Welcome back for the final installment of Representation 101!

So far we have covered the basics of what having literary representation can do for you, what kind of representation you need and when you'd be ready for it, and where to meet literary representation.

And today, I'm not gonna lie to you. This is a hard post to write. Instead of giving a lot of hard facts and knowledge, consider it a "therapy session for Writers" blog, if you will. Because today we are going to tackle 2 tough questions I get asked frequently, and they are some of the most painful to answer.  They are:

1) How long does it take to secure representation?
2) What do I do if I've been seeking representation for a long time, and have yet to secure it?

I wish these questions had easy answers, but alas, they do not! So, I will do my best to give you some basic parameters concerning the length of acquiring representation and then give you a healthy context in which to think about representation if you've been waiting to secure it for a long time.

SO, let's tackle the first question.

How long DOES it take to secure representation? I mean really? HOW LONG?

As you all know, unfortunately there are no hard and fast answesr to this.

For some people, securing representation happens quite quickly-- a scenario of being in the right place, at the right time, with the right person. And this can and does happen.

But let's be honest. When you hear about this? You hate that person {a little bit...don't lie, you know you do!} but it also gives you hope that it could happen to you!  But please remember, this is rare.

For most writers (and this is the more realistic scenario) it can take months to years to secure an agent or a manager. But don't be disheartened.  Let's talk about some tips that can help situate you in a good position to get the ball rolling faster.

1. Write an amazing script that is sellable in the current market.
Easier said than done, right? Sure. But you need to look at your writing like a business. Do your homework. Read the industry trades (whether literary or screenwriting). See what is selling. And go in that direction, with your own spin. Write it. Have other industry professionals read it. And then rewrite it. And rewrite it again. And again.

2. Network like hell.
In the last blog post, I told you where to find and MEET these representation types. Go there. Find them. Talk to them. Offer to buy them a drink. Build relationships. Get to know them WITHOUT trying to push a script or novel into their hands. Find out what they want, what they are looking for. And then be patient.

3. Do not be afraid of rewrites.
If I've said it before, I've said it a million times, writing is nothing if not collaborative. If you have an agent or manager who is interested in your script {with a few caveats} ask them what they'd like to see different and if can stomach their suggestions, don't be afraid to rewrite it. They know what the market is looking for and they are in the business of getting stuff sold and developed. Jump in and rewrite it if necessary.

4. Do NOT compare your success to others. You have to stay in a good mental space.
​Lastly, on this road to securing representation, do NOT let others steal your joy. Do not compare yourself to other writers. It is your own individual journey. And it is a journey of tenacity. If you stay in, your chances of success increase. Just be sure you don't get burnt out.

So, once you have an awesome script and it's done WELL {i.e. placed well in competitions or the like}, securing interest could take 6 months to a year if you keep working all your avenues. Most people simply give up. You'll want to quit. But DON'T DO IT! Your brain will give out long before your script will. Stay focused.

What if I've been trying to secure representation for YEARS and haven't been able to?

Again, not an easy question to answer, but here are some ways to think about this scenario.

1. You don't have to have representation to be a working writer.
It's true. You don't. Does it help? And is it nice? Sure. But I know plenty of writers who are "working" with just an entertainment lawyer to help negotiate and seal the contracts. So, remember, don't think once you have an agent or manager that everything will be smooth sailing...because you WILL still have to work and representation does NOT guarantee you success. And don't let NOT having an agent hold you back. Keep on keeping on. That's the truth.

2. Take a minute to really consider WHY you write.
Do you write because it makes you happy? Is it a release? Is it fun? OR do you write for some other reason...such as validation or because it's hipster or to gain fame and fortune?

If your reason for writing is any of the latter options, you may need to reconsider writing as a career. Sorry for the tough love, but it's true. I find that most writers who end up doing it for a living would be writing even if they NEVER got paid. And they also are surprised they get to do it and make money for it. So, make sure your heart and intentions are in the right place. Having wrong intentions can stifle your creativity, you know.

3. Reconsider what you are writing and make sure that it fits the market.
Again, if you are wanting representation, its most likely because you want to try to earn money doing something you love. If you aren't gaining any attention from representation, you may need to reevaluate what kind of material you are putting out there. Make sure that it is something that the industry is wanting and looking for. Because obviously, if it can't make money for them, it won't make money for you. View your screenwriting as a business. And be savvy about it! And lastly...

4. JUST KEEP WRITING!
For all of you who are still going at it, listen to this story: I have a colleague who has been writing for 20 years. Yes, twenty. He won a few contests back around 10 years ago, and then nothing. But he kept writing. After his father passed away, his writing changed. Something happened. He felt it. He submitted again with new scripts. And they went gangbusters in the competitions. And this week, he got an e-mail from an agent at one of the big companies in Hollywood. Yes, you read that correctly.

HE... GOT AN E-MAIL... from an AGENT... he had NEVER MET... at one of the big representation firms... asking if HE was interested in representation! HOLY COW!!!!! I kid you not, I freaked out.  I am still not jaded by this business and refuse to ever be that way because stories like this make my heart burst open with joy.

And so it goes.

So be encouraged. Keep going. Keep writing. Do it because you love it. And representation will come along if it's meant to be. But you can do it without representation. Bust on through. Take charge of your own destiny and write.

I hope you have found this series to be helpful!

Happy Writing.

Thanks for coming back for Part 3 of the Representation 101 series!  

If you are just now joining me, let me review where we've been!

In Part 1, we covered the basics and discussed the similarities and differences between Literary Agents and Literary Managers!

In Part 2, we discussed scenarios where you would need an agent, a manager or potentially both.  We also discussed how you know WHEN you are ready for representation and more importantly, how to know when you are NOT quite ready for representation. We covered a LOT.


And now, in Part 3, we will discuss the myriad places (and ways) in which you can actually meet these elusive representation types, no matter what kind of writer you happen to be. We will also cover the certain rules of etiquette for when you DO meet representation.  And trust me on this, it can make or break a potential professional relationship if you don't use your brain and follow some common etiquette.  I don't think these "rules of etiquette" are a SECRET by any means, but I am more than happy to remind you of them, just in case! You may find them helpful.  So let's get started!

1.CONFERENCES- 

The number #1 place for writers  (both fiction, non-fiction and screenwriters) to meet agents is at writing conferences or workshops.  The number of these events is truly astounding, so be sure you choose wisely (i.e. make sure it is for your genre of writing, or have an obvious reason for why you are attending).

While attending a conference or workshop may seem obvious, many writers don't think about the fact that they may meet an agent UNLESS they have actively signed up for a  pitch.  But this isn't always the case.
 
TIP #1:  Literary Agents usually stick around both before and after their specific portion of the conference, wether it be a breakout session, panel or pitch session.  They too may attend a class or grab a drink at the venue bar or for the networking hours built into the conference schedule.  BUT, sometimes they take their name tags off! So, unless you researched ahead of time and know what they look like, you may not even know you are talking with an agent (this happened to me once, so it does happen).

TIP #2 -Always be prepared for the fact that you may run into an agent and not even know it!  In this case, have your elevator pitch ready.  Be confident enough and prepared enough to explain your idea or concept at a moment's notice.  A simple hello could lead to a million things. 

TIP #3: If you don't happen to run into/get a chance to talk to an agent at the event, what do you do?  Get upset?  NO!  Most likely, you will run into someone (a fellow conference attendee) who already has found representation.  Use that opportunity to ask about their agent/manager.  

And if their agent sounds like someone who could REALISTICALLY help you, ask your new conference friend if they would be willing to make an introduction via e-mail. 

This is the two-step process I was talking about, and it doesn't always work, but even if you can get an introduction from an established client of theirs, an agent may be willing to answer some questions and point you in a good direction.  You simply never know.

2. FESTIVALS (BOOK AND FILM) -

This is another great place to meet Literary Agents and Managers. Festivals tend to be much less structured than conferences, so, in that same vein, keep your interactions with potential representation low-key.  Always be professional of course, but don't expect to pitch them!  Don't do it!   

For Literary Writers- Agents will sometimes accompany their writers to book festivals, so always be on the look out to say hello!

For Screenwriters- Film Festivals are also a great place to meet directors and producers (along with managers and agents)!  Again, these things are way more low key, so play it cool when meeting potentially awesome contacts. It will serve you well in the future.

3.INDUSTRY WORKSHOPS, PANELS & CLASSES:
For the Literary World​:
​
For writers of all kinds, workshops and master classes are the way to go when it comes to developing a true relationship with a potential literary agent.  Often times, groups like Writer's Digest or the Greater Los Angeles Writer's Society, invite agents or managers to lead Q&A's, talk on panels or conduct master classes for aspiring writers.  Writer's Digest offers many resources and you should check their website often!  Their master classes, on-line webinars and online classes are often taught by agents actively seeking new clients!  This is a great way to meet/find agents to talk to!  Not only do they impart their priceless wisdom, you often get the chance to really develop a relationship with the agents leading the workshop/class!  This is truly an invaluable experience.

For the Screenwriting World:  
 
In the same vein, industry mixers abound and are a great place to make industry contacts!  I seriously feel like there are panels, mixers, and events every night in LA and NYC offered by groups such as the International Screenwriter's Association, Stage 32, New York Film Loft and independently run events through groups such as MixKnowledgy and others. Another place to check is through specific guilds (like the WGA West and East, the Director's Guild, SAG, etc).

​These events allow you to mix and mingle in a more intimate environment than a large conference setting, but the biggest take away is don't be afraid to say hello!

It would mean the world to them if you take the initiative to thank the agent or manager for their time (often times they aren't being paid for the event), mention something they said that really impacted you, and offer them your card.  Then be sure to follow up!  Play it cool and be sure to FOLLOW UP with them.  Take them out for coffee!

ONE FINAL NOTE on ETIQUETTE-
DO: Use your brain.  
DON'T:  Attempt to pitch an agent or manager if they are preoccupied, surrounding by lots of people, trying to "use the facilities" {trust me, this has happened} or they are in a hurry to get somewhere.
DO: Hand them your awesome business card and follow up at a better time.  They will appreciate your ability to read the situation, plus they will actually remember your pitch when you give it to them at a better time. 
DON'T: Email them once a week after sending the initial email {unless they ask you to}. 
DO: Email them once, and then follow up in a month. And if they asked you to send them a log-line or synopsis or one-sheet, don't forget to include it, both times!  Emails get lost, too. Especially if you get 500 emails a day. 
 
Final Tip:  If you don't have the budget to attend these conferences/film festivals/events, call the organizers and offer to VOLUNTEER!!!! Don't think it's beneath you to volunteer either.  IT truly is a win-win for everyone involved! YAY!!!!

That is it for today!  In the final Representation 101 installment, we will discuss how long it generally takes to secure representation and what to do if you have been trying for a long time to secure an agent or manager and still have had no success.  They will be really informative, so be sure to come back. And remember, a simple hello could lead to a MILLION things.  So, don't give up.😊

Happy Writing!

Whitney
"Everyone has a story. Write Yours."