Hi Donia!

Thank You kindly for this, I’m glad I could help!

Here’s a bit more food-for-thought based on your response:

In my near decade-long experience acting and writing for TV/Film, I found that certain generalities do hold true —

For example, it is traditionally advantageous for us writers to develop a robust and diverse portfolio of work which can effectively showcase our range in order to acquire literary representation more easily.

Generally speaking, reps tend to look for up-and-coming, and in this day-and-age, diverse voices who can cross genres in their work. But if you’re like me and you prefer to stick to the one genre you know and write to the best, then that route remains open as well.

With that said, I absolutely support your discovery that there really aren’t any clear and fast rules here and that great content truly remains king.

Regarding the “release” situation..I can’t say for sure what the intentions were, but it does sound to me that he/she meant a general liability contract of some kind.

Regardless, make sure to always protect the rights to your work prior to any sales agreement. This can be done with either the Writers Guild of America (WGA) or the U.S. Copyright Office.

Lastly, I’d say with your experience as a young writer. Definitely shop your portfolio to as many talent agencies as you can. A strong literary agent will see your potential for sure and will work to help you achieve your literary goals.

Until then, write your heart out!