I know this is dumb---but what exactly should my manager be doing for me? I just finished with my script and he's talking about getting it ready for market. What does that mean? I want to ask my agent but I don't want to look like an idiot.
Well.... to answer this to the benefit of all, I have to make a comment. And I don't mean to embarrassyou. But this is a question you should have been clear upon before you took on a manager. The area of "Manager" is one that is very dicey because it can be very easily abused. There is no WGA protection, only the protection of state law over the contract. That may not sound like much of a difference, but I put it this way: the WGA protects the writer; State law protects the contract. So when you sign a contract (verbal as well) you need to know exactly what you are getting into and what the requirements and duties are on both sides of the deal.
Also, when you take on an agent, never allow yourself to be afraid to ask her anything. No matter how foolish you may feel, I'm sure she knows that you are new to this. If she makes fun of you or acts like you are a bother by asking... start looking for another agent. You have every right to ask ANY question of your agent and manager. Knowledge is the only way to protect yourself and understand the business. So ask your manager what his plan is. Ask him what is required in getting it "ready for market". And make sure your agent is in the loop. She should be working with your manager anyway.
Now, as to what it exactly means... it's means everything and nothing. "Getting it ready for market" is one of those subjective phrases that could, at best, mean that he is getting some preliminary feedback from people he knows, laying groundwork for sending it out, trying to get some buzz going on it, an so on so on. Or... it could also mean that your script is just sitting around, he hasn't gotten to it, and had to say something to you. So he said a fairly common subjective statement that has complete deniability if challenged, but has the sound of substance to keep you from asking.
Ask. And don't take half answers from anyone. You have a right to know what your manager is doing and, in fact, you have a right to know who is on the list of people he has sent your script to or planning to send it to. If he's legit, he'll tell you. If he's not... he'll accuse you of not having faith in him; not understanding the business; etc. etc. etc.
Good luck.
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