If you want to make it as a professional screenwriter in Hollywood, having a qualified literary agent can make a massive difference in launching and elevating your career. But do you really need an agent to succeed?
While unknown screenwriters face long odds trying to break in without representation, partnering with an engaged, connected agent levels the playing field. An agent serves as an endorsement of your skill and vision. They open doors that would otherwise remain closed.
This article will cover:
- What exactly do agents do for screenwriters?
- Is an agent absolutely essential to make it in Hollywood?
- How can an unsigned writer get a foot in the door and find an agent?
- What should you look for when evaluating potential representation?
- Key takeaways on maximizing your career with the help of an agent.
If you aspire to sell your scripts, build industry connections, and launch your career as a screenwriter, read on to learn why having the right agent makes a world of difference.
What Do Agents Do for Screenwriters?
Literary agents serve many crucial roles for screenwriters that all aim to promote the writer’s career and get their work sold. Here are some of the top things an agent does:
Pitch Screenplays to Studios, Producers and Financiers
The number one duty of a screenwriter’s agent is pitching their scripts to the right people who can get them produced and sold. This means leveraging their industry relationships to get your work in front of:
- Development executives at major studios
- Independent production companies
- Well-connected producers and production banners
- Financiers, investors, and foreign distributors
Seasoned agents have a deep Rolodex of contacts cultivated over the years in Hollywood. They can get your script directly into the hands of decision-makers able to purchase it or get it into development.
Getting your work read by the right eyes is perhaps the biggest hurdle for undiscovered writers. A qualified agent blows the door wide open.
Negotiate Deals and Contracts
Once there is interest from a studio, producer, or production banner, the agent steps in to hammer out the business deals. This includes negotiating:
- The initial script sale agreement
- Option agreements and subsequent draft deals
- Rewrite commissions and polish assignments
- Compensation for production rewrites or acting as an on-set script doctor
- Contingent compensation agreements (back-end bonuses tied to box office, streaming, etc.)
Top agents are masters of the art of the deal. They leverage their relationships and negotiation skills to maximize their client’s monetary outcomes throughout the life of a project.
Provide Career Guidance and Project Selection
Beyond selling current scripts, an agent acts as an advisor on important career moves that affect the writer’s brand and future. This means guidance on:
- Which projects to pursue next
- When to take on assignments vs. focus on specs
- How much to charge for various services
- Avoiding problematic buyers, producers, or IP
- Making connections that align with your goals
An agent has a bird’s-eye view of industry trends and key players. They guide their client’s career trajectories to match their abilities, interests, and objectives.
Handle Legal Matters
From shopping agreements to contracts, agents serve as the quarterback on all legal matters. This includes:
- Reviewing any agreement from a studio or production entity
- Rider negotiations – bonuses, credits, etc.
- Guild member registration and compliance
- Providing access to entertainment attorneys
Letting your agent be the point person for these matters allows you to focus on writing.
Get Access to People and Opportunities
Beyond selling scripts, an agent’s connections can facilitate introductions to people or opportunities that boost your career. Examples include:
- Staffing on television shows
- Pitching to directors or talent for projects
- Invitations to speaking engagements or industry events
- Getting writing assignments or polishing jobs
Top agents are plugged into the Hollywood pipeline. They leverage their network to create doors for their clients while raising their profile.
In summary, a qualified literary agent is so much more than just a salesperson. They are a career coach, negotiator, legal representative, and connector. Partnering with the right agent pays invaluable dividends throughout your screenwriting journey.
Do You Need an Agent to Succeed as a Screenwriter?
While it’s theoretically possible to succeed as an unrepresented screenwriter, having a reputable agent makes it exponentially easier to break into the industry and sell your work.
Can You Sell a Script Without an Agent?
Unknown, amateur writers face tremendous barriers trying to penetrate Hollywood without representation. Why is that the case?
Studio Executives and Producers Won’t Read Unsolicited Material
The vast majority of major studios, production companies, and influential producers will only look at scripts submitted to them by credible reps. They simply don’t have time to read submissions from anyone off the street.
Trying to directly submit your latest spec script to major players without an agent almost certainly means it goes straight into the trash bin.
Even most screenwriting contests and fellowships require you to have representation just to submit your script. While not technically mandatory, landing a reputable agent is the only realistic pathway to getting your material into the right hands.
An Agent Signals You are a Legitimate Writer Worth Considering
You must convince industry influencers to invest their limited time reading your script and considering you for assignments. But with the barrage of writers hustling every day, what makes you stand out from the pack?
Partnering with an established literary agency immediately signals to the town that you are a real, credible talent worth opening the door for. Aligning with a brand known for representing major writers tells execs you come quality-approved.
The right agent endorsement carries tremendous weight – like a seal of approval vouching for your skills. Their relationships and personal recommendations give you an invaluable foot in the door.
Without this backing, you are largely invisible in the spec script market as just another amateur writer claiming to be the next big thing.
Agents Negotiate Better Deals
Even if you manage to get a production company to read and make an offer on your spec script, an agent is essential to ensure you get paid your market value.
Seasoned agents know what benchmark compensation looks like for any given genre, budget level or type of project. They leverage market data and precedent deals to negotiate the strongest agreement.
Trying to hammer out points like upfront payment, contingent compensation, credits, rewrites or other deal terms without an agent rarely leads to favorable outcomes. You need an advocate who knows precedent and can push to maximize the value of your work.
In summary, while it’s not literally required to have an agent, the odds of gaining traction as an unknown writer without representation are extremely slim. Partnering with an experienced literary agent levels the playing field and opens the doors necessary to get your work sold and your career moving.
How Do Screenwriters Get Agents?
If you’ve written some solid scripts and are looking to connect with literary representation, how does an unrepresented writer actually land an agent? Here are some of the most common pathways:
Referrals Through Your Network
Gaining a referral to an agent from an existing client, friend, colleague, manager, entertainment attorney, etc. is perhaps the best way to get representation. A personal recommendation gives you instant credibility.
But this requires having meaningful connections in your network to advocate for your work. Until you gain a foothold in the industry, be open to referrals from any credible source possible.
Pitch at Workshops, Seminars and Events
Industry gatherings like screenwriting conferences and seminars frequently host pitching forums or agent meet-and-greets. These provide opportunities to make your pitch in person to potential reps.
Logline and elevator pitching workshops also offer great ways to hone your verbal pitching skills to catch an agent’s ear and make them request to read your work.
Success in Screenwriting Contests
Placement as a finalist, semi-finalist, or top 10 writer in reputable screenwriting contests like the Nicholl Fellowship immediately elevates your credibility. It signals your work was recognized for excellence.
Use this to query agents highlighting your contest recognitions and accomplishments. It presents you as someone producing material above the amateur level.
Produced Short Films or Plays
If you have written short films, plays, or other content that has been produced and performed, this separates you from the pack. Send links showing your produced work.
Verifiable credits prove to reps that others have trusted you with production-ready material. This gives agents confidence that you as a screenwriter understand how to craft scripts, not just ideas.
Querying Agents
Once you have polished scripts ready, begin sending query emails pitching yourself and your work to prospective agents. Focus on agencies with clients in your genre and budget range. Follow up persistently to get their attention.
Even if other avenues yield no leads, you can attract agent interest through the quality of your craft and persistence alone if your material is strong enough.
In summary, leverage any connections possible through your network and existing credits while remaining persistent. Recognize that getting signed without existing industry visibility requires next-level writing talent and those magic two qualities – perseverance and patience.
What Should You Look for in a Literary Agent?
Partnering with the right literary agent makes all the difference. When evaluating potential representation, here are key factors to consider:
Successful Track Record With Writers Like You
Research agents to find ones with actual success selling scripts from writers in your genre, style and budget level. Verify clients whose projects have sold and been produced.
You want an agent who knows your specific market landscape. Align with reps experienced generating sales and deals for writers just like you.
Industry Connections with Power Players
It’s not just about having agent relationships – it’s who they know. Submit to agents boasting meaningful connections at:
- Major studios and mini-majors
- Top production companies and financiers
- Influential independent producers adept at packaging projects
- Showrunners, directors and on-screen talent that elevate projects
Well connected agents open doors. Pitch to reps tied into your target opportunities.
Hands-On Career Guidance Between Deals
The right agent takes an active role in guiding your career during slower periods between sales. This means:
- Strategic advice on your upcoming projects
- Feedback to strengthen your writing
- Help bolstering your reputation and visibility
- Introductions to key players that align with your goals
Ensure prospective reps take career mentorship beyond just making deals.
Assertive Deal-Making and Negotiation
When it comes time to hammer out contract terms, your agent should vigorously negotiate in your favor. Look for reps known for tenacity backed by market knowledge.
Don’t be afraid to ask during interviews about how they structure deals, negotiate backend compensation, and maximize value for their clients.
Personality and Communication Fit
Don’t underestimate fit beyond just credentials. You want an agent who:
- Responds to your queries and messages
- Is passionate when discussing your projects
- Just “gets” you as a creative personality
Chemistry and synergy go a long way. An engaged, collaborative relationship leads to career magic.
Key Takeaways – Maximize Your Career With the Right Agent
Playing the spec script lottery without a quality agent rarely leads to a career. But aligning with driven representation turns the odds in your favor. Here are the final tips:
- Make finding the right agent a priority once you have polished samples ready. Don’t wait to be “discovered.”
- Leverage any connections possible through your network or existing credits.
- Research agents with proven success selling similar scripts to yours.
- Be persistent and consistent with queries until you find a great match.
- Don’t obsess over only the big name agencies. Seek hungry up-and-comers, too.
- Build a relationship of trust and collaboration. Communicate often about goals and next steps.
- Keep writing amazing material to feed your agent pipeline scripts to sell.
While you may not technically need an agent, taking the steps to align with engaged representation may be the single most important career move you can make as an aspiring Hollywood screenwriter. An agent amplifies your voice and gets your script to the eyes and ears that can make the dream a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do screenwriters get agents?
Screenwriters get agents through referrals, pitching at workshops and events, success in contests, produced credits, and querying. Leverage any connections and credits you have while persisting with queries until the right match is found.
Do you need an agent for a screenwriter?
While not required, it is extremely difficult for unknown screenwriters to get scripts sold or get hired for jobs without an agent. Agents provide access, endorsements, negotiations, and career guidance invaluable for success.
Does a screenwriter need an agent or manager?
Most professional screenwriters have both an agent and a manager. The agent focuses on selling scripts and negotiating deals. The manager guides your career strategy, connections, and staffing opportunities.
What do agents do for screenwriters?
Agents pitch scripts to studios, producers and financiers, negotiate deals, provide career strategy and connections, handle legal matters, and act as an advocate and endorser.
How does Netflix hire screenwriters?
Netflix hires screenwriters through internal development executives, producer relationships, and traditional representation routes. You generally need an agent or manager to get scripts to Netflix buyers.
How do I submit a script to Netflix?
Netflix does not accept unsolicited scripts. You must have an agent or manager submit your work. Networking with producers connected to Netflix development can also yield reads.
How do screenwriters get hired?
Screenwriters get hired by having agents/managers connect them to open writing assignments, staffing openings, and development opportunities. Success in contests and fellowships also leads to jobs.
Is it hard to get a job as a screenwriter?
Yes, it is very competitive. But great scripts, persistence, leveraging connections/contests, and securing the right representation can lead to career breakthroughs. Keep writing and seeking opportunities.
How do I sell myself as a screenwriter?
Build a portfolio of polished sample scripts showcasing your voice and ability. Promote any produced credits or contest recognition. Pitch your unique vision and passion for storytelling. Align with an agent who champions your work.
