According to various sources, there have been 23 spec script sales so far this year.

A spec script is what every writer dreams of selling.

It short for, as you might've guessed, a speculative screenplay.  This means an original concept, original story, original script.  For example, Juno.

The reason this is a big deal (besides the crazy amount of money the screenwriter makes), is that these purchases are examples of studios taking risks.  While they might be similar to old material, they are still original ideas, not Terminator 4.

The more specs that are sold in any given year, the more power the artist has.  Last year, 88 were sold.  So, for 3 1/2 months into 2009, 23 isn't that bad of a figure.  

Keep in mind that this doesn't mean they will all be produced - that's another matter entirely. 

Hopefully these numbers will continue to go up.  Fingers crossed!

Peace.