I spent two years (2021-2023) sending out two feature screenplays to 25 screenplay competitions, OUT was top 2% on Coverfly (Humanitas Finalist), A BREED APART was top 10% on Coverfly. I got one read from an industry professional who passed.
I probably spent around 5k in private coaching (Pilar Alessandra and Lee Jessup), entry fees, and coverage.
The biggest takeaway is that I can focus my creative energy in a better way.