I just read that it is a good idea to make a follow up phone call about a week after you mail out your photos/reumes to an agent. This comes from nancy carsons book "how to raise a star" (from carson/adler agency) But i thought if they were intrested theyde call and not want you tying up their phone lines. Is it more proffesional to call or to not? Im confused on this one. I want to do what the book says but my gut says theyll call if they eant ya.

I wouldn't call. If they're interested, they'll call you. Just send the stuff out and try to forget about it. Kind of like auditions.

will do thanks drammamma

I agree with Dramamama. Most agents would say not to call - the reason being that it sometimes takes weeks to get through all of the general submissions they get on a daily basis, and they don't really have a logging system for incoming mail. So if you call, the person answering will have no idea if the submission was received or read by the intended recipient.

I think your instinct is dead on- they will call you if they are interested. However, if you haven't heard anything in 6 months I would go ahead and submit again on the off chance that there is now an opening in your type category.

I hope this helps!

For my money, one of the best reasons for sending out postcards is just to stay in touch.

I'd send them a follow-up card in a week or two, "just to ask if they received your package." What could hurt?

But unless you enjoy having a receiver slammed in your face, personal phone calls are a definite no-no.

I also think that it is a bad idea to call because the person who answers the phone is not going to sift through the piles of unsolicited mail to find your submission. But then again, Nancy Carson is a rather respected agent and if she is saying to do so, I do not know what to tell you. However, I know most other agencies do not want calls about submissions.

I'd say a follow-up is only appropriate if you had personal contact, like a meeting or a showcase... but not just a picture and resume If they didn't call you, they will probably not even remember you... they get so many submissions.

Perhaps follow up with Nancy Carson, but not others? If she suggested it I would definitely follow up with her

I agree with showbizhopeful, since she is suggesting it, she must not mind it! Give it a try!

Fanmom, Definitely call Nancy Carson if you've submitted to her. Nancy gets most of her kids from seeing them in shows or up at performing arts camps like Stagedoor Manor (which she highly recommends and speaks at each summer; she even sends her grandchild there). She doesn't have time to look through submitted photos/resumes. If you call her, she picks up the phone directly. She's very gracious and will talk to you about your child, and if she feels there might be a fit or is what she is looking for, she'll call you in. Go for it!

Maybe I've caught the snarkies...but I just have to say that this thread is like a game of telephone...the original question had nothing to do specifically with submitting to, or calling, Nancy Carson. Her name came up because the info came from Nancy's book. Fanmmom just wants to know about protocol in general...should mailed submissions be followed up with a phone call. Looks like the general consensus is...no.

thanks kipmil, i decided against it. Im not so sure even nancy carson wants her phone ringing asking about submissions, lol.

Don't call to follow up UNLESS you had a specific referral to the agent or some other contact outside of the submission. If its a blind submission, you will only set your status as an annoying actor. If you met the agent and she or he asked you to submit or if you were referred by someone of the agent's level in the industry it might be worth the call. Or get the person that referred you to call--much better!
One more thing to keep in mind, do NOT call any agent in the morning. Wait till the afternoon or at least midday.