Finding an agent?

[Carrol Ann]

I have a completed script and would like to start my search for an agent. Your postings make it sound virtually impossible...anyway...what should my first step be...from your posts it seems there are a lot of scammers out there...who should I avoid...what are some good links...and I would like to register my script with the American Screenwriters Association...good idea?? This is a really great site, I am learning a lot from your posts...thanx so much

[NikeeGoddess]

you'll want to register with the writer's guild
http://www.wgaeast.org
and the library of congress
- will someone provide the link please

about getting an agent. i always give the same advice whether it works for you or not i don't know but...

an agent is not looking for a "one hit wonder". you'll need a few more marketable scripts under your belt to attract a good agent b/c they only make money from the sale of your scripts (or writing assignments which is a different matter).

if you have only one script which is market-ready* then you could possibly get lucky with finding an agent who knows a producer who is looking for exactly what you have to offer. but, it is probably better for you to submit to producers who are looking for that perfect script that you have.**

the catch-22 is that many producers (but not all) will only take submissions from agents (not writers and esp not newbies). therefore, you will most likely need to get an agent first. however, if you find a producer who does want your script then it will make it so much easier to find an agent because you have already done the leg work for them (finding a buyer) and they will get paid to do nothing but a little paperwork ;)



*knowing whether your script is market-ready is an entirely different problem that you MUST deal with first.

**finding out what producers are looking for is another process of marketing that is easier than finding an agent. you just have to know where to look.

now... go write another script because your first one is crap!

[Carrol Ann]

you'll want to register with the writer's guild
http://www.wgaeast.org
and the library of congress
- will someone provide the link please

about getting an agent. i always give the same advice whether it works for you or not i don't know but...

an agent is not looking for a "one hit wonder". you'll need a few more marketable scripts under your belt to attract a good agent b/c they only make money from the sale of your scripts (or writing assignments which is a different matter).

if you have only one script which is market-ready* then you could possibly get lucky with finding an agent who knows a producer who is looking for exactly what you have to offer. but, it is probably better for you to submit to producers who are looking for that perfect script that you have.**

the catch-22 is that many producers (but not all) will only take submissions from agents (not writers and esp not newbies). therefore, you will most likely need to get an agent first. however, if you find a producer who does want your script then it will make it so much easier to find an agent because you have already done the leg work for them (finding a buyer) and they will get paid to do nothing but a little paperwork ;)



*knowing whether your script is market-ready is an entirely different problem that you MUST deal with first.

**finding out what producers are looking for is another process of marketing that is easier than finding an agent. you just have to know where to look.

now... go write another script because your first one is crap!
Thank you NikeeGoddess for the advice it is very helpful...

[clockwork]

It's not impossible but it's a real, hard slog. Anyone who's signed with an agent will have a different story about how they did it but query letters are probably the best place to start if you have no contacts in the industry. You have to cold-approach agencies you think are right for you (based on their client list and past sales) and get in touch. Your letter should tell them a little about yourself and the script you've written - there are dozens of books and a stack of websites that debate the art of the query letter.

I don't think it's very likely that an agent would take on a new client based on one script unless it's extremely marketable and they have a place to send it. More than likely the agent will ask to read something else to make sure, as NikeeGoddess said, you're not a one-hit wonder and also to get a feel for your range as a writer. At this stage, assuming everything you've sent has been of consistently good quality, the agent may even set up a meeting for an informal chat about where you see your writing going and just what that agent can do for you as well as sizing up your personality/attitude - is this someone I can work with? Etc. It's also an opportunity for you to size them up. You mustn't get into a business relationship unless, you too, are comfortable.

Once you do sign with an agent, projects and success can take a while. There will be a general 'testing of the water' by sending out your script(s) to producers as an introduction to you as a writer and to get your name out there. Your responsibility during this time is to keep writing and keep producing marketable, high quality scripts that your agent can sell.

It is a tough thing to do but not impossible. People say it's who you know or what you know but in my experience it's more about how badly you want it.

BTW; this is all written from a UK POV. I don't have much experience of agents in the US and as with most things, individual practices and methods will vary across the industry spectrum.

[scripter1]

didn't mean her final comment to sound quite so harsh,
she wasn't really going after you personally and I'm glad to see you didn't react to that.

I'll clairify for her. (Just to piss her off.)

Almost all new writers start out with scripts that are subpar. They are learning, all they have is a dream, quite a few don't even have any kind of story background, just want to get rich quick, or suddenly had an idea pop into their head and a friend said it would make a cool movie. Anyway, very, very, VERY few get it right the first time. (It does happen, but it's rare.) Screenwriting is a CRAFT, which according to Websters is - a special skill or art.

It takes time to develope it.
Maybe you are that rare bird, but then again maybe not.
You have several options.

You can enter contests and see how you do. A list of legit ones can be provided. Place well, win, and you are well on your way.
You can post some pages and loglines here on the pages forums and we will happily rip them......er, read them for you and give you some feedback.
OR
You can send out to agents and see what happens.
(I would strongly suggest you submitt a sample letter and logline to the boards first.)

Maybe you'll be lucky.

[NikeeGoddess]

trying to sugarcoat me.
didn't mean her final comment to sound quite so harsh

oh yes i did b/c i don't sugarcoat. it only promotes diabetes which means one would have to give themselves a shot (of reality) every single day to overcome the harsh realities and true underbelly of this business.

[scripter1]

told you it would piss her off. :)

[NikeeGoddess]

if you call that "pissed off" then i can only assume that when the characters in your stories get angry or have any serious emotions that a reader would not be able to tell or they would just think you have a weak idea of what pissed off is.



[[[the NikeeGoddess just shakes her head]]]