Animation Writer FAQ: Getting Started, Pt.2

Q: (follow up to Pt. 1) I'm currently doing all the things you suggest both in the FAQ and your email. I suppose patience is the next thing I have to practice. I'm continuing to write spec scripts for pretty much every cartoon show I see, from Gravity Falls to Littlest Pet Shop to Spongebob and more. I have not done any live action spec scripts, though, so I suppose I should try one or two of those. Would you recommend living in LA as a requirement for success? Right now I know a few people (hence how I got the agent) but I know it's always a good idea to meet more. 

A: Yes, definitely add some live-action scripts to your collection of writing samples. You never know what the folks who do the hiring might want to read. 

As to whether or not you should move to LA, far be it from me to advise someone to completely uproot their lives on the "chance" of getting work in your chosen/dream profession. But... if you're serious about writing animation, you have to live where the work is. 

While there are small animation production companies sprinkled throughout the US and Canada, this is where the big boys and the networks (WB, Disney, CN, Hasbro Studios, Dreamworks, etc.) are concentrated. NYC has a healthy animation scene, too, but I'm not very familiar with the setup there -- maybe one of my East Coast friends could comment. 

Bottom line: Your chances of getting work increase exponentially when you're available to drive over to Burbank to meet with a Warner Bros story editor who's giving out freelance assignments.

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Avatar: The Last Airbender was truly excellent -- one of my all-time favorite animated series. I'm optimistic the same production team will create more magic with The Dragon Prince.

CAPTIVE STATE - OFFICIAL TEASER TRAILER

I'm in...

Animation Writer FAQ: Getting Started, Pt.1

Q: I thought you might be able to offer some advice to a writer jumping head-first into the animation industry. While I've been a writer for some time, I've just now been able to gain representation for screenwriting. Would you have any advice for a writer just starting to get work? Should I rely solely on my agent to get me jobs on shows? How would you recommend getting started with work beyond the commercials and website things I've thus far been hired in? I know it's a tough business, but I'm excited to put the work in and willing to take the advice of those who've been there and succeeded.

A: By getting an agent, you've already taken the biggest step toward gainful employment. Having an

agent is vital as they set up pitch meetings for you and submit your writing samples to the different shows. To answer your question, no, you should not rely (solely) on your agent to get you work. An agent is better viewed as a team member, a person who helps you get work. In the meantime, network and do your best to make personal contacts. The old saw that it's "who you know" has a lot of truth to it. I find the longer I'm in the business, the more work I get from people who've hired me before.

Another bit of advice would be to keep writing script samples for sitcoms, screenplays, anything that your agent can use to submit you for jobs. The more practice/skill you have in writing scripts, the more confidence you'll gain and the more likely you are to get work as a writer.

Good luck!

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Pt.2 of this FAQ will be a follow up to this question.

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GHOST STAR: Special Kindle Press Book Deal $0.99

GHOST STAR Kindle Press Book Deal $0.99  ALL AUGUST! 

Click HERE to order. 

SAILORMOON Theme on Japanese Traditional instruments

Love their serious/slightly bemused expressions...

Author FAQ: Two Ways to Get a Book Agent

Q: What is the best way to go about getting an agent for publishing a book?  Any tricks of the trade?

A: Disclaimer: I don't have a book agent, so let's just say I've been around long enough to have heard a thing or two.

There are two ways that I know of to get a book agent. The first is to Google for a list of legit agents I say legit because there are plenty of scammers out there who offer expensive "editing services" and the like. These hucksters prey upon starry-eyed newbies who are desperate for representation. In other words, be cautious. Once you find a reputable source of agency names, go to their websites and see what their submission guidelines are. Is a certain agency repping books like yours? If not, don't bother. If you write hard sci-fi and the agency you're thinking of contacting mostly represents romance authors, move on or you'll just end up looking stupid. I only say this because I've read complaints from agents who are the victims of blanket "Dear Agent" queries where it's obvious the author has done little or no research on the agency they're querying. It's a waste of your time and theirs.

Once you've found an agency that looks like they might be a good fit, check their guidelines to see if they're accepting submissions, and send them a query letter in which you briefly describe the project and ask them if they'll take a look. Books like "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books" and "Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market" offer lots of helpful advice regarding agents and how to get one. 

The other way is an old classic. Ask a repped author you know for a referral. I briefly had an agent when "Nonsense! He Yelled" was first published. My editor was kind enough to set things up. The agent was a nice person, but I quickly discovered that she wasn't really interested in building the career of a beginning picture book author (no $). In retrospect, I probably should have waited until I had more successful books on my list.

Side Note: With the rise of self-publishing, many authors are not even bothering to query agents--feeling, frankly, that since they're not seeking publication with one of the big houses, they don't need an agent. Personally, I'm in this camp...until the right agent comes along. ;)

That being said, if you're agent-less and are fortunate enough to be offered a contract by a publisher (it happens), it wouldn't be a bad idea to spend a few bucks and have an attorney who specializes in book contracts take a look at it. It's not that the publishing houses are an evil lot who will try and rip you off (most of the contracts are standard "boiler plate" affairs), it's that they'll be acting more in their own interest than yours. 

For example, let's say that you come up with a chapter book that has the potential to become a series. There might be wording in the contract that states you'll be paid the same dollar amount in advance money for all subsequent titles. What if your first book is a mega hit? Wouldn't you like to be in the position to negotiate a larger advance for the next book? Having a pro (agent or attorney) look at your contract will pay off in the long run.

I'm sure some of my author friends have thoughts about getting an agent, and I invite them to share these thoughts in the comments.

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Thoughts about the above question or about writing books in general? Leave them in the comments or send them to me via the CONTACT tab. Thanks!

Note: Any book links in my posts are likely to be Amazon Associates links where clicking on them will take you to Amazon. This "feature" costs you nothing and gets me a tiny tiny percentage of the sale should you purchase the book.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail Modern Trailer

What if the hilarious comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail was more like Game of Thrones?

Treehouse Detectives Begins Streaming June 8th

How cool is this? Treehouse Detectives, the preschool series I wrote on last year, begins streaming on Netflix this Friday, 6/8/18. It's a super-fun little show and I think kids are really going to love it.

Please check it out!

From Netflix:
Treehouse Detectives
2018 TV-Y
When their animal friends need help, brother-and-sister team Toby and Teri use the clues and follow the facts to solve mysteries in their own backyard.
Starring: Brody Allen, Jenna Davis, Ryan Bartley

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer!

Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 Official Trailer

Loved the first movie, this one's looking good too! Thoughts?

Animation Writer FAQ: Writing Animated Features

Q: I am a writer and I've got an idea for an animated feature. I just have the idea and couple of different endings. I have two contacts through my sister in LA who are producers for big animated companies. I spoke to one and she definitely believes it is definitely a full-length feature film that no one has done, yet. She told me that I needed to own it as long as I can, write the treatment, screenplay. I have no experience in writing scripts. Do you have any advice or can suggest any materials that someone like me could follow? I get very frustrated when I write. So far I am just watching as many films as I can and reading other scripts. -- Marie

A: Hi, Marie. I only write TV animation, but I'm happy to share a thought or two on how to write an animated screenplay. Watching lots of films and reading lots of scripts is a great place to start. When you feel like you're ready to start writing, I would recommend three other things. First, even though "no one has done" a script like yours yet, determine an animated feature that your idea most closely resembles, then hunt around on the web for a copy of that script (there are many resources, some free) and use it as a model/template for your own idea. I'm not telling you to copy it, just to use it to see how professionals execute an idea similar to your own.

Next, you may want to pick up a copy of Syd Field's classic how-to book, Screenplay. It'll bring you up to speed on how to structure a screenplay. There are similar books out there, but I learned how to do it from Syd.

Finally, you may want to invest in some screenwriting software to make sure your script looks right. I use Final Draft, which is the industry standard. This kind of software is a little pricey but I think well worth the investment if you plan on writing professionally. Good luck!

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Thoughts about the above question or about writing for animation in general? Leave them in the comments or send it to me via the CONTACT tab.

Such a Deal! GHOST STAR On Sale $0.99 All April

As you saw in an earlier post, Amazon decided to do a price-drop marketing promotion for Ghost Star. All this month my little YA space opera is discounted from $2.99 to $0.99 per Kindle copy. Not too shabby for anyone looking to save a couple of bucks on an action-packed sci-fi read.

There are TWO WEEKS left on the promo, so if you haven't already picked up your copy, now's a good time to do so.

Also, please share this bargain with your family and friends. I'll thank you for it and I think they will too.

Clicking HERE will take you to the Ghost Star Amazon page.

Thanks!

Incredibles 2 Official Trailer

YAY!!!

Book Illustrator FAQ: Where do I start?

Q: My mother has been a professional artist for over 40 years and has recently put together a wonderful portfolio of children's book illustration examples. Her forte is definitely in the area of illustration so she would like to somehow team with a writer to put together a book. She has sent her portfolio to a number of publishers, but has yet to be connected with a writer and ultimately published. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

A: I'm an author. I only restate the obvious to warn you about the questionable value of advice from an author to an aspiring illustrator. That being said, here are some thoughts.

It's good that your Mom has put together a portfolio because, as she has discovered, you must have one to get work. Obviously, a portfolio filled with picture book appropriate art samples would be better to have for this purpose than one of poster art or portraiture. I have heard of writers and illustrators teaming up "on spec," but this seems to be the exception to the rule -- usually husband and wife teams, old friends, etc. Side note: When I first started writing books, I was concerned that I was going to have to find my own illustrator. But a little research quickly revealed that publishers actually prefer it if authors don't come in with their own artwork (unless the illustrations are exceptionally good). Part of the satisfaction that an editor or publisher gets from their job is in the pairing up of the right illustrator with the right author.

So, all that being said, here are some thoughts on getting work as a children's book illustrator...

Your Mom could write and illustrate her own book. Author/Illustrators are a well-respected double threat in the kid's book trade (and get to keep ALL of the money!). If she's not crazy about writing an original story, she might want to think about "re-telling" a classic fairy tale or obscure folk story -- something in the public domain.

There are also agents that handle illustrators but how to find one of them is far outside of my area of expertise, so she’ll have to look into that herself. The links I mention below might prove helpful.

Another approach would be for her to keep slugging away and submitting her portfolio to the various publishing houses. 

Try visiting the FAQs on the Children's Book Council website. They're the trade organization for all the children's book publishers and they provide a great deal of helpful info. Anyway, they're great place to start. The rest of the site has a lot of useful info, too.

I'd also recommend the most recent edition of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books". It really helped me out on the author side of things with practical "how to" tips and I've read that the latest edition provides a lot of useful info for illustrators, too. 

Tell your Mom "good luck" from me!

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 If you have a question about writing books, send it to me via the CONTACT tab or leave them in the comments. Thanks!