Screenplay Agents and Screenplay Submission
It is not mandatory that you have a screenplay agent represent
you in order to sell a screenplay. However, having a screenplay
agent may greatly increase your chances to sell a screenplay.
Many producers prefer or mandate that screenplay submissions come
only from screenplay agents because screenplay agents help their
review process by weeding out a large portion of non-saleable
screenplays. Of course, there is also geography. The fact is that
most screenplays are sold in either Hollywood or New York city.
If you do not live there, then it is a big benefit to work with
a screenplay agent that works and resides in one of those cities.
Aside from these basic advantages, there are several other points
to consider as well.
Here are some of the key benefits a screenplay agent can
provide:
They can
have your screenplay read and edited.
They know
the players involved: actors, directors, producers, and the BUYERS!
They know
the trends, what is HOT and what is NOT.
They are
experienced negotiators and may be able to get better terms and
royalties for you.
Their job
is to sell screenplays, that is what they do!
Literary Manager
A literary manager offers most of the same services as a screenplay
agent, but they also offer some additional services. In general,
a literary manager helps writers develop and fine tune their writing
skills. They also help to develop and fine tune individual screenplays.
They may even be able to help you find writing jobs within the
industry to help you gain experience.
A Literary Manager may do all of the following and more:
Edit your
scripts with you and help guide you through rewrites.
Help to
develop and fine tune your writing skills.
Find you
writing jobs.
