... that doesn't come from me. It's from Javier Grillo-Marxuach, who is currently the showrunner of Syfy’s “Helix.” He posted a series of Tweets that blogger Kate O'Hare compiled (You still with me? I know -- lots of names being tossed around.) His advice was terrific (read: I agree with it) and worth passing on.
You can find it here. I especially appreciate his suggestion that young scribes write specs for existing shows, not just pilots. He'll tell you why.