Curtis Brown literary response

[Mother Mona]

Hi all, just wanted any info if you guys had some, my dd's friend has submitted a literary piece to CB via their new internet based submission portal. The response time is anything between 6-8 weeks and just wanted to know if anyone has applied and heard anything from them- good or bad and how long down the submitted period they returned the response. Also, depending on whether they want to take you forward or not, what is the most common way of response. I know that the unsuccessful submissions get a standard reply, but is it the same if they want to see more or do they contact you via phone? Many thanks guys.

[coniger]

I used to be a screenwriters and directors agent for one of the big US agencies and both books and screenplay submissions were treated in the same way. As far as the "slush" pile goes and that is not supposed to sound mean that is just what it is called it depends on lots of different factors. I doubt it will be less than they have stated - if an agent reads it - it depends how much client work they have as their clients will always come first. I used to receive a lot of unsolicited material a week. I used to ask interns and assistants to read a lot of them first and then if they really liked it then I would read it. If they didn't like it then a rejection letter was sent out. I was much more likely to read something that had been recommended to me, had addressed the letter and manuscript to me personally and knew the kind of clients I had. (basically a bit of research) That being said I might only take on one or two new clients on a year as I wanted to be there for the clients I had.

If I loved something I either emailed or called them and asked to see some more writing. Most people thought I was mad to call but sometimes I just had to call!

The only thing I would say to your daughters friend is that if she gets a rejection - don't take it personally! It does not mean she is not a fantastic writer - it could just mean she needs to revise it more or even that the agent likes big blockbusters when she sent him a arthouse movie. So if she gets a positive reaction to her writing - fantastic!!!!! but if not look it over and send it out again and dont give up on their dream.

Con xx

[Mother Mona]

Thank you very much. She was considered and is now having her full manuscript reviewed. Yay

[sapphire]

How exciting! Fingers crossed for her

[coniger]

Great news!

[Kimmois]

I'm sorry to be a killjoy but that sounds like a standard automated response. I'm a writer represented by United Agents and none of the big agencies even consider screenwriters sending in unsolicited material - that includes Curtis Brown.

May I ask what type of script was it? A play, book manuscript? It's bloody brutal the industry of agents, agencies and getting work and even having an agent is no guarantee of commission or work.

[coniger]

Kimmois

Actually Curtis Brown does accept unsolicited material - one of the very few that do. They do it through their website - www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk - They ask for 10,000 words and then if they like it sufficiently then they ask for the rest.

yes it is a very hard world to break into but it is great news they have asked to see her whole manuscript

Con