Self-Management for Actors

Self-Management for Actors by Bonnie Gillespie is the go-to resource for actors who want to take control of their careers without waiting for an agent or manager to do it for them. It covers branding, marketing, networking, and the business infrastructure actors need.

The book provides detailed strategies for creating a brand identity, targeting the right representatives, leveraging social media, and developing professional relationships. Gillespie draws on her experience as a casting director and career consultant.

Essential for actors who want to be proactive about their careers rather than waiting for the phone to ring. The self-management approach is especially relevant in an era where actors have more tools than ever to market themselves.

Available in paperback and digital formats, typically priced between $20-25. The book is regularly updated to reflect changes in the industry and evolving best practices.

One of the most comprehensive career management books available for actors. Gillespie's strategic, empowering approach has helped thousands of actors take ownership of their professional lives. The book has become a foundational text in the actor self-empowerment movement, shifting the paradigm from passive waiting for opportunities to active career cultivation and brand management. Gillespie's background as a casting director gives her insights into what decision-makers actually look for, which she translates into actionable strategies that actors can implement immediately. The regularly updated editions ensure that the advice remains current with evolving industry practices, social media platforms, and casting technologies, making it one of the few acting career books that stays relevant year after year.

Self-Management for Actors is available in paperback directly from Gillespie's website and through Amazon, typically priced between $20 and $25 for the most current edition. Digital editions are available for Kindle and other e-readers at approximately $15 to $18, and Gillespie occasionally offers bundle pricing that includes supplementary materials, worksheets, and access to online resources. The price point is higher than many acting books because the text is substantially longer and more comprehensive, functioning essentially as a complete business course for actors rather than a standard-length book. Used copies of earlier editions can be found for less, but given how frequently the industry evolves, investing in the current edition is strongly recommended to ensure the advice reflects current best practices. Gillespie also offers paid workshops, courses, and coaching services that complement the book, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for actors who want to go deeper into self-management strategies.

If you are serious about building a sustainable acting career and you recognize that talent alone is not enough to succeed in the modern entertainment industry, Self-Management for Actors is an essential investment that will pay for itself many times over through smarter career decisions and more effective self-promotion. The book is particularly valuable for actors who do not yet have representation or who are frustrated with the level of attention they receive from their current agents and managers, as it provides a complete toolkit for generating opportunities independently. We recommend reading it cover to cover once, then using it as an ongoing reference manual that you return to as you implement each strategy and encounter new career challenges. Pair this book with Jenna Fischer's The Actor's Life for a complementary perspective that adds personal narrative and emotional support to Gillespie's strategic framework. Actors who commit fully to Gillespie's self-management approach consistently report increased auditions, stronger industry relationships, and a greater sense of control over their professional destinies.

Begin by completing Gillespie's branding exercises before moving on to any other section of the book, as your brand identity forms the foundation upon which all other career strategies are built. Create a dedicated notebook or digital document for your self-management plan and update it regularly as you work through the book's exercises, track your progress, and refine your strategies based on results. Identify your bullseye casting targets — the specific shows, production companies, and casting directors who cast actors in your type and brand — and build a systematic approach to getting on their radar through professional, non-intrusive means. Join Gillespie's online community and attend her workshops if possible, as the networking opportunities and accountability that come from engaging with other self-managing actors can be as valuable as the book itself. Review and update your self-management plan quarterly, adjusting your branding, targets, and strategies as you grow as an actor, gain new credits, and respond to shifts in the industry landscape.