Chapter III

. In addition to what is there said, it may be stated that,

as a rule, it is best not to write a complete serial--even though only in synopsis form--unless you have what is beyond question a sure market. As a matter of fact, most serials are written at present by big-name writers of fiction--such as Arthur B. Reeve--or "inside" writers, such as George B. Seitz, who has been responsible for several successful Pathé serials. The comparatively few "outside" writers who have "made good" with serials follow the plan of writing the synopsis of the first four or five episodes (which in film form would mean eight or ten reels), which they submit for the editor's approval in the regular way. If the editor likes the idea, or theme, of the story, and thinks it would make a successful picture, he will commission you to finish it. Four or five episodes of well-planned, suspense-holding plot will be sufficient to assure him that you are capable of keeping up the same speed and making the story consistently interesting all through.

To reiterate what was also pointed out in the definition in