"The Model Manual"

A book is in the works which will be geared towards helping aspiring and new models understand how agencies work as well as the proper care and feeding, if you will, of agents. Here's a brief sample from the introduction to whet your appetite...

"I’ve counseled hundreds of young beginning models and their parents who’ve come to me with zero experience. While I always did my best to give a brief crash-course highlighting the most important “rules” and procedures to ensure basic functionality, these newbies were, for the most part, forced to learn quickly while on-the-job. Lessons were given as situations arose. More of my time was being spent holding hands and explaining formalities than on finding work for these models. I saw the need for, and put together, a handbook for new models that they could take home, read, and refer to. It explained agency procedures and listed things they could do to develop themselves. I also included a printed application for a minor’s work permit, information on setting up a Coogan bank account, and blank vouchers. Bare-boned as is was, this reference packet gave new models and their parents the basic information they needed to know and to have, in one concise bound folder, for me to be able to be able to begin marketing them and sending them out. By anticipating the questions these new arrivals would have and providing the answers before they were asked saved me valuable time that could now be spent focusing on dealing with clients and cultivating new business. And it helped them to feel less overwhelmed and better-equipped as well.

This book is an extension of that new model “survivor pack” if you will. In addition to sections on what the business is about and what to expect once you’re signed with an agency, I’ve provided samples of typical forms and documents used by agencies as well as a current and comprehensive list of helpful websites, along with legitimate agencies and respected photographers that I can recommend. I’ve tried to imagine the questions that you, a prospective and information-seeking young model, would want to know the answers to, based on my exchanges with the thousands of inexperienced new faces that I’ve had during my years as an agent. I’ve also shared information on subjects that you may not have even thought about but are important to have knowledge of as well.

You may discover that the reality of the business of modeling falls short of your expectations and decide that you want to focus your energies in a completely different direction. Which is fine. You’ll at least have made an educated decision – and probably saved yourself some time and money as well. If, after reading this book and completing the exercises included, you still want to give modeling a shot, you’ll be able to tackle the challenge head on and will be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to maximize your chance of success in this industry the first time around. The competition is fierce, but so are you. Prove yourself."