I've little affection for agents. I'm not happy the publisher requires me to use them, then makes me pay for using them (!) Also there's a lot of dishonesty. For instance, they encourage submissions, when they know chances are slender to nil they'll receive a ms that can be sold. They probably aren't even reading queries. I know I wouldn't. However, agents are forced to leave the door open, the same way companies accept job applications, even though they have no job openings.
What I'd like is a little honesty, and since the industry can't be honest, at least among ourselves. Consider alternatives. Start by sending work to those who want it, lit journals, magazines, even publishing on Substack. Then hope someone in the industry takes note. Good writing, after all, is obvious.
Hi Kristin, enjoyed the read. I couldn't agree with you more on this. The world is missing many things right now and that would include common courtesy. In both business and our private lives, a simple act of civility or politeness has become somewhat of a rarity instead of the norm. It takes so little time and effort but that seems just too big of a hill to climb for a lot of folks. I believe in being direct and clear with whatever message, conversation or decision I'm trying to convey, but it's how you present or react that means everything. Obvious to some of us, but evidently a completely alien concept to others.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jim. My kids have told me I'm a bit dated in some of my views of the world and how things should be. But listening to their horror stories of trying to get jobs makes me feel okay about my perspective. I just wish they could experience it themselves.
Dear Kristin: I read your substack this morning and was enthralled by your story. I wrote the book called From Democracy to Democrazy by Graham and would like to ask your advice about turning the book into film - if you have the time? My email is graham1elizabeth@aol.com and my website is www.democrazy2020.org. Big thanks, Elizabeth
Hello Elizabeth, and thanks for reading. My best advice is to check out a group called "Show & Tell" - and ask for Keith Ochwat. Please tell him I sent you. Keith & co have a wealth of information that can help you. Plus you'll be in the good company of 100s of other documentary filmmakers who can help answer your questions from their own experience. Good luck to you! https://www.showandtell.film/about/who-we-are/
Interesting perspective to be on both sides!
I've little affection for agents. I'm not happy the publisher requires me to use them, then makes me pay for using them (!) Also there's a lot of dishonesty. For instance, they encourage submissions, when they know chances are slender to nil they'll receive a ms that can be sold. They probably aren't even reading queries. I know I wouldn't. However, agents are forced to leave the door open, the same way companies accept job applications, even though they have no job openings.
What I'd like is a little honesty, and since the industry can't be honest, at least among ourselves. Consider alternatives. Start by sending work to those who want it, lit journals, magazines, even publishing on Substack. Then hope someone in the industry takes note. Good writing, after all, is obvious.
Hi Kristin, enjoyed the read. I couldn't agree with you more on this. The world is missing many things right now and that would include common courtesy. In both business and our private lives, a simple act of civility or politeness has become somewhat of a rarity instead of the norm. It takes so little time and effort but that seems just too big of a hill to climb for a lot of folks. I believe in being direct and clear with whatever message, conversation or decision I'm trying to convey, but it's how you present or react that means everything. Obvious to some of us, but evidently a completely alien concept to others.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jim. My kids have told me I'm a bit dated in some of my views of the world and how things should be. But listening to their horror stories of trying to get jobs makes me feel okay about my perspective. I just wish they could experience it themselves.
Dear Kristin: I read your substack this morning and was enthralled by your story. I wrote the book called From Democracy to Democrazy by Graham and would like to ask your advice about turning the book into film - if you have the time? My email is graham1elizabeth@aol.com and my website is www.democrazy2020.org. Big thanks, Elizabeth
Hello Elizabeth, and thanks for reading. My best advice is to check out a group called "Show & Tell" - and ask for Keith Ochwat. Please tell him I sent you. Keith & co have a wealth of information that can help you. Plus you'll be in the good company of 100s of other documentary filmmakers who can help answer your questions from their own experience. Good luck to you! https://www.showandtell.film/about/who-we-are/