Follow up after script request

[bioprofessor]

A producer expressed interest in my kids TV series and asked me to send him the pilot script and treatment. I sent both a little over 3 weeks ago, but haven't heard back from him. What's the next best play? Accept the non-reply as an unspoken pass, and move on? Wait a bit longer, and then send a follow up email? Email him now?

Thanks!

[Rantanplan]

A producer expressed interest in my kids TV series and asked me to send him the pilot script and treatment. I sent both a little over 3 weeks ago, but haven't heard back from him. What's the next best play? Accept the non-reply as an unspoken pass, and move on? Wait a bit longer, and then send a follow up email? Email him now?

Thanks!

Three weeks is not a lot. I would wait a month and then send a polite follow-up inquiry. If no response to that, let it go. If the response is, Haven't got to it yet, take him at his word and wait some more, and then follow up again.

[bioprofessor]

Three weeks is not a lot. I would wait a month and then send a polite follow-up inquiry. If no response to that, let it go. If the response is, Haven't got to it yet, take him at his word and wait some more, and then follow up again.

Sounds like a good plan. Thanks! Why does 3 weeks seem like an eternity when your creative efforts hang in the balance? 🙂

[Rantanplan]

Sounds like a good plan. Thanks! Why does 3 weeks seem like an eternity when your creative efforts hang in the balance? 🙂

To make a writer suffer even more!

It took me almost a year to get the OK from my former publisher after first sending my query. During that year, I followed up twice.

It went like this:
Dec 23: query.
Dec 29: request for manuscript. (great way to end the year, but hope in check)
April 9: follow-up query: Response: "Sorry for delay. I've got a colleague who really likes it blablabla. Been busy with some new releases." >>> Cue heart palpitations.
July 23: "Book still in play?" Response: "Book still in play. Answer in near future." >>>> Cue massive heart palpitations.
Aug 9: Editor: "Do you have an idea for a second book in the series?" Me (pounding heart): "Yes!" (rattled off idea)
Aug 24: Editor: "Let's talk on phone. XXX (another editor) wants to ask you a few questions."
Aug 26: Phone convo. I am asked to submit a document presenting a few ideas about how to pick up the pace + fix a few other issues.
Aug 26: I send in my ideas. "Looks good."
Sept 1: Email comes in with the heading: OFFER. Cue more heart palpitations.
September: Contract negotiations
October 1st: Contract signed.

So that's how long it can take. I was kept in hopeful suspense for almost a year, it was like the buildup in a thriller or something (also like in movie: 10 minutes after I got the email requesting a phone convo, I was meeting a friend from Chicago who was passing through my small mountain town, someone whose life is always exciting and new, so I was really, really glad that I had some exciting news of my own).

And then there are the jerks who request a manuscript and never even bother to get back to you. Bad form. I don't expect a response to every query, but a full manuscript request? Yes.

So I think writers should always follow-up and try to read the room, so to speak. Instead of automatically assuming it's a pass, try to determine if there's still interest on the other side. These people are all very busy, and reading a manuscript from a new, unknown writer isn't usually a priority unless it's a bidding war situation like the ones Bono just posted about.

Of course, for me it all fell apart 7 months later but that's another story

Good luck, Bio, hope the rep loves it!

[bioprofessor]

Thank you very much!

One year to reply is just sadistic! The practical advice you provided here is worthy of a "Sticky."

[Rantanplan]

It's good to also keep in mind that there might be several people who read it (as it travels up the chain of command), which can also take more time--but in a good way.

[finalact4]

There could be a number of reasons for the delay, and none of which means they didn't like the material.

Send a follow up after 4 weeks by replying to your email where they asked you to send the material and you complied.

Keep it simple...

Hey Joe Producer:

Just a quick follow up to see if you had a chance to read INSERT TITLE.

Looking forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Writer

If they respond that they haven't read it yet, been busy, give them another 4 weeks. If they do not respond to the initial 4-week follow up, let it go.

Post Edit:
Keep in mind that if someone requests the script chances are the logline was of interest and they will clock the first few pages to see if it grabs them.

If the first few pages do grab them they'll plan to read either right away, or over the next two weekends. For a manager, 3 weeks might be pushing it. For a producer they can be busy on set or with production.

So if you don't hear from them by 3 weeks, chances are more-so than not, the material didn't spark further interest. There are exceptions, but not many and not often.
FA4