Creativity is everything when it comes to books, TV, and film. Writers and makers develop ideas that make us laugh, cry, or think deeply. But even the most talented creators need someone to help them navigate the business side of their work. That’s where literary managers like Toby Wagstaff come in. With years of experience in the entertainment industry, Toby helps new talent gain recognition and helps creative writers achieve their goals. His job is not just about making deals or managing schedules — it’s about building a strong creative partnership that can succeed artistically and commercially.

Finding Creative Talent

Toby explains that the first step in literary management is finding great talent. But this is not as simple as reading scripts or stories. It’s about looking for people who have something special to offer. Toby spends a lot of time meeting new writers, attending events, and reading submissions. He doesn’t just look for polished work; he looks for potential. A writer might have an engaging voice or fresh ideas, even if their work isn’t perfect. That spark of originality is what catches his eye.

Toby says he is most excited when he finds someone with a unique perspective. This could be a writer who tells stories about a community not often represented in the media or someone who has a fresh take on familiar genres.

Building Trust With Clients

Once Toby decides to work with a writer or creator, the next step is building trust. Trust is the foundation of a productive relationship between a manager and a client. Toby knows that many writers feel nervous about what to expect from the business side of the entertainment industry. They might worry about losing control of their work or being asked to change too much to fit the market. That’s one of the reasons why it’s just as important for a manager to cultivate relationships with producers, executives, financiers, and other figures on the commercial side of entertainment as it is with artists. By understanding what key figures in the marketplace are really looking for and excited about, you can exponentially increase the potential to match a client with someone who can make their vision a satisfying reality.

Toby’s approach is to show his clients that he’s here to help them grow, understand how and where to make their material thrive, and not take over their creative vision.

Helping Creators Stay True to Themselves

One of the biggest challenges in creativity is balancing art and commerce. Writers and creators often feel pressure to change their work to fit trends or meet industry expectations. Toby sees his role as helping his clients stay true to themselves while finding opportunities that make sense for their careers.

Toby encourages his clients to explore their strengths and learn what makes their work unique. For example, if a writer has a talent for creating funny, quirky characters, Toby helps them find a genre or media outlet where that talent has a chance to shine and be appreciated. He doesn’t push them to write something just because it’s popular.

At the same time, Toby knows that the entertainment industry is competitive. Success often requires compromise. He helps his clients understand how to adapt to the market while maintaining their creative identity, when to stick to their guns and say ‘no’, and when to be open to a new approach.

A Manager Who Believes in Creativity

Toby Wagstaff’s approach to literary management is simple but powerful: find talent, build trust, nurture personal relationships throughout the industry, and help creators stay true to themselves. He believes in supporting his clients, not controlling them. By doing this, he has built a roster of talented writers and creators making their mark in the entertainment industry. Toby’s work shows that creativity can thrive in the business world with the right support.

Published by: Gracia M.