So You Got A Literary Agent... Now What?

Good Morning my Warriors of Writing, my Sultans of Storytelling, my Colossi of Creativity!

A Preamble

Before you dive in, I want to tell you why I wrote this blog post. I will break into this industry, become an acclaimed writer, and set a new standard. This is not a belief. This is a promise. I'm not the best writer, but I'm dedicated to my craft, so this article is for those who are just as dedicated.

Those willing to make that same promise and set the path ablaze to create a new standard. If this isn't you, then no worries, read for enjoyment, but if this is you, welcome, my friend. This road is long and perilous, but I believe I've got some tools to keep you on the path.

A brainstorming session in 2018

My Journey Thus Far

When I started my journey into this industry, I had no clue what I was getting into. I had no scripts, no fleshed-out stories, and I hadn't a modicum of understanding of what the road ahead would have for me. I was a fish out of water, but I had the tenacity and the drive to make something happen, so I did.

I pitched without a script, deck, synopsis, or logline several times. But, of course, all passes. So I pitched my life story (3x Brain surgery, stroke, opioid addiction…story for another day), and by golly, I landed a manager! The Ageless Wonder Tessa Shaffer at Corvisiero Literary Agency signed me, and I was beyond thrilled (after being told weeks later it was a big deal).

I will admit, however, that I went into this milestone achievement with delusions of grandeur. I thought Tessa would help me finish my script, Hollywood would write me a fat check, and I'd be bigger than Sorkin and Spielberg!

Getting repped is a beautiful thing, but when it happens for you, and it will, the work is just beginning. So I thought I could ease up, take a breather, and let fame and fortune fall in my lap. I bet those of you with experience are snickering right now. Poking your writing partner or on a break from running lines like "Get a load of this freaking guy."

After the first few months, I crashed back down to reality. Tessa didn't want the script until it was great, not good, not a soul in Hollywood knows I exist (yet), and the greats felt galaxies away (for now). I remember staring at an open writing document, thinking, "Why did I think I could be a writer?"

Then one day, I watched success stories on YouTube, and the drive returned. I started envisioning myself giving acceptance speeches, writing masterpieces, and selling everything I wrote.

The Work

As a younger man, I played football, and to get to the championship game, you had to put in the work. So to write masterpieces, sell scripts, and stand on stage, I had to put in the work. Below are ten things I do and will continue to do regardless of whether I'm repped or not.

1) READ THE TRADES – DAILY

This may seem like a chore (as it did to me), but I now believe it is crucial to your success in this industry. While entertainment has a creative/artistic side, that is not the only side.

So often, we ignore the business of it and think, "My work speaks for itself!" but can you imagine walking into Netflix to pitch a specific project. You assume that you're pitching your brand new idea, not realizing they just cut the entire department, and it was in the trades weeks or even days ago? Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety. Read them.

2) SEEK OUT NEW & MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS (HUNTING) – DAILY

This industry moves on connections whether you are a director, producer, editor, writer, or actor. The more people you know and build genuine relationships with, the more doors and opportunities you will have. I now have a digital Rolodex of my entertainment contacts, and the list grows every day.

3) STUDY FILMS, WRITERS, AND DIRECTORS – DAILY

Whether you use IMBD Pro, read memoirs, or watch their work, you should ABS (Always Be Studying) your craft. I, for one, believe actors should study writing and writers should study acting. Directors should study both. What I'm really saying is to study all three.

4) FELLOWSHIPS, MENTORSHIPS, PROGRAMS, & COURSES – IF ALIGNED

A quick Google search will bring up swaths of results for anything you can think of. You're an underrepresented writer? Great. There's a competition waiting for your work.

You specialize in writing pilots? Awesome. A mentorship program just opened up. Do I really need to talk about Fellowships? I mean Nicholls…You get the point. There are so many opportunities out there it'll make your head spin.

Right here on Stage 32 there are contests, courses, and now Certifications!

Moderating an entrepreneurship panel in 2020

5) READ SCRIPTS (GOOD OR BAD) – EVERY FRIDAY

I dedicate one day a week to thoroughly reading scripts/giving notes, but you can absolutely add more days. I was on a call with a development exec who said their day was nothing but reading scripts. I think that's a tad extreme but look to land somewhere in the middle. They do say readers are leaders.

6) EMAIL TESSA UPDATES – EVERY MONDAY

I let Tessa know that I preferred regular communication and that she would hear from me at least once a week. She had no issue with that. Now she doesn't always respond, but when she does (I'd say 75% of the time), she always has important updates, questions, or feedback for me. I love that.

7) CHECK-IN WITH PEOPLE (FARMING) – WEEKLY/BIWEEKLY/MONTHLY

Once you've built a relationship with someone, it's like gardening, you have to nurture it. Ask if there's anything you can do for them, and send articles, tweets, posts, and videos about topics that interest them. Treat them like people, not bargaining chips to get a leg up. You never know who they know. You can do this through direct messages, or even in the Stage 32 lounges! 

8) PUT OUT CONTENT – DAILY

Social Media is everywhere. LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Stage 32. Navigate those platforms and master a couple. Use them to create your personal brands.

The decision-makers are watching your activity more than you think.

Be entertaining, interesting, informed/informative, present, and most importantly, be yourself. I do daily posts on IG and TikTok, and I'm frequently tweeting these days (execs, producers, and writers love posts that ADD VALUE). Set a schedule that works for you. The world is waiting!

9) WRITE – DAILY

I'm a writer through and through, so a day without writing for me feels odd. But writing doesn't always mean sitting down in front of screenwriting software and churning out 20 pages. Sometimes it's one page. Sometimes it's one line, and sometimes it's what Taika Watiti said.

10) DON'T BE AN A-HOLE – DAILY

Please be kind to your representation, the contacts you make, and to anybody else. Good attitudes will get you into rooms and conversations you might not have been privy to.

In Conclusion

This list is not meant to be exhaustive, just a helpful kick-start to your engine. When you get representation, the grind doesn't stop. In fact, you grind harder. It's a huge milestone, but now you're speeding down the last 150m in a 400m race. This is no time to slow down. You're almost there. A rep can get you on the track, but it's on you to finish the race!

Anyway, #KeepF#*kingWriting, and have a kickass day!

Gratefully,

-KG

p.s Tessa is the greatest… just saying

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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