| Searching for a Literary Agent can be a daunting | | | | Let's face it, in the business world people always |
| task. But it is an essential one. It's true that the | | | | want more out of you. And if you present them |
| easiest way to find representation is through | | | | with one good idea, they will want more which is |
| someone you know who already has industry | | | | kind of a good thing. Be prepared just in case. |
| contacts. But let's pretend you are a screenwriter | | | | Once your screenplay or novel manuscript has |
| who does not have any connections in Hollywood. | | | | been polished you are ready to begin your |
| Then where do you begin? | | | | research for that long awaited representation. |
| Well first, after you have spent hours upon hours | | | | When researching a literary agent try to find out |
| pouring your heart and soul into creating your | | | | how much experience they have. Who are their |
| inspired masterpiece a finished screenplay or novel | | | | other clients? More importantly, do they accept |
| manuscript emerges. The first question you should | | | | first time screenwriters? You want an agent who |
| ponder is whether or not your screenplay or | | | | will believe in you and will want to market your |
| manuscript is ready. Sure you think it is. But there | | | | screenplay or manuscript for the best possible |
| are questions that need to be answered first | | | | deal in town. Before sending your screenplay to a |
| before it is ready for the masses. | | | | literary agent, find out what their requirements |
| Have someone else read your screenplay. Having | | | | are for submissions. |
| a fresh pair of eyes read your screenplay or | | | | You can introduce yourself to a literary agent and |
| manuscript can give you a new perspective. | | | | their agency by way of a query letter. List any |
| Identify any weaknesses in your story. They will | | | | credentials you may have. If you have previously |
| need to be addressed and resolved prior to | | | | published in trade magazines or won any writing |
| submitting your screenplay or novel manuscript to | | | | contests these should be noted. Remember this is |
| a literary agent. | | | | still part of the writing process. |
| You want to write a screenplay that is strong and | | | | This is after all, the business side of your creative |
| meaningful a story that speaks to its audience. So | | | | endeavor where you are in search of a |
| you need to know what audience you are writing | | | | negotiator, a literary agent who will pitch your |
| for. Literary agents specialize in certain genres. | | | | screenplay and your work of art to producers |
| Knowing the market for your screenplay or | | | | and studio executives. Who better to help you |
| manuscript will help you to know which agent you | | | | through this painful and enlightening stage of selling |
| should be approaching. | | | | your screenplay or novel manuscript than a |
| A literary agent won't look at you once let alone | | | | professional who knows the ropes and the main |
| twice if your screenplay or manuscript is not | | | | characters in the industry? Having a literary agent |
| marketable. Literary agents want clients who | | | | to guide you through the process and find you |
| write in a profitable field. You want to get your | | | | the best market available for your screenplay or |
| foot in the door. It is always a good idea to have | | | | novel manuscript will be a challenge well rewarded. |
| a couple more ideas brewing around in your head. | | | | |