Script Talk – A Conversation with Verve Literary Agents Liz Parker and Noah Ballard on Discovering IP on Reddit
Liz Parker, Head of Publishing and Partner at Verve, and Noah Ballard, Literary Agent at Verve, recently spoke with Script about the process of acquiring IP, utilizing Reddit as a resource, and what they look for in writers (spoiler – voice!), their overall realistic goals working with and shepherding new writers, and so much more.
The astute literary team at Verve has found its niche in utilizing Reddit as one of their go-to sources for discovering both new voices and IP on the popular platform. Within the last few years, Verve has closed six-figure deals with projects sold to Universal, Netflix, Paramount, and more. There are numerous success stories coming from Verve’s roster, including authors Matt & Harrison Query (The Query Brothers) who sold two of their IPs, Wilderness Reform, which sold to Paramount for an outright six-figure purchase and We Bought a Ranch, sold to Netflix and sold as a book, published earlier in 2022 as Old Country.
In a previous conversation I had with David Boxerbaum, one of the agencies Partners, it’s easy to see why any creative would consider themselves “lucky” to be on any of the agent’s client rosters – easily said, they’ll be in great hands as the mantra “artists first” steadily continues on.
Liz Parker, Head of Publishing and Partner at Verve, and Noah Ballard, Literary Agent at Verve, recently spoke with Script about the process of acquiring IP, utilizing Reddit as a resource, and what they look for in writers (spoiler – voice!), their overall realistic goals working with and shepherding new writers, and so much more.
Watch the full conversation:
About Liz Parker
Liz Parker, promoted to Partner at Verve earlier this year, is a highly respected and accomplished industry professional with over a decade of experience in the publishing and literary sectors. With her vast knowledge and expertise, Liz has been recognized as a leader in her field, including a designation as a "Variety New Leader" in 2021.
Liz currently serves as the Head of the IP Team and Co-Head of the MP Lit Team at Verve, where she represents a prestigious roster of clients, including Academy Award-winning actor Troy Kotsur, Nia Long, Sarah Edmondson, Chrysta Bilton, The Query Brothers, Suzanne Rindell, Marcus Kleiwer, Melissa Arnot, Tway Nguyen and Gabe Dunn.
Liz joined Verve in 2018, relocating from New York to Los Angeles to build the agency’s Publishing division. Prior to joining Verve, Liz worked as a Literary Agent at InkWell and served as Publishing Director for Counterpoint and Soft Skull Press. Her dedication and hard work were recognized in 2023 when she was promoted to Partner at Verve Agency.
Liz's extensive experience, coupled with her commitment to her clients, has made her a valuable asset to the Verve team. Her professional and knowledgeable approach to representation has set her apart as a leader in the industry, making her an indispensable asset to the agency and its clients.
About Noah Ballard
Noah Ballard is a rising star in the literary world, recently recognized as one of the honorees of Publishers Weekly's Star Watch 2021. Based in New York, Noah has established himself as a leading literary agent, representing some of the industry's most exciting and talented authors.
Noah, a University of Nebraska grad, began his career working for Emma Sweeney at her eponymous agency before moving over to Curtis Brown. With a keen eye for discovering new literary talent and a passion for helping his clients succeed, Noah has quickly become a sought-after agent in the publishing industry. He currently represents a diverse roster of clients, including Tochi Onyebuchi, Hadley Vlahos RN, Ben McKenzie, Jordan Farmer, Cinelle Barnes, Scott Phillips and Josh Gondelman.
Noah's professional approach and deep industry knowledge have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and advocate for his clients. He brings a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of the publishing landscape to his work, making him a valuable asset to both his clients and the industry at large.
With his dedication and hard work, Noah is poised to continue his trajectory as a leading literary agent, representing the best and brightest in the world of publishing. His inclusion as a Publishers Weekly Star Watch 2021 honoree is just the latest recognition of his talents and impact on the industry.
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Sadie Dean is the Editor of Script Magazine and writes the screenwriting column, Take Two, for Writer’s Digest print magazine. She is also the co-host of the Reckless Creatives podcast. Sadie is a writer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, and received her Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from The American Film Institute. She has been serving the screenwriting community for nearly a decade by providing resources, contests, consulting, events, and education for writers across the globe. Sadie is an accomplished writer herself, in which she has been optioned, written on spec, and has had her work produced. Additionally, she was a 2nd rounder in the Sundance Screenwriting Lab and has been nominated for The Humanitas Prize for a TV spec with her writing partner. Sadie has also served as a Script Supervisor on projects for WB, TBS and AwesomenessTV, as well as many independent productions. She has also produced music videos, short films and a feature documentary. Sadie is also a proud member of Women in Film.
Follow Sadie and her musings on Twitter @SadieKDean
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