This time I need YOUR help!!

Bob Bergen · 01-18-2008, 07:45 PM

Hi gang!

I've mentioned in the past I'm working on a book all about voice-over agents. My literary agent is in the process of pitching it to publishers. One of the things publishers have asked her is, is there a market for this book?? Bottom line is, most publishers just don't understand what the VO business is all about, or what those pursing VO are looking for/need in the way of resource books. Since there are so many great VO books already on the market , they aren't yet sold on why my book idea would be of value.

This is where you come in!! The publishers want to hear from YOU, those pursuing VO, to get a better understanding if you would not only find this book valuable, but would you purchase it??

SO-here's the book in a nutshell. I get emails daily from people interested in pursuing a career in VO. The most common question I get is, "How do you get an agent??" I've discovered that the best answer is another question: 'Where do you live??"

In this day ans age there are VO agents throughout the country, in most major city. Each agent has his or her idea of what is appropriate from talent when it comes to VO success.

In my book I will interview every voice-over agent in the country. Every agent will be asked the same 50 questions, such as:

Do you listen to demos?
How do you prefer a demo be submitted, hard copy CD or MP3?
Is a cover letter necessary?
Should a perspective actor follow up after submitting a demo?
What are some the the biggest mistakes you see actors making?
What can your clients do in conjunction with you to further their VO career?
Can a client have representation in other markets?

Etc.

So, let's say you are looking for an agent in your home town. In my book I will have interviewed every agent in your town. You will know exactly how to market to each agent in your area.

Let's say you want to submit to agents in other markets. You will know exactly what those agents are AND aren't looking for from talent.

So, here's my question for you:

Would this book be of value in your VO career and would you buy it??

Thanks gang!

BB

Lynn Benson · 01-18-2008, 07:53 PM

After giving this some time (1.79 seconds +-) Yes and yes. From what I can tell about this business that I am working to get into an agent is a must in order to advance. Or is it agents. Well, it looks like I need a resource of some sort. Something from a pro.

Bob Bergen · 01-18-2008, 07:59 PM

Thanks, Lynn!!!

;-)

MaryM · 01-18-2008, 08:18 PM

Hi Bob,

I'd say absolutely. Voice artists are able to book jobs from anywhere in the country now thanks to home studios and ISDN. But when it comes to getting an agent, well, agents have different needs in different states but have little time to answer questions from voice talent seeking representation.

And with the industry growing an changing everyday, to every week and every year, how could this not be beneficial??

Mary

chucktaylor · 01-18-2008, 08:46 PM

Damn Skippy I'd buy it! You're one of the guys in the biz that those of us just starting out look to for advice...I'm pretty sure if you wrote a book entitled "Why I believe the sky is purple and how that belief made me a success in voice overs!" People would buy it. (Ok maybe that's stretching a little, but you get my drift) Let me know when it's coming out I want an autographed copy!

ct

Colin · 01-18-2008, 09:26 PM

I'd buy it (sorry I haven't posted much), but I don't know if there are many vo-talent agency's here in Pittsburgh, PA.

Bob Bergen · 01-18-2008, 09:49 PM

Hey bud!!

I don't think Pittsburgh, but oodles of east coast agents! And with technology the way it is (and growing) you don't necessarily need to live in the same town as your agents.

;-)

Jon Morss · 01-18-2008, 09:54 PM

Bob,

I would certainly be interested in this book. So when can we purchase it?

JoeActor · 01-19-2008, 10:05 AM

Heck Yeah!!!

Great concept for a book - Mega Useful right out of the box...
Anything that can offer that kind of insight into the business is invaluable to veterans and newbies alike.

I'm a buyer. (even if you self-publish),
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

bigbry · 01-19-2008, 10:05 AM

Yes I would buy your book. Have you thought of making it available on line as well? A downloadable E-Book would be cool too.
Thanks for writing this book Bob
Bry

01-18-2008, 07:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bob Bergen User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 145	This time I need YOUR help!! Hi gang! I've mentioned in the past I'm working on a book all about voice-over agents. My literary agent is in the process of pitching it to publishers. One of the things publishers have asked her is, is there a market for this book?? Bottom line is, most publishers just don't understand what the VO business is all about, or what those pursing VO are looking for/need in the way of resource books. Since there are so many great VO books already on the market , they aren't yet sold on why my book idea would be of value. This is where you come in!! The publishers want to hear from YOU, those pursuing VO, to get a better understanding if you would not only find this book valuable, but would you purchase it?? SO-here's the book in a nutshell. I get emails daily from people interested in pursuing a career in VO. The most common question I get is, "How do you get an agent??" I've discovered that the best answer is another question: 'Where do you live??" In this day ans age there are VO agents throughout the country, in most major city. Each agent has his or her idea of what is appropriate from talent when it comes to VO success. In my book I will interview every voice-over agent in the country. Every agent will be asked the same 50 questions, such as: Do you listen to demos? How do you prefer a demo be submitted, hard copy CD or MP3? Is a cover letter necessary? Should a perspective actor follow up after submitting a demo? What are some the the biggest mistakes you see actors making? What can your clients do in conjunction with you to further their VO career? Can a client have representation in other markets? Etc. So, let's say you are looking for an agent in your home town. In my book I will have interviewed every agent in your town. You will know exactly how to market to each agent in your area. Let's say you want to submit to agents in other markets. You will know exactly what those agents are AND aren't looking for from talent. So, here's my question for you: Would this book be of value in your VO career and would you buy it?? Thanks gang! BB

01-18-2008, 07:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lynn Benson User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 36	After giving this some time (1.79 seconds +-) Yes and yes. From what I can tell about this business that I am working to get into an agent is a must in order to advance. Or is it agents. Well, it looks like I need a resource of some sort. Something from a pro. __________________ Lynn

01-18-2008, 08:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
chucktaylor This is NOT here! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ft. Worth, TX Posts: 184	Damn Skippy I'd buy it! You're one of the guys in the biz that those of us just starting out look to for advice...I'm pretty sure if you wrote a book entitled "Why I believe the sky is purple and how that belief made me a success in voice overs!" People would buy it. (Ok maybe that's stretching a little, but you get my drift) Let me know when it's coming out I want an autographed copy! ct __________________ Chuck Taylor *Taylor Made Productions* "For audio that fits like a shoe!" chuck.taylor@texascountdown.com

01-19-2008, 10:05 AM	#10 (permalink)
bigbry User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Saskatoon SK Canada Posts: 265	Hey Bob Yes I would buy your book. Have you thought of making it available on line as well? A downloadable E-Book would be cool too. Thanks for writing this book Bob Bry

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01-18-2008, 07:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bob Bergen User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 145	Thanks, Lynn!!! ;-)

01-18-2008, 08:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
MaryM User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 10	Hi Bob, I'd say absolutely. Voice artists are able to book jobs from anywhere in the country now thanks to home studios and ISDN. But when it comes to getting an agent, well, agents have different needs in different states but have little time to answer questions from voice talent seeking representation. And with the industry growing an changing everyday, to every week and every year, how could this not be beneficial?? Mary

01-18-2008, 09:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
Colin User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 30	I'd buy it (sorry I haven't posted much), but I don't know if there are many vo-talent agency's here in Pittsburgh, PA.

01-18-2008, 09:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
Bob Bergen User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 145	Hey bud!! I don't think Pittsburgh, but oodles of east coast agents! And with technology the way it is (and growing) you don't necessarily need to live in the same town as your agents. ;-)

01-18-2008, 09:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jon Morss Jon Morss Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Antelope, CA Posts: 355	Bob, I would certainly be interested in this book. So when can we purchase it?

01-19-2008, 10:05 AM	#9 (permalink)
JoeActor Administrator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,530	Heck Yeah!!! Great concept for a book - Mega Useful right out of the box... Anything that can offer that kind of insight into the business is invaluable to veterans and newbies alike. I'm a buyer. (even if you self-publish), Joe J Thomas Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio