Writing About A Television Programme

by Philip Pickin
2nd June 2020

Hi All! First time post, so thank you for taking the time to read my question! I am keen to start a project writing about the history of a British television programme. I have already completed some research into this, but would appreciate knowing the next steps to take about contacting the broadcaster, the agents for some of the performers and writers, etc. I have a copy of Writers & Artists as reference, but any help or advice as to where to turn next would be most welcome! Thank you for any help you can give a first time writer!

Replies

Please let us all know what programme you are working on. It may well be people on the W&A site can add to your own information.

If it is of any help, I can remember 'The Grove Family'!

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Edward
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Edward Richardson
05/06/2020

Hi Victoria! Thank you so much for your advice. I had it in my head that I would need to finish the book first before I contacted a literary agent, but this now gives me the option to consider approaching an agent before the book is written.

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Frank
Stevens
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Frank Stevens
04/06/2020

As I understand it, this kind of non-fiction is considered by agents at the proposal stage. If an agent likes your proposal and can get the interest of a publisher, you would then be able to approach the television company, actors and writers as someone with a book deal and legitimately researching.

If you are considering self-publishing your finished book, you can go ahead and write asking for assistance and interviews, but you may find they turn you down. Media and entertainment companies use traditional publishing as a kind of vetting system for this sort of work.

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Victoria
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Victoria Whithear
03/06/2020