Thread by @ThisisKaia

Unrepped writers, an advice thread from someone who was a buyer:

1- As my pal Scott Gardenhour says, “It’s better to have too many babies than a spoiled baby.” Write more. Submit more. Write so much you forget who is reading you and you need a spreadsheet to keep track

2- As a coach I counsel many creatives- many who have reps- and some reps don’t work very hard for their writers. The writers wait, and worry. No, not you. You never sit on your laurels because you are a networking QUEEN/KING/NONBINARY BADASS 👑

3- The one thing you can control in this insanely stressful business is: your attitude. What comes out of your mouth about others. I recently passed on producing a great writer’s project because that person badmouths people and I’m aware I would be next. Who needs that? Pass

4- Never stop following up until someone responds or passes. Bother people! Yes I’m giving you permission you introverted pleasers. Be loud. Pester politely. Start with a smile and keep going until they realize they will never get rid of your adorable mug until they respond

5- This will change your career: realize that email and texts destroy relationships. In a business that hinges entirely on trust (take that Tudor court) you must make legit friends, meet in person and call people. Call people. CALL THEM. Young people: you’re holding a PHONE :)

6- Give. Give. But be the person who speaks their mind to people in power- pleasantly. You will refresh the room. If someone asks your opinion, tell the truth. Don’t say what you think they want to hear. This practice will terrify you. Be willing to speak your truth to power.

7- This business is upheld by the hardest working people who are treated - often- poorly. See them. Tip them. Thank them. Remember their names. One day they may remember yours or even employ you.

8- As you’re coming up, take any adjacent job to the one you want. Be good at it. Be seen as good at it and then ask to be promoted. Make sure all along the way you find out what others need and want, and help out. Position what you need and want. Trade favors.

9- Be so helpful that everyone wants to help you. If you need a rep, read every writer you can and give meaningful notes- I rec notes that wnd in a question that let the writer decide. Then you’ll find you get read. Other working writers organically want to rec you to their reps

10 Learn the business side of the entertainment business. Your talent isn’t enough. Learn about negotiating and deals, money, networking. Ask. Ask. Ask. For what you want! Care for your soul as you go. Split quickly from anyone who isn’t on The Path (as Garry Shandling would say)

11- I teach this stuff in the Entertainment Business School, and I also have upcoming webinars (no cost). Come find me. Ask questions. DMs, always open! EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com

PS: I like to say it this way: Find your wolf pack! Your partners in believing. The people who get you and lift you up. Find them. They need you. Among them, build your team which WILL include rep(s). Make sure they belong in your tribe of Awesomeness! Aaaaaooooouuuu!