Need Help???

Good Afternoon:

Are you wondering anything about your writing?  Here's some help for you. 

If you want to sell your screenplay or be a professional writer of any ilk, you absolutely must take advantage of the myriad of opportunities that are offered to you.  Most of them are easy and some of them are even free.

Go to any book store and you should find plenty of excellent books for writers, including mine titled:
"MIND YOU BUSINESS:  A Hollywood Literary Agent's Guide to Your Writing Career".  Remember that for 20+ years I was a writer's agent in Beverly Hills, before becoming a writer's consultant (also known as a script doctor).  In the off chance that your local book store or library doesn't carry a good supply of these books, simply ask professional consultants for their advice on what to buy on Amazon.  You can find loads of consultants through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Script Magazine, etc.  Many of us will be happy to give you advice, answer questions, and refer you to the "right" books to read.

I never understand why people don't reach out more than they do.  I'm surprised that I don't receive more questions on my various sites (including this one).  I'm on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Stage 32, and I've written about 18 articles you will find on Script Magazine.  Don't forget to check my web site at:  www.michelewallerstein110@vpweb.com.  Lots of info there and ways to reach me.  Why aren't you communicating with me......don't you have any questions??? I'm right here and happy to help.  I've always loved my work with writers.

If you've completed a script or two you must use the services of a professional consultant.  After 20+ years as a literary agent in Beverly Hills and 10 years as a consultant, I can improve your work and improve your chances of success.  You can't do it alone. 

Michele

YOUR WRITING CAREER PROGRESS

For this month's Blog I'd like to ask YOU some questions and I hope many of you will reply.

These questions will help you move forward in your career.  They will give you something positive to think about, mull over, and perhaps discuss with people who can help you.

I want to know what you are doing for yourself.  So here goes:

1.  How many completed scripts have you written?

2.  Exactly what books have you read on writing?

3.  Have you gone to any professional seminars on writing?  If so, what were they?

4.  Have you begun to search for an agent or manager?  If so, how have you proceeded?

5.  Have you attended any pitch fests?  If so, how did you follow up with the people you met?

6.  What are you doing to improve your writing skills?

7.  Have you used writing consultants?  If so, did this help your writing?

8.  How are you reaching out to the Hollywood community?

9.  Are all of your scripts in the same genre?  If not, what genres are you writing?

10. Have you followed up with any people in Hollywood with "Thank you" notes?


I would be thrilled if you would answer any or all of the above.  I am also here to answer any questions you  may have and I would be happy to consult on your projects.

Please respond to either the comments section below, or to my personal email at:
writerconsultant67@gmail.com.

Don't forget to read my book:  "Mind Your Business:  A Hollywood Literary Agent's Advice On Your Writing Career". 

WRITING AND THE INFO YOU NEED

    

 Becoming a successful screen or television writer is not as hard as you think it is.

"WHAT?" you are yelling.  That's right it's not too difficult.  Just follow some simple rules and grab the brass ring.  Here are a few of the rules and some advice from someone who has lived it (me):

STOP asking for an agent and START becoming a better writer.  Learning how to write a good script takes years.  You are often putting the cart before the horse by writing to me and to so many others in the Biz wherein you express your readiness for representation.

You aren't ready! Have you taken writing classes by really good teachers?  Have you read David Trottier, Michael Hauge, Blake Snyder and Linda Seger?  Have you hired a professional consultant to give you notes on your latest project?  Have you written five to ten original screenplays?  That's right, original.  No true stories, no adaptations of books or plays.  

Agents, managers and producers are looking for people who can write a basic story with interesting characters.  They want strong male leads who are in every scene of the film

They don't want you to direct the actors or to describe every scene, movement, weather report, colors, ages and looks of supporting characters, noises, who's sitting where, etc.

Every single time I consult on a project, I must edit out all  of the above.  You aren't writing a shooting script.  You are writing a spec.  It's different.

Have you spent time learning about the Biz of being a writer??  Have you spent time with professional writers?  Look around....they are often writing teachers in your area who have retired and now teach at local colleges.

Do you know how to be a good client of an agent or manager?  Do you know what will transpire if you are lucky enough to get a meeting with a development person or producer or studio executive?

If you want to know these things and much more, read my book:  MIND YOUR BUSINESS: A Hollywood Literary Agent's Guide to Your Writing Career".  I wrote this book to help YOU.  (www.amazon.com, book nook, book stores, etc.)

Here's a review by professional writer Alex Epstein:

    "It's about time an agent wrote a screenwriting book. In her book MIND YOUR BUSINESS, veteran lit agent Michele Wallerstein gives you a perspective another writer won't. What is an agent looking for in a script? How do you score in a meeting? How do you handle your side of a negotiation? How can you tell when your agent isn't into you anymore?
     Many good writers put all their efforts into their scripts. But a brilliant writer can screw up his own career by what he does or doesn't do. Minding your business -- and agenting your agent -- is almost as important as your screenwriting craft.
     When I was starting out, Ms. Wallerstein was one of the agents people recommended I contact. She really knows her stuff. Check it out." –

ALEX EPSTEIN, Writer