How to submit to a modeling agency: what to send and how to write it

A good submission is short, complete and easy to review. Agencies see many. Yours should make it simple to see who you are and what you look like.

Read the agency's own instructions first

Almost every agency explains how to apply on its website, either an online form or an email address. Follow that exactly. If it asks for a certain number of photos, use that number. If it says it does not accept email applications, do not send one.

What to send

• Recent, unedited digitals: a headshot, a profile, and full-body front. Agencies often ask for a few more, so check.
• Your basic details: name, age, height, city and contact information.
• Your measurements and sizes, if the agency asks for them.
• Your Instagram, only if you are happy for them to look at it.

A short template

Hello, my name is [name] and I am [age] years old, based in [city]. I would like to be considered for representation. My height is [height], and my measurements are [measurements]. My photos are attached, all taken recently and unedited. My phone number is [phone]. Thank you for your time.

That is enough. Do not write a long story, and do not list every job you have done. If you have genuine experience, one line is plenty.

Common mistakes

• Sending styled or filtered photos instead of digitals.
• Sending huge files, or so many photos that nobody finds the useful ones.
• Applying to many agencies in the same city with a mass email.
• Following up daily. Many agencies reply only if they are interested.

After you send it

Wait. Many agencies say they reply only if they are interested and may take weeks. If they ask you to wait a certain time, wait that long. A single polite follow-up after that time is fine. Then move on. Not hearing back is common, and it is not a verdict on you.