can be reasonable when the opportunity is legitimate, clearly explained, and genuinely relevant to your work.
Before paying, check:
- Who is running the opportunity?
- What exactly are they offering?
- Is there a meaningful prize, production, reading, publication, or professional opportunity?
- Are the selection criteria and deadlines clearly stated?
- Can you find evidence that previous writers have participated?
Most importantly, don't assume that paying a fee improves your chances of being selected. A legitimate submission fee generally covers administration or participation costs; it shouldn't be treated as buying consideration.
Don't feel pressured to pay for everything
As a new playwright, you don't need an enormous submission budget. In fact, free opportunities can be an excellent place to start.
Set yourself a monthly or annual submission budget and be selective. Ten $20 submissions cost $200—money that could be better spent if several of those opportunities aren't a good fit for your play.
Keep a simple record of opportunities, deadlines, fees, and results. A submission tracker—such as the one you might build while researching opportunities on playsubmissionshelper.com—can make the process much easier to manage.
The goal isn't to submit everywhere. It's to submit thoughtfully to opportunities where your play has a genuine reason to belong.