So, if your writing is strong but they pass on your concept, it's still possible to land representation and get assignments?

I've read some contradictory things about breaking into the industry -- some say only selling a spec will do it, others say it's easier to get assignments off a spec than to sell one. It *seems* logical that assignment writing is more attainable, but is it?

Yes, you can get representation w/o selling a script. But there are variables. For example, if you've written one script and it's a strong writing sample, compared to someone who's written eight scripts, the latter person may have a leg up because (a) more writing experience, (b) some of the older scripts might be marketable, (c) more story ideas available for meetings.

Assignment writing for 'newbies,' like the Bazooka Joe probject, tend to be problem projects -- they've been around for a while, no heat on them, no attachments. The first few projects Burg & Myers wrote were like that, basically attempting to inject some life into a nearly dead project. So in their own way, those type of projects are hard to pull off -- why would they be moribund if there were some inherent problem to them?

But back to your question, the most likely scenario is you write a script, an agent or manager likes it, you make some revisions per their notes, they take the script out. Even if it doesn't sell, depending upon the response of buyers, specifically there is a universal sense that you're a good writer, you have talent, you have an interesting voice, etc, the agent /manager will likely work with you, officially or unofficially, on your next project.

Thanks for the reply. It makes a lot of sense, and is why I wrote a number of scripts before even thinking about looking for representation.