What Qualities Make a Good Professional Screenwriter?

So talent is great, but talent can only take you so far. I represent many talented writers, but for some reason, they aren’t selling specs or aren’t booking assignments…why is this?

I look at some of the most successful writers I represent. Screenwriters who are selling specs and also constantly getting assignments. What is it that makes these writers different than the other talented writers not making any money?

I don’t know what their inner work process is. And I’m sure each working writer does this different, but I can name one constant theme in all my working writers: flexibility.

I’m not saying they can stretch. I’m saying they are adaptable, easy to get along with, open to change and great note takers. I’m still amazed at how some writers who are not working, think they know the business. If you are not constantly working at the studio level, then something isn’t working, right? So why the hell don’t you just admit that you don’t know the business and let your rep guide you?

Great screenwriters have several great qualities. From the beginning of the process, they will have several ideas and pitch them to me. If I don’t like any of them, no problem, they go back and think of some more until there is an idea I like. Stubborn screenwriters, won’t share ideas with the reps and they will start writing. They say it’s just their “process.” Well… most of the time, this “process” will make you no money. We are reps, we know what’s out there, so why not listen to us?

So once the good screenwriters have an idea, they will work on an outline. It also amazes me how many screenwriters start writing scripts with no outline. They say they know exactly how they will write…well, EVERY TIME I’ve heard a writer tell me this, the script has not worked.

Good screenwriters know how to take notes, and IMPLEMENT them. I can keep giving you notes, but if you don’t implement them, it makes no difference. Most of the time, a screenwriter will tell me they made changes, but when I read it, I can’t even tell what they changed!

So above are some of the good qualities of a good screenwriter. There are many other qualities at different stages in the game. For example, when going after assignments, when pitching, when taking general meetings, etc. etc.

Bottom line. If you want to make it in this business as a screenwriter, you have to be open. If you are stubborn, forget it. Your agent or manager will drop you. Especially if you have not made them any money. Life is too short.