So, I've got about six or seven Hollywood execs reading my books thanks to the pitchfest sessions run stage32 and the happy writers (thanks guys!). I've even had a general meeting with one of the execs. Some of these execs have had the books for three months, others three weeks. None of the them has said no. But none have said yes. Yet. The staff at the happy writers are always very polite when I send follow up emails asking if they've heard. The majority of the time, the execs tell him they are still reading or halfway through. How long should an answer take? How often should I bug the poor folk at stage32 and the happy writers for answers? Is every couple of weeks aggressive? Or are the execs simply disinterested - they would have jumped on the books if the liked them? I have no idea how long such things take... Advice would be appreciated!
Screenwriting : Well balanced follow up vs stalking by Gareth Worthington
Well balanced follow up vs stalking
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Wow. Six weeks is kind of a rule of thumb for checking back on a script. But a script is usually 90 to 120 pages with a lot of white space. I would say to ping the guys who have had it 3 months. That should be long enough. Be nice about it and don't pressure them and they shouldn't mind. It's normal to check back, as long as it doesn't turn into stalking or harassment. Good luck.
Thanks, Mark. That's very helpful!
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It depends on how busy they are. I've recieved answers as quick as a day to as long as 6 months. Sometimes they never reply. For some reason people in Hwood think it's less rude to never answer instead of just saying pass.
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Just had a small heart attack. Have emailed you back, Joey!
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Congrats, Gareth. And your question is on the minds of all of us who have had material requested to read.
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OK, so I see that I am being somewhat impatient! ;) In my industry everything movies at a meteoric pace, so I must adjust my way of working. BTW, as an update: the exec wants to re-read the first book to really get his head around the story (it is a little complex), but he likes it! Can't ask for more. And as always, the fact that anyone is even reading it is down to Stage32 and the undeniably cool, Mr Joey Tuccio. He's like a one-man campaign, working hard to get us noticed!
Hi Lyse, I pitched books, yes. I have been working on them on and off for 15 years, so know the story well and the characters as if they were real people. So, it's easy to get passionate about them. And of course when I'm questioned, my response is never 'I haven't worked that bit out yet.' Being passionate is half the battle, at least I think so! I'm initially pitching to sell the rights to someone who wants to develop the movies; however, one exec with whom I had a general meeting suggested that they may also work as a TV series given the complexity of the story. I am happy to take advice from experts, and work with their vision as well as my own. For the script, I imagine the production company would hire someone - though I have a screenwriter friend who is doing a few chapters just to show me how it might look. And I'm glad you liked the excerpt - how about reading the whole thing? The first two are published and the last is with my editor now!