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How to Be Heard in Today’s World
Would you like to get the attention of key decision makers in your world of writing, publishing, marketing, or blogging?
Do you want to know how to sell a screenplay to Hollywood or a book manuscript to New York? Follow the advice of David Sontag, a producer, screenwriter, and former president of 20th Century Fox.
While Sontag was on a panel at the Aspen Screen Writers’ Workshop, he was asked the following question: “How do I get my screenplay seen and read by someone who matters?”
Sontag answered very clearly, “If you know anyone in the industry, an actor, a director, a producer, kick down their front door and put your script in their hands. Then stand there while they read it! Mailing it to an agent will never work.”
Of course, he added a caveat: “Oh, and if anyone here knows where I live, forget that I said that.” But he did not need to worry. No one ever tried that advice on his door. And I’d be surprised if any desperate screenwriter or book author has ever tried that on any other doors.
But maybe they should. No, don’t kick down someone’s door. But you could camp out on their sidewalk out front. Or in front of their office entrance. Or at their favorite restaurant.
Most writers and authors are too kind. Sometimes you have to be a little brave. And ask for something that may seem way too daring or way too rude.
If something is truly important to you, will you take the risk? Will you kick down a door? Or stand outside an office or restaurant? Or, better yet, walk up to a decision maker at a conference and hand them your work? Or send them an email? Or ask via a comment on their Twitter profile or Facebook page or Medium profile?
Or, dang it, pick up the phone and call them!
Well, do something. It really can’t hurt.
The odds are that nothing will come of your action. But, note this, those odds are beaten dozens of times every year.
Ask.
That’s where the magic and the power is — in doing that which you know you need to do.
No matter what the obstacles.
No matter what your trepidation.
No matter how impossible it might seem.
Nothing happens unless you ask.
No media or market or decision maker can respond to you until you ask for a response.
No sales, no TV interviews, no major reviews, no book sales, nothing — until you ask.
Ask today.
Ask something of someone today.
My request: Share this post with a friend. That is my ask of you today!
