Help! Just got my first request from an agency...

[jyangwrites]

Hiya folks, I am in dire need of some advice concerning
agency requests. Just last week I got a request for one
of my scripts from an agency. Problem is the script is
in terrible shape and I am halfway through the rewrite.

Do I need to send out the script ASAP? Or is there a certain
period of time I can take before the agency "forgets" about
the request?

I am pushing through the rewrite but I don't want to
send it out without serious reading and revision.

Any ideas?

[elephant1978]

I was told by some that you can take a couple weeks to get a script to an agent, because they already have their weekend read schedule for the next couple of weekends. But, personally, I send it in the next day or two. Why? Because it couldn't hurt. You cover all your bases and take away any worry that they'll be mad you didn't send it sooner.

If you are sending queries on a script that isn't finished or you aren't completely confident in, you should stop right now. It's a big mistake.

Ele...

[jyangwrites]

If you are sending queries on a script that isn't finished or you aren't completely confident in, you should stop right now. It's a big mistake.

I whole heartedly agree, sadly, I got roped into this by "accident."

However, thank you for the advice on a "couple of weeks" I was planning on taking one week then overnighting it to them. I think I may just take an extra day or two (though I doubt it)

[DUCPHO]

Take the time you need to finish your rewrite and polish. Try to get it done as quickly as possible and then send it priority mail with a good cover letter addressed to your contact at the firm... I think you'll be alright!:smokin

[JoanEasley]

It's more important to make it good than to make it quick. They'll judge you on how good it is, so that's what's crucial. It often takes them weeks or months to get to your screenplay anyway.
Sometimes they forget all about it completely. Here's an example:

The 3rd annual Screenwriting Expo is this week. Last year at this time, we had just finished a screenplay and were looking for someone to represent it. We pitched it to several people after the agents and managers panel at last year's Expo. Several of them said to send it, and we heard back from most but not all of them. I have a computer file in which I write where I send my scripts, and what they say after I hear back from them (if I ever do hear back from them.)

We did find a manager, but he wasn't able to sell the script. We lost interest in each other, so now we're open to considering new representation.

The same script was recently a Nicholl quarterfinalist and we've heard from several managers who want to read it. I recognized the name of one of them. I remembered he gave me his card at last year's Expo. I checked my computer file. I'd written that he had impressed me at the agent's panel, and he said "Yes, definitely send it." But I never heard back from him. This means he probably never read it, and now the logline interests him all over again.

I never pay extra postage to get a script to anybody as fast as possible unless they actually promise they're going to read it that weekend.

[jyangwrites]

Thanks so much for the comments and advice!

There seems to be a general consensus that it's more important to make that script fantastic (especially those first pages) even if it takes me a bit longer to send it out. Makes sense, if I rushed out a bad script then the whole thing would be moot.

[MacG]

The lesson learned:

Don't send out queries for a script that's not ready to go.... Biggest issue new writers need to learn to overcome.

[jyangwrites]

I'm sorry but I need to clarify I did not send out a query that's not what happened at all. There was no mailing done by me to any specific agency.

[kahaokamoku]

I sent out a query once on a fluke when I first started writing screenplays. The company surprised me and wanted to see the script. This was all done by email. There was no script. All I had was a log line and an idea.

I had to write the script afterwards. I don't think these people are in a rush. You should count yourself lucky that they are interested. You write it. I worried back then, but I finished it. I sent it off. I had to wait even longer for an answer. That part was a learning experience.

After it was all over, they did not want it, but I did not burn any bridges as well. I had a contact. If I had something that I think they would be interested in, I could send it off as well. I have learned what their market is. I don't have anything for them at the moment. Neither am I working on screenplays at the moment.

Every situation is going to be different. You may write a script that you really want to see, but no one else wants to see it which is probably most of the time. Then, if you get lucky, you have an idea and may have a possible agency or company that may be interested in it. You query and surprise they are interested, but you may be faced with a project that you really did not want to do. You write it just as well.

I am not one who has sold anything. I haven't approached any other agency other than the first one. I guess that I have written for the sake of writing screenplays. I entered some contests. On a fluke query, I got a positive answer to see the project which I then had to write.

But . . . I have just sent off for the first time a snail mail query to an agent. After researching, I hand picked this person for this manuscript. It is not a screenplay. It is a novel. I am hoping to get it published and have it go to film. I think it would make a great film, but if I should get so lucky, I probably will not write the screenplay.

IN six weeks, I would like a positive answer requesting to see the rest of the manuscript.

Write it, send it, and start another one.