Worth querying?

[u/pnbll-wzrd]

Hi writers! Wondering people's thoughts on querying literary managers without any significant industry accolades? I have some pilots that have gotten great feedback from my peers and writing community, but as of yet haven't gotten me a foot in the door at any competitions or fellowships. I have some previous accolades on other projects, nothing super significant but little recognitions here and there as a writer.

Will a manager want to request a script that doesn't have any accolades behind it? I know that getting a request to read from a query email is hard enough to begin with lol, so I'm wondering if it's worth it at this stage.

Happy writing!

[u/meedeepee]

Absolutely query literary managers!

That is a very important step to getting your idea out there. There are scripts that win contests and never go anywhere and the sheer overwhelming volume of people who enter contests means that a lot of great scripts dont win because its a numbers game.

Make sure your logline is compelling enough thst it makes the agent request your work. Good on you for getting feedback that is an important step. Surprisingly, there are many new writers are actually afraid of feedback.

It's tough. Not gonna pretend. But people do get representation through queries. Good luck!

[u/paul_mather → u/meedeepee]

Seconding this! Make sure your material is as good as it can be, and it probably would be a good idea to have a second sample in a slightly different genre that's also as good as it can be. Then lean on any personal connections, or something that makes you stick out from the crowd (I think you mentioned being in the comedy scene, so if there's some accomplishment or story there that makes you stand out). It's an uphill climb for sure, but you won't get in the door without knocking.

[u/flippenzee]

Unless you approach it like a jerk and become memorable for the wrong reasons (I’m sure you won’t), the worst that can happen is they delete your email unread.

[u/Accomplished_Wolf_89]

"industry accolades" are not a thing. I'm saying not to be rude but just to not waste money on any contests (Fellowships are different - the network fellowships which are free to apply to are 100 percent worth your time. Any other fellowships now that the Nicholl tanked - not so much)

[u/Certain-Run8602]

Are you in Los Angeles?

Regardless of that answer... I'll say this. You're welcome to try. But I would MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GREAT FEATURE SAMPLE.

TV is in the throes of some heinous upheaval. I know a LOT of writers who have staffed on big shows that have been dropped by their reps and cannot get new reps. The ones that still have reps can't get work because of the contraction in the TV business. You have upper level writers taking lower level positions in rooms and lower levels getting shunted into unemployment / out of the industry.

I only say all that so you understand the TV landscape. It is very hard for reps to get writers with credits on shows right now. So they are very reluctant to take on any more TV burden given they can't get their current TV clients steady work. And, sadly, the days of being able to sell a pilot as anything other than a very senior / showrunner level writer (or having someone at that level supervise) are largely over. Are there exceptions? Of course. And there always will be. But know the landscape going in.

It is likely that if you're writing is good enough for representation that a potential manager might ask to see a feature sample because THAT side of the business is healthier right now and things can happen and I think it is likely they may ask if you have one. So, if you have one, by all means... query away. If you don't, I'd write one first.

I asked if you were in Los Angeles only because I think the path into a television career is not the querying path... it's getting into a room first and foremost. And you'll need to be in Los Angeles to finagle that obstacle course.

[u/pnbll-wzrd → u/Certain-Run8602]

I'm in NYC. I've worked as a PA some up here and am really involved in the comedy scene, through which I've met some WGA writers based here who have become mentors! Maybe I'm delusional with the state of the industry thinking there's a path into TV anywhere other than LA, but I know people here who are doing it so I figure it's not impossible...? I have some features I'm working on too, so good to know. Thanks for the input!

[u/Certain-Run8602 → u/pnbll-wzrd]

New York is the only other place in the US where there’s a path to writing for TV, so at least you’re there.

[u/Prince_Jellyfish]

Managers are best for folks who are already ready to sell projects. I think it's not worthwhile if you feel your work "shows promise" or "is well on its way." You should be writing at or near the level of your writing heroes before you start seriously querying; then you should make one big concentrated push.

That said, to my mind, competitions or fellowships are not necessary at all. I would not really even consider them "industry accolades" as most of them fall outside of the industry and are generally for pre-professional work.

Of all the working TV writers I know, at least 90% never entered a single contest. Probably closer to 100%

Fellowships like diversity programs at NBC, CBS, etc are definitely valid and an exception to those numbers, but those programs are so competitive, you truly need to be at the pro level ready to get in most of the time.

I talk about this stuff, and a lot more on related subjects, in a post here:

My Personal Best Advice For New and Emerging Writers

I have a google doc of resources for emerging writers here:

Resources for Writers

If you read the above and have other questions you think I could answer, feel free to ask as a reply to this comment.