Uncovering the Inner Workings of Literary Managers - A Comprehensive Guide to Their Roles and Responses [Addressing Your Hidden Inquiries!]

Uncovering the Inner Workings of Literary Managers - A Comprehensive Guide to Their Roles and Responses [Addressing Your Hidden Inquiries!] - Part 2

In the competitive world of Hollywood, securing representation and achieving career success can be a daunting task for new writers. However, literary managers play a crucial role in helping writers navigate this challenging landscape.

John Beach, a literary manager at Gravity Squared Entertainment with over 20 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of communication and the role managers play in helping writers. "Managers are here to help you," Beach says, "and communication is key."

One of the key ways managers assist new writers is by connecting them with agents, publishers, and other industry professionals. John Zaozirny, whose clients have written for shows such as Shantaram and FBI International, has a roster that includes contenders, nominees, and winners of prestigious awards like the Academy Award, Emmy Award, and BAFTA.

Sean Dubravac, who guides and develops the careers of established actors, writers, and directors, also signs new screenwriters through film festival and screenwriting contests, as well as wild submissions. His company has a roster of festival and award contenders, nominees, and winners, including those from the Sundance and SXSW festivals.

Managers also offer career guidance and negotiate contracts to secure favorable deals for their clients. Jeffrey Belkin, who works with writers and directors on a consistent basis, producing feature films and TV series, is particularly interested in provocative stories in all genres.

In addition to industry connections and career guidance, managers also provide feedback and help polish writing skills or project packages to make them more marketable. Daniel, who signs writers with only one completed script but having an actionable plan with that one script can sometimes outweigh two to three very good scripts, appreciates writers who have an understanding of the industry, strive for joy in their work, showcase a lively voice on the page, and are willing to take risks in hopes of crafting something additive to the conversation within the genre.

Managers also support networking and relationship-building, which opens doors to collaborations and projects. Daniel Seco, who has a background in referrals from agents, producers, executives, current clients, and writer/director friends, serves as a judge for several contests, scours sites like The Black List, Coverfly, and Stage 32 for up-and-coming talent, and responds to cold queries.

Lastly, managers encourage positive work habits and professionalism that are critical for long-term success. John Beach prefers original, passionate writing with few typos in queries, loglines, and scripts, and suggests that writers should follow up if their script was requested, but only once or twice, and wait a month before doing so. He also pays attention to the top 10 or 20 contests, such as the Nicholl, The Page, Austin Film Festival, Bluecat, Sundance Labs, and some of the Screencraft contests.

Overall, a good manager acts as a trusted partner who not only increases opportunities but also nurtures the writer’s development and confidence through a positive, collaborative relationship. When choosing a manager, it is important to look for someone with strong industry knowledge and contacts, good communication skills and a supportive, mentorship mindset, integrity and genuine interest in the writer’s success, the ability to advocate effectively on behalf of the writer, and organizational skills and reliability.

John Zaozirny, John Beach, Sean Dubravac, and Daniel have all demonstrated these qualities, helping their clients achieve success in the entertainment industry. John Zaozirny has had feature film projects set up at Warner Bros, New Line, Fox, and Universal, among others, and his clients have had 30 scripts on the last eight Black Lists, including the number one script on the 2016 and 2021 Black Lists. John Beach is looking for amazing writing, amazing stories, optioned/produced writers, published books, historical non-fiction, female action, great romcoms, and something like The Goonies. Sean Dubravac most recently produced Infinite, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Mark Wahlberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Dylan O'Brien, released by Paramount Plus.

In conclusion, literary managers play a vital role in helping new writers gain representation and achieve career success. By leveraging their industry connections, advocating for writers, guiding career decisions, helping refine writing skills, supporting networking and relationship-building, and encouraging positive work habits, managers foster open communication and mentorship, which develops the writer’s talents and improves their chances in a competitive market.

Uncovering the Inner Workings of Literary Managers - A Comprehensive Guide to Their Roles and Responses [Addressing Your Hidden Inquiries!] - Part 2