Working With a Literary Manager: 9 Things I’ve Learned
As some of you may know I recently took on a part time position assisting a respected literary manager in L.A. While I’ve only been working with her for a short period of time, I’ve already learned a significant amount. I’ve distilled the main points below in order to help you gain some insight into what can be seen as a rather mysterious profession.
These People Do NOT Have Time
They work themselves to the bone. Remember: Managers only bring home around 10% of what their clients make. If their clients aren’t working, they can’t pay their bills. They have so many balls in the air, it’s insane.
Be Respectful of Their Time: Literary managers juggle numerous clients, projects, and pitches simultaneously. Respecting their time means being efficient in your communication and interactions.
Make Sure Emails Are Clear, Concise, and to the Point: A rambling email is likely to be skimmed or, worse, ignored. Get to the point quickly to ensure your message is heard.
Do Not Call/Text/Chit Chat Excessively, But Do Take the Time to Be Friendly: It’s essential to strike a balance between being professional and personable. Over-communication can be as harmful as under-communication.
Relationships Are Incredibly Important
You’ve probably hear the phrase, “It’s all who you know” … and yes, working with a lit manager is definitely underscoring the importance of relationships.
In the coming dawn of AI, I see this element of the biz only becoming stronger. My prediction? Major studios and companies will probably run screenplays through an AI filter to decide which ones deserve their time and which ones don’t. If you can cut through the noise because you’re friends with someone? That’s huge.
Friends Are More Willing to Take a Risk: A recommendation from a trusted colleague or friend carries weight. It can be the difference between your script being read or ignored. This is where Managers really make a difference. They have developed relationships over years, have a sense of people’s taste and when they recommend your work it is more likely to be considered
Knowing WHO to Talk to About WHAT Is Half the Battle: Navigation through the network of industry professionals is a skill. Understanding who is looking for what can save everyone time and increase your chances of success. A good manager has an understanding of this and will be able to vouch for you when the time is right.
Clients Who Are Cagey About Sharing Their Work Are a Pain in the Ass
How is a manager supposed to promote you and your work if you won’t let them share it!? This also signals trust issues that can complicate the professional relationship.
If you’re not ready to share your work - don’t get into this industry.
Yes, some people worry about others “stealing” their work, but I have to say - I have never, ever seen it and think this fear is totally overblown.
By the Time A Staffing Position Is Posted on a Website…
It’s often too late. Many opportunities in this industry are filled through pre-existing networks or are never advertised publicly. Being connected and proactive is key.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t still reach out and try. Things fall through all the time, you never know when someone finds out the producer’s nephew actually sucks and needs to get someone on staff who can actually do the job.
Cold Emailing Is Part of the Game…
and Can Yield Surprising Results
You would be surprised how often your manager might cold-email someone in order to jumpstart a connection. They’ve done it enough where they’ve become quite good at it.
Detective Work May Be Required: Finding the right contact information or making that crucial connection often requires creativity and persistence. Cold emailing, when done correctly, can open unexpected doors. This can mean:
Using IMDBPro to find contact information
Guessing at what someone’s email might be: Lots of companies follow the same patterns when creating emails for employees. If you have the email address of one person at a company, you can follow the pattern and have a high likelihood of success in guessing the email address of the person you’re trying to get in contact with.
Reaching out to a friend who knows a friend: asking around within your current network can help get you in touch.
Agents/Managers Are Most Interested in Reping People They Can Monetize
It’s a business, after all. Your talent and potential for commercial success are what attract agents and managers to you. If you’ve been dreaming of getting a rep and thinking that means you’re off the hook for promoting yourself or networking… I’m sorry to burst your bubble.
It is more than worth taking the time to learn about marketing, advertising and actively trying to monetize yourself first.
Managers Look for Loyalty and a Personal Connection
They don’t want to invest a bunch of time setting someone up and getting their career going, only to be knocked to the side once you start making the big bucks.
This underscores how important it is for YOU to evaluate if you want to take your manager to the top with you. If you don’t see working together long-term? Might be better to invest your efforts into someone who you see having a relationship with over many years.
This is a marriage in a way. Divorce can be costly for both parties. Don’t work with a manager before taking the time to get to know them and evaluate if the partnership is right for both of you.
Clients Who Haven’t Been Staffed Yet Take Up Way More Time and Effort
Newer clients require TONS more guidance, networking help, and effort to place. This investment is necessary for their future—and the manager’s—success.
Be aware of what you’re asking for if you’re a newbie looking for representation. You’re basically trying to convince someone to take on a shit load of work for potentially zero payout.
A Manager Will Not Solve All of Your Problems as a Screenwriter
They can advise, promote, and connect you, but the heavy lifting of writing, networking, and developing your craft remains on your shoulders. Help them help you by being proactive in your career development.
