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How to find a screenwriting agent is a process which can be followed in one of two broad ways. One can either seek to find a screenwriting agent via online searches or by using offline resources. Both have equal chances of success and thus the determination should be made simply per one's individual preferences.

If one chooses to try to find a screenwriting agent offline, there are a number of publications which can assist in this respect. The first way - dependant upon where one lives - would be to consult the local Yellow Pages. This would only really apply to big city dwellers, however, as it is extremely unlikely that those in rural areas would know any modicum of success in this respect. It may well be, however, that there are such agents in one's local and that they will have a Yellow Pages advert detailing their initial requirements or at the very least providing a telephone number which one may call to establish same.

There are a number of books which are published on an annual basis which are designed to help writers of all types find publishers and agents. These publications include The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook and The Writers' Handbook. In the pages of these books, one will find a section dedicated to listing agents, the types of material which they handle and the requirements which they have for being approached by potential new clients. It is very important to take note of these requirements and only approach the agent in the first instance in the way which is stipulated. Agents of any type are unlikely to take kindly to a large and unsolicited package of sample material landing on their desks when they stipulate clearly that a telephone enquiry should in the first instance be made.

If one chooses to attempt to find a screenwriting agent online, the best initial step is almost certainly to conduct a Google search for same, limiting the search to one's own country. Most literary agents of all types now have websites and the ways in which the agent wishes to be contacted will almost certainly be listed on same. It should be noted, however, that although many of these agencies will include contact e-mail addresses on their websites, they still prefer in many cases to receive first contact from writers via the traditional postal system.

When one approaches a screenwriting agent with a request that the agent consider them as a client, it is important not only to take note of the agents' specified contact methods but what they request be sent them. Some will ask for brief details of one's experience and a CV; others will ask for sample material to one extent or another in addition. Keeping in the agent's good graces is essential in this way if one is to maximise one's chances of success and not turn the agent off at the very first hurdle.

Learn more about this author, Gordon Hamilton.
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