Writing to agents and agencies - good manners and approach

irina

In the beginning when you are unrepresented and starting out is it better to send to all potential agencies or figure out what agency you really want to work with and send only to those? And in case of positive feedback from one you don't particularly consider as the awesomest, does it really matter what agency represents you?

Also was wondering if you have good samples of cover letters or ideas what they should contain when approaching an agent or agency to submit your work for consideration.

So far i'm thinking it's kind of like writing a cover letter for a job to a potential employer, where you highlight why you would want to work with them or be represented by them and asking them nicely to consider looking at your stuff. Also, most agencies i looked at wanted about 5 to 6 images for portfolio samples to be attached, not an entire portfolio. Should i still apply even if i don't have a website yet? and invite them to check out my Association Of Illustrator folio or my Behance account for more images? Or only offer that in case they return the mail?

Thanks

braden H

@irina If they have precise requirements (please attach 6 images) then I'd stick to exactly what they're asking for. If you're cold calling then I'd say yes, absolutely send a link to your illustrator folio.

I'd get that website up and running sooner rather than later, though

Sadly I don't have any cover letter examples (I'm still in the process of getting the guts to apply/send out postcards) but I'd research how to write a cover letter for any other job. It'll point you in the right direction and there'll be a TON of resources on how to write a resume cover letter.

If you do write that cover letter feel free to post it for feedback. My brief stint as an english teacher made me decent at the nit-picky editing stuff.

Jessica Jolicoeur

Irina,

I am so glad that you started a thread on this discussion.
I am currently working on my website and I am planning to approach some agents and publishers this year.

I am also wondering about the best way to arrange my website.
I am a painter and illustrator but my work ranges from children's style illustrations to portraiture and landscape paintings.
I am not sure if I should focus my website on illustrations that are geared towards children's illustration and avoid putting my other art like my portraiture and landscape work on the same website.
Or have one website with categories for the different type of art that I do.

I am also wondering how the process of getting published works when representing oneself.
Is it better to have an agency represent me rather than approaching the publishing companies directly?

I do know that many publishing sites do have a section where you can submit your project directly but I imagine they receive many submissions via email and it is probably easy to get lost in the masses.

How should one approach a publisher as an illustrator and author?

Jessica Jolicoeur