Advice Please:

I’m an early-career playwright looking to secure literary representation in 2026, and I’d love advice on how to effectively pitch myself to literary agents and what they typically want to see. I spent the bulk of my early career working as an actor and transitioned more fully into writing after the pandemic. Since then, I’ve received fellowships such as MacDowell and have had work presented at venues like Ars Nova and Joe’s Pub. I’m now at a point where I feel ready to pursue representation but am unsure how to approach agents strategically—who to reach out to, how to frame my narrative as a writer with an acting background, and what materials are most compelling at this stage (full scripts, excerpts, commissions, productions, etc.). What distinguishes a strong introductory pitch from one that gets overlooked, and how can early-career playwrights assess whether they’re truly “ready” for a literary agent?

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Dear Playwright Seeking Agent,

Since I’m not an agent, I thought the best way to answer your question was to ask one. Here is the unexpurgated response from a colleague of mine, who is well respected in the world of Literary Representation.

“The most strategic way to approach an agent is by referral! Many agencies do not accept unsolicited submissions, so the best way to get an agent’s attention is by having someone make a connection.  These connections can come from any direction, though most often happen via literary managers, or people who run educational / development / early career programs for writers, who can also usually recommend agents who might be the right sensibility fit.

It’s also meaningful to have at least two plays to read; when an agent signs a client, both parties are ideally entering into a long-term relationship, and it’s important (to me) to have the greatest, widest sense of someone’s range of work and voice.

Someone is ready for an agent when there is something for an agent to do! For example, when there’s a contract to be reviewed, or if there are tangible career opportunities that warrant a little guidance and navigation, like a first workshop, or commission offer, etc.”

Best wishes,

Fefu

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This Fefu is a professional playwright living in New York, who has worked On and Off-Broadway and at Regional Theaters across the country.