Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business

Seriously, when you arrive at LAX, you should have to read this book before you leave the airport. Self-Management for Actors can shave months or even years off the learning curve. I wish I had known about this book 2 years ago. If you're even considering a career in acting, this is a must-read.

I can't thank you enough for "Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business" I feel it is the most important book that a young actor like myself has to read. I recently moved here (Hollywood) from Las Vegas and I can't tell how much I felt so lost in this city, till the day I went to Samuel French and found your book. It's truly a MUST for any actor who is serious about becoming a professional, to rush out and buy this book. I have literally read it 3 times from front to back and my whole outlook about this business has significantly changed for the positive; I feel that I have a better plan of attack, thanks to your book. It will not be long from now before I become a working actor. So many thanks for this and I will keep you up to date on my success in Hollywood. Yours truly, S.K.

I just have to whole-heartedly recommend Bonnie Gillespie's Book, "Self-Management for Actors" because it was EXACTLY what I needed at this stage of my career. I was in the tedious process of prepping for new Headshots, doing tons of research for upgrading all my other materials, and submitting for representation, and this book (chock-full of accessible clear advice!) has helped me fine-tune my marketing materials and filled in the blanks I didn't realize I had! I've completely revamped my business strategy and am extremely happy about the direction and progress - in fact, I have already received some positive response due to the changes and modifications I've made because of her caring, professional advice. If you are looking for a guide that will definitely help (unlike other books that claim to do the same) this is the one that can lead you to better manage your own career step by step, instead of simply waiting for someone to do it for you. I HIGHLY recommend it! It's already one of my most used (and heavily underlined) references.

Bonnie Gillespie's Self-Management for Actors is a MUST HAVE tool for actors. This amazing book helps provide a "practical" plan for promoting your product - You. Bonnie's personal style and caring of actors make this an easy read that will help any actor focus and refine their marketing plan. As an actor, there are a million things in the "Business" that you will never control... so taking charge of your career by having all the tools necessary to market yourself is critical to success... Self-Management is one of those crucial tools. I came on today to order a copy of Casting-Qs (which I can't wait to read!), but had to take a moment to recommend Self-Management to any actor who hasn't yet added it to their Acting Library.

There is more to the acting business than just the acting. It's understanding and applying the "business" side of acting that makes it possible for the actor to succeed. Bonnie Gillespie is right on target with her enjoyable nuts and bolts wisdom in "Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business." She takes the guess work out of the process of managing your career as an actor with clear guidance and a wonderful sense of humor. Precious time and money will be saved when knowing how to market yourself by doing it right the first time. Owning this book is one of the best investments any actor can make. ********* Now, just two years later in 2006, as the entertainment industry continues to move forward at lightening speed with technology and endless resources at our fingertips, how lucky we are to have the 2nd edition of Bonnie's highly successful book. Keeping up with the latest in information and resources about the "business" of show business, while at the same time empowering actors of all ages and experience levels with the gift of "I can do this," Bonnie tells it like it is and simplifies the mysteries of managing your own career, while working in this crazy but amazing industry. Bonnie writes with love and compassion, reaching out and connecting with actors of all levels. With each chapter, a new door opens, building confidence and knowledge, while answering the endless questions of who, what, why, when, where and how, in addition to the should I or shouldn't I's. It just doesn't get any easier. The best part is, this book is not just for actors. It's for anyone who wants to take control of their career in any aspect of the performing arts. It's also for anyone not directly involved in the field, but with an interest in learning about just how much "work" goes into becoming a working artist. As an actress and career consultant for young performers and their families, this book is the first book I encourage as a must-have for anyone who is serious about a career in the entertainment industry. ********* As the industry moves forward in 2008, Bonnie Gillespie has graced us once again with her 3rd edition of her most informative and resourceful book.