Are you a screenwriter looking to get representation from an agent, but don’t know if you’re ready or not? Well, keep reading!
I’ve been asked the question “I’ve written a screenplay. How do I get representation?”
Practice Makes Perfect
First things first. Get into the habit of rewriting your scripts. According to a blog post by Screencraft “Your first screenplay will be your worst. You haven’t honed your craft. You haven’t learned from your mistakes and applied those lessons to do better drafts and better scripts.”
How many times have you rewritten your current script? Once? Twice? I’m not saying you should change your story or plot twists. However, writing your screenplay only one time is not enough. You should consider rewriting and editing your screenplay numerous times and have a second set of eyes proofread your work for any grammar errors.
Screencraft shares in their blog post titled 7 Ways to Master The Art of the Rewrite “Rewrites are a fact of life for the screenwriter’s life.” Screencraft also shares some tips on what it takes to accomplish a great rewrite.
Preparation
Don’t Write Blindly
Rewrite As You Go
Take a Vacation From Your First Draft
Become Your Strongest Critic
Pepper Your Script
Kill Your Darlings
Take The Time To Hone Your Craft
Screencraft shares in an article titled When Should Screenwriters Try To Get Representation, that, "instead of wasting months of marketing — and burning bridges in the process — take a year or two to hone your craft. You accomplish this by:
Writing more scripts
Getting feedback from peers, contests, or consultants
Reading produced screenplays
Watching movies
Rewriting the scripts you've written
For more on this topic, be sure to click the link above.
Your Script is The Epitome of Professionalism
Scriptshadow also advises in a Screenwriting Article titled 10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU'RE READY OR NOT, that writers that they are ready for representation when "You have zero grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Your formatting is perfect.
For more on this topic, be sure to click on the Scriptshadow link above.
Are you a screenwriter who believes they’re ready to submit to an agent or willing to follow these steps? Please comment below in the comment section!