To make a successful brand you will have to do more than just write a good story, be it a short story, novel or screenplay. Every writer hopes and looks forward to their big break. Well unless you make it happen, it isn’t going to happen.
So what can you do?
First, you need an amazing story idea - then write it down. A story so damn good that everyone wants to read it or hear it told. That means having a great idea and putting it on paper. I always explain when I give seminars or am a keynote speaker at conferences and events, start with a short story, two or three pages that will express the basics of the idea, but more importantly, turns your unprotectable idea into something you can copyright.
I recommend the three page short story structure so that you can write Act 1 on page one, Act 2 on page two and Act 3 on the final page. This gives you the skeleton of the story. I do this as soon as possible, that way if I talk to anyone about this intellectual property, it is no longer just an idea (which are easily borrowed).
Once you have that, you can expand it into novel format or a screenplay or a comic book/graphic novel, video game story format, etc… This is where diversifying your original story allows you to sell it into several markets.
I write the screenplay next because it only has to be a maximum of 120 pages. This script, based on your short story, will be able to be shown once you have the first draft completed - rewritten several times with input from friends and professionals in the industry that you can trust (will not borrow your excellent concept). If many of these readers point out the same problem or area, then this is a sign to correct or improve or delete that section of your story. That is why readers screen screenplays at studios and production companies. This is also a great way to ensure you are ready to submit your best work.
Second, you have to brand yourself by making people, especially industry people, notice and want to know more about you. AND what you have written about.
By drawing on your past, previous profession, jobs, interests, you may spark some interest with a person who can lift you from obscurity. If you have no writing past then it is time to start creating one right now.
Your brand? Who are you right now and what have you done in the past. How can this bio info be leveraged to make you stand out from all the other writers?
Take a class at a reputable University or College/school. Co-write with a famous writer. Write greeting cards or comics or video games or any thing - even a website blog like this. What ever gets you attention and in the search engines. That way if some one tries to locate you, they search for your name on the internet and there you are.
If you write two screenplays mention the second one in your query letter as it makes you seem more professional than a one-time script writer. Then there is the email/mailing campaign that promotes you and your screenplay. What should be in a query letter will depend on who it is written for. I will discuss this in a future post.
The key is to get as much exposure as possible. Network at events, conferences, trade shows, mingle where other writers hang out or join a writer’s group, meet producers, directors and actors. If you can, put on a party and invite the elite, if they don’t show, hey you tried. If they do, make sure they enjoy themselves, that way they will remember you.
There are so many ways to make a brand so don’t limit yourself to staying within the box. My mother always said, “If you don’t ask… you won’t receive.” She is right, so go ahead and contact the star or element you need to take the next step. The worse they can do is say ‘No’. Robert Ludlum said no to me three times and I still did a deal with the man.
Work with what you have, create the image you want and live the part. Sure the world’s a stage but you are the writer, write the lead character (you) a really juicy part. Because, in the end, you only get one life to live = so live it the way you want to and you will be surprised how many doors open if you just keep promoting yourself and have others help you too.
This is the reason stars remain stars - they hire Public Relations firms. Which is another great idea to help brand yourself if you can afford it. Otherwise, you are your own PR company.
Cheers and good luck branding your story and yourself!