Screenwriting : Literary Managers by Kumali Neptune

I don't use either and have sold and optioned screenplays and negotiated a 6-volume book deal. I think the answer is do what fits your goals and plans and don't listen to generic advice.

If you Make enough to pay commission fees, sure. Most ppl with show biz careers- movies, sports, music- have representation.

If I had a choice I would have an agent over a manager as an agent can seek employment for you (based on the legal definition).

I don’t work enough as a writer to have either.

In my experience, it's difficult to get an agent without a manager first. That's not to say you need one or both, or that it's impossible to get an agent without a manager. But I don't know any writers who got an agent without getting a manager first or at the same time

I've heard that managers have closer, one-on-one relationships with writers than agents do, Kumali Neptune. I had a manager years back. He submitted my work to producers/etc., he gave me advice (the business side of the industry), he gave me advice in other areas, he gave me feedback on my ideas, etc. I've never had an agent, so I'm not sure if they do the extra things. But they might.

@Maurice - They do similar things, but you're right, managers develop you as a writer and introduce you to the town, but they can't solicit work (technically). Agents sell you through your scripts and can solicit work. Agents can also negotiate contracts, whereas managers can't. Managers can attach themselves as producers, agents can't (though there were sort-of workarounds which was the big WGA/Agencies fight a couple years ago). There's other stuff and this is super oversimplified, but those are the basics.

Thanks for the info, Emily. I didn't know managers couldn't solicit work.

Dan Guardino Thanks for sharing! May I ask what year this was? How do you feel about more boutique agencies?

Dan Guardino cool, I ask because I know post-writers' strike a while back the dynamic between the two roles and how they operate (particularly managers) changed a lot, and with the addition of writing consultants, I feel like they continue to evolve. Always interested to see how that impacts people's perceptions