Land An Agent: 6 Steps to Writing a Stand-Out Submission Letter
Are you looking for a new agent? Wanting to send out some new submissions, but worried about being able to get their attention? It's spring and many agencies are more open to finding new actors to represent at this time, so this is a great time to submit. But how to stand out from the piles of submissions they receive? Well, I'm sure you know that a great headshot is crucial and you've probably perfected and proofread your resume a million times, but here's where people sometimes get lazy: The letter! Believe it or not, your letter is crucial. It's one more point of contact and therefore an opportunity to reach your new potential agent and give them the message:
Wow, this is someone I would love to represent!
But, how to make them feel that way?
In this email I'm going to show you a letter writing formula that I've successfully used to help actors I've coached land auditions with top of industry agents.
I myself have gotten my foot into so many different doors using this Heartselling method I learned from my business mentors, Jesse Koren and Sharla Jacobs at Thrive Academy. In order to give my artists a competitive edge, I've translated this Heartselling method into a simple 6 step blueprint for heartfully selling yourself as an actor to your new potential agent:
6 Steps to Writing a Stand-Out Submission Letter
1. Connect with them: so in a letter this really just means using your own "voice" to create a sense of connection. Keep it professional, but also don't be afraid to let a touch of your personality shine through.
2. Position Yourself: Somewhere in the first sentence or so you want to drop in one or two of your most impressive acting facts. This can be like, "I was featured in ____(big name thing)" or "I've been a professional actor for fifteen years" something that illustrates your professionalism. You only need one or two impressive facts here, but choose your most impressive ones!
3. Acknowledge them: take time to do your research on each agency - review their website and google them so you know what they're known for and can give them a sincere compliment.
4. Show up in Service: Imagine how you might fit in. What can you offer as an artist that others might not? How will they benefit from having someone like you on their elite roster?
5. Get Curious: Ask them some kind of specific question that they will feel compelled to answer. It shouldn't be something that you could find out from their website or from research, but a question that would prompt them to think you'd done your homework and have a follow up question.
6. Ask for a Decision: Something like, "Are you interested in a follow up?" It's much stronger than saying, "let me know if. . ." and yet less pushy and assuming than, "When shall we meet?" It's suave, gentle and inviting. When used well, this letter writing method will allow your you-ness jump right off the page and make them feel as though they are meeting a warm, intelligent, and exciting professional artist before ever seeing you in person. You will have already done half the work before ever stepping foot in their office.
