How To Get A Comedy Agent, Plus Contact Info

That is, if you actually still want one after reading this

I am going to go out on a limb here and admit something: I’ve never actually had a comedy agent.

I’ve had commercial agents, literary agents and I’ve had lots and lots of conversations with comedy agents, but I never signed with one. Why not?

I have some theories, but the most logical is this. In 2005, when I was actively seeking out representation, I was making big waves in New York City. I was getting press like crazy, performing regularly at all the biggest comedy clubs in the city and in major festivals and I was a known local name in comedy. I was usually recognized on the street or subway a few times a week or sometimes even a few times a day by someone who had seen me in a magazine (aww, remember those?), at a comedy club, or on T.V. I was known at the time for writing very ribald comedic songs, “mostly about vaginas.” And as one agent put it, “I just don’t know how to sell you.” In a time when W.A.P. wasn’t yet on everyone’s lips (pun intended!), and before Awkwafina had edged herself into the comedy world with “My Vag” (which was a more timely version of my own “Magic” number, if I do say so myself), the public, god fearing world just wasn’t ready for Jessica Delfino and Dirty Folk Rock. But New York City was all about it, and we sure had a lot of fun (and made some good money!) together.

Still, agent after agent would shake their head in my direction. “You’re ahead of the curve,” one told me. At the time it stung, but now it’s a badge of honor. I was. They were right. I always have been, a little bit.

So, if I’ve never had a comedy agent, then what do I even know?!

After working in comedy in New York City for as long as I have, I’ve learned a thing or two about agents, and here’s the really cool news. You don’t need to find an agent. You’ve never needed to. Here are two pieces of intel to prove it.

A friend once told me that he got hired to write for S.N.L. *through a friend.* That the next day, his phone started ringing at 8 a.m. He answered, and it was a big deal agent.