I am a published author and have a literary agent who represents my children's books, however, I transitioned from book writing to screenwriting a couple of years ago and my agent doesn't represent screenplays. Does anyone have any advice on where to look for representation? Are screenwriting contests worth a try, and if so, what are the legit ones to enter? Do you recommend pitching to a literary agent or a literary manager, and what is the difference? Any first hand experience and advice would be most appreciative.
David. I gained literary representation via stage 32. I actually sent in a script for coverage, it was read and the consultant ended up forwarding it to a manger who signed me. I realize the services offered in the "Happy Writers" section of stage 32 (on the maroon bar near the top of this screen) cost money. However, it is one possible avenue that has worked for me and also a close friend of mine, so I'm all for it. You can also send out query letters yourself. You'll need at least one very solid script but three or more would be a lot better. Writing contests. Depends what you're writing. The most respected screenwriting contest is the Nicholl Fellowship http://www.oscars.org/nicholl . It tends to favor strong drama over other genres (run by the same orgainistion that runs the Oscars) so if you're writing, for example, a brutal horror film it's not your best bet and you'd be better off going here https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/contests/Stage-32-Happy-Writers-2n... . I get the impression you are likely to keep writing kid friendly stuff and I have no idea off the top of my head where your best bet for contests would be. I wouldn't assume that winning or placing a contest will have agent or managers beating a path to your door but it can be something that helps sell you in a pitch or query letter. I had some success with Bluecat that helped my script get read by some folks in NZ (where I live) which proved useful. Difference between literary agent and literary manager? Dude, I'm still confused about this. Hopefully one of the smart people can answer this. William Martell & Dan Guardino I'm looking at you. Lastly, I wish you all the best but be aware getting representation or getting your first paid job as a writer is something most people underestimate. I believe the average number of feature screenplay aspiring writers create before seeing single a penny is eight. Take care.
Hi Guy, thanks for the feedback and advice, and congrats on your success. My agent that I currently have is definitely for my children's books only, which I have 3 published and landed 3 more book deals last year for children's books which will come out in late 2016/2017. One of the screenplays I've written is an adaptation of my children's novel that was published in 2012. My other two screenplays I've written one is a comedy TV show pilot, and the the other screenplay is an adaptation of my humor memoir that was published in 2014, but the content is for an adult audience as the humor is offbeat/raunchy. I've been pitching to agents and producers and managers that I've found on Google searches who accept submissions, but I've found the amount who do accept unsolicited loglines/screenplays is slim. So I guess that's where I'm stuck, how does one get their foot in the door when opportunity is limited? A couple of suggestions have been The Blacklist, but that seems to just be a hosting website where you pay a fee and upload your script and hope someone reads it, but unlike Stage 32, it doesn't allow a person to personalize their profile with a mini bio, resume, etc. So that's where I'm at in my career, research stage on how to get my foot in the door. As for the manager/agent thing, that is definitely confusing as I've been told different things on the differences. My understanding is an agent can negotiate a deal, but a manger can't, but a manager can pitch directly to producers, etc. But I'm not convinced I'm 100% accurate on that matter lol.
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Merely my 2 cents: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Screenwriting-Contests-that...
Thank you, Regina, this is very helpful!
There's an exception to every rule, but... Managers typically have a shorter client list and are typically more hands-on with their clients. Agents almost certainly have a longer client list and can be less hands-on with their clients. Agents are typically (not always) more "transactional," coming into the process later when there's a deal to be made, while managers typically come into the process earlier. The top agencies are very large, with offices in multiple cities/countries, with many agents who divide and conquer, and therefore, they have the best treasury of info across the country/world. My boss at CAA called the agency "Information Central." Even the largest management companies are small in number compared to the agencies. No company can "cover" the town as well as a large agency can, based on manpower, division of labor, and frankly, prestige and the power of influence. Technically, California law prohibits managers from negotiating deals, but in the "real world," they pretty much do it, and they will bring in an attorney when appropriate, or have you sign with an agent. Google: "john august justin marks agent" for a helpful blog on this topic. More often than not, new writers these days tend to land a manager first, who later matches them up with an agent when the time is right.
Those details make more sense and answers my question about the agent/manager. Thank you!
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Here's the blog link: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Do-writers-need-a-Lit-Manag...
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https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/A-really-useful-primer-for-...