This time I need YOUR help!!

Bob Bergen · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 01:44 (GMT) Post subject: 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.

I've already interviewed several agents from all over the country, and even I learned a lot!!!

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

Todd Ethridge · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 01:57 (GMT) Post subject:

Sounds like a great book to me, Bob.

I would gladly speak out on your behalf, for a small fee of course.....let's say.....your Porky gig? Wink

Bob Bergen · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 02:00 (GMT) Post subject:

Kara Edwards · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 02:01 (GMT) Post subject:

Bob, let us know the best place (and way) to voice our opinion so that the publishers hear it!

I think it would be an excellent resource for any 'up and coming' or 'already working ' VO!

Wonderful idea- fingers crossed it happens for you!

Todd Ethridge · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 02:02 (GMT) Post subject:

Seriously, it sounds like a must have book. I'll buy.

Aaron Phillips · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 02:12 (GMT) Post subject:

Holy GOD yes.

I mean, I'm reading books. I'm one of the guys that emailed you asking how to break into the business, where to start, what to look into, what to get rolling. I think you have a great perspective and obviously extraordinary experience.

A book like that would help out, I think, just about everyone at every level of the business. Obviously those of us just getting our start would love to hear about the ins and outs of agencies.

But I would think even the vets would want to keep abreast of what agencies are looking for right NOW. How they can be the most effective with your career. What they need from you for the market right now.

Also, a good point to make to the publisher (worried about sellability) is that this is a book that could have many editions in the future as the market is always changing.

Way to go Bob! Can't wait to read it!

AA

Brian Hart · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 02:55 (GMT) Post subject:

I would absolutely buy it. In fact, tell me when and where and I'd buy it in advance so I could have it the day it came out.

David Oxford · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 03:57 (GMT) Post subject:

Are you kidding??? Seriously, Bob....what serious VO talent WOULDN'T jump at the chance to get this kind of valuable information from THE Bob Bergen?!?!?!?!?

I would definitely purchase the book and will do whatever I can to help you sell it to a publisher. Just let us know, exactly, how/where our communication should be directed.

And thanks, in advance, for sharing your amazing insights and knowledge with us, both here on this forum and through this upcoming book. You're certainly one of "the good guys."

Smile

David

September Day Leach · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 04:07 (GMT) Post subject:

I would happily march up and down Hollywood Boulevard with a sandwich board, ringing a bell, and get the title of the book tattooed across my forehead!! I can't WAIT to read this book,Bob! Whatever help you need in ANY way, I am available! Smile

Kim White · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 04:18 (GMT) Post subject:

Bob,

I'm just starting out, but I would buy this book in a heartbeat. Here's why:

How many people here have submitted demos without hearing even a cricket chirping?

Making this information available levels the playing field. It gives us a clear target, rather than trying to shoot in the dark, doing 'what others did' to get an agent.

It may also be a great resource for agents to compare their practices with those in varying market sizes.

Thank you for sharing!

Doug Parks · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 04:19 (GMT) Post subject:

Bob,

Any day now, I will have several demos produced and ready to be marketed. As of this moment, I'm not quite sure what all of my moves should be, and in what order. A book containing info on agents and such would be a big help.

Robert Jadah

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 04:36 (GMT) Post subject:

Bob-

Sounds incredibly helpful... I (who has never purchased any VO assistance book in my life) would definitely buy it!

Can I have an autographed copy? Something like "To my good, good friend..." Laughing

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 04:42 (GMT) Post subject:

Yes.

And when you're done with this one, could you write a book for those agents in all those non-LA/NY markets telling them how to represent the VO artists they've attained? Laughing

[Disclaimer to all MY agents: this of course, does NOT apply to you]

[much]

Lee Gordon · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 10:22 (GMT) Post subject:

Bob -- By writing this book, are you risking being ostracized by your brethren who are entrenched in the VO business? In my estimation it is nearly on a par with a magician revealing how the trick is done. Or maybe someone sharing the recipe for Coke or disclosing the Colonel's 17 herbs and spices.

In other words, even for someone like me who has been in this business for more than 30 years, this is information that is not so widely available but most definitely sought after. As someone who arrogantly thinks he knows a fair amount about doing voiceovers, I'm not prone to buy books on the subject, but yours would definitely be on my list. Preferably autographed.