What is the Difference Between a Literary Agent and a Screenwriting Agent?

If you’re writing a screenplay and interested in selling it, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be looking for an agent to represent you and your work. Unfortunately, it’s equally possible that you’ve heard mixed statements about whether you’ll need a literary agent or a screenwriting agent to assist you. But, what is the difference between a literary agent and a screenwriting agent?

Although they may have similar skills and competencies and their roles may have some areas of overlap. Literary agents and screenwriting agents are not the same.

Let’s take a look at the difference between a literary agent and a screenwriting agent. As well as what that means to you, the screenwriter.

What is a Literary Agent?

A literary agent have some roles which will overlap with a screenwriting agent. But they typically have their business interests more refined in the role of acting as intermediary between authors and book publishers.

A literary agent can act as the liaison between a screenwriter and a film producer. But they tend to have stronger connections in the publishing industry. Specifically working with written works for publication.

A literary agent can review a screenplay and may offer creative insight and editing tips along the way. They generally can also help to keep track of formatting and submission guidelines for literary work that will be pitched to a particular program or prospect.

But the brunt of their focus is on books and written works, not so much on screenplays.

What is a Screenwriting Agent?

A screenwriting agent acts as the middleman between the screenwriter and the production company. With the goal of helping the screenwriter sell their script.

Screenwriting agents build relationships with both screenwriters and production companies. Essentially building a network of contacts. In which they can liaise between acting as the primary point of connection in facilitating script sales.

Network Connections

Screenwriting agents basically vet scripts from the screenwriter and act as the liaison between the production company. Providing the production company with scripts that most closely relate to what they would likely be looking for to produce.

Screenwriting agents maintain personal connections with high profile producers. And they know who is most likely to purchase your script. So they focus their efforts there first.

This can save you, the screenwriter, a lot of time. Compared to the possibility of trying to get your script picked up by a production company on your own, without industry contacts.

What is the Difference Between a Literary Agent and a Screenwriting Agent?

The biggest difference between a literary agent and a screenwriting agent is the fact that a literary agent focuses primarily on written works that are to be published.

Rather than focusing on works that are to be produced. Screenwriting agents have a vested interest in screenplays, and can help to sell your script to a film producer.

While both roles can have some overlap in terms of the networking. And the desire to get artistic works sold to the right purchaser. Most of the responsibilities between a literary agent and a screenwriting agent vary from there.

If you’re a screenwriter, and you’re looking to sell a script. You’re going to want to hire a screenwriting agent to assist you. Likewise, if you’re an author who would like to sell a book. The literary agent could just be the right person for you!