Mid-Career Stall — Is it You or the Industry?

I had a client who’d been a story editor on a network procedural. The show got cancelled (as so many do, welcome to Hollywood), and more than a year went by without him working. He came to me trying to figure out what was going on.  

As we dug in, a few things became clear. He needed a new sample, but he was stuck at the outline stage — circling the same idea without ever quite cracking it. On top of that, the core character was solid, but the concept itself wasn’t “sticky”. It wasn’t high-concept enough or deeply personal enough to get folks excited. It lived in that frustrating middle zone: good, but not undeniable.

So we shifted. I helped him dig deeper to find a version of the idea that had a clearer hook and more personal engine. At the same time, we worked on reconnecting him with people he’d lost touch with over the past year (not in a transactional way, just a human one). Both strategies worked. He started getting meetings again and ultimately got staffed. 

Here’s why I’m telling you this.

If you’re a mid-career writer, that’s been paid to write, that’s had momentum — script deals, development, real traction. And now… it’s quiet (for many, painfully quiet). In that silence an uncomfortable question can creep in: is this just the state of the industry, or is it partly a “you” thing? 

Yes, Hollywood is undeniably slow right now — there are fewer buyers, fewer greenlights, and fewer opportunities floating around. But is it just that? Should you stay the course, keep doing what you’re doing, and trust that business will pick up? Or is it time to re-evaluate your material? 

This post is about how to tell the difference (without blaming yourself for the industry’s problems, but also without ignoring the ways in which your work might need to evolve):

1. Sometimes it really is just what’s going on in the business today

There are stretches in this business where things slow down for everyone. Especially right now. Fewer projects get made, fewer scripts get bought, and development slates pile up (think of it like the entire industry pipeline is “clogged”). So, if you’re still getting reads, still taking meetings, and people are genuinely excited about your material — but nothing’s selling — it’s probably not your writing. Another great barometer is to talk to other writers: Are their specs selling? Are their projects moving forward? Are they getting staffed? Are they pitching on OWAs or taking generals?  If the answer across the board is “not really,” it’s not just you — it’s the whole industry.

2. Sometimes it’s your material

Even if the industry’s slow, your work can still be part of the issue. Signs this might be the case are: feedback that feels polite and vague instead of excited, samples that aren’t generating meetings, or a gut feeling that what you’re putting out isn’t your best. To be clear, this doesn’t mean you’re not talented — it might just mean your work isn’t cutting through in a highly competitive, highly cautious market. And it’s not always about quality either; sometimes it’s about subject matter or tone (what landed a few years ago might not land now).

3. Sometimes it’s how you are to work with

This is the one no one wants to say out loud, but it matters (especially at the mid-career level). Writing great scripts is only part of the job; the rest is how you are with people. Do you take notes well? Are you collaborative? Are you responsive and meet deadlines? Executives, producers, showrunners and reps all want to work with writers who make their process easier, not harder. If opportunities aren’t coming your way despite your writing being solid, it’s worth asking yourself: am I someone people are excited to work with? This isn’t about losing your voice or being a pushover; it’s about being professional and solutions-oriented. Small shifts here can make a big difference in how your work is received, and how often opportunities come your way. That said…

4. Be careful not to overcorrect in the wrong direction

When you’re already dealing with self-doubt, it can be easy to mis-diagnose the problem (and that’s where writers get into trouble). If it’s the industry but you think it’s you and start tearing apart work that’s already great — you risk losing what makes you distinctive and “sellable”. If it’s your material but you blame the market — you risk getting left behind. If it’s your attitude and you ignore it — even strong material and perfect timing won’t save you. So, before you try to “fix” anything, take a beat. Be honest about what’s actually going on so you’re responding to the right problem (clarity matters more than comfort here).

5. If it’s the industry, your job is endurance

When things are slow, it’s all about ‘staying power’. Keep writing. Keep generating new scripts. Stay connected to your reps, your community and collaborators. Do whatever you need to do to make rent (there’s no shame in a day job). Use the time to write new material and strengthen relationships so when people are buying, you’re ready and top of mind. Even if the industry is “contracting,” it doesn’t mean you’ll never work again. If your work is undeniably great and you’re a good collaborator, chances are this is just a ‘dry spell’ (and those are part of a long career).

6. If it’s your material, your job is to level up

If your work isn’t generating heat, decide what needs to change (unfortunately there’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer to this). Take a good, clear-eyed look at your material, ask people you trust to give you honest feedback, and talk to your reps about how your work stacks up against scripts that are selling. The goal isn’t to chase the market, or completely change your identity as a writer — it’s to understand where you’re missing the mark, so you can adjust and evolve your writing. The good news is this ‘adjustment’ is entirely within your control. Take a big swing. You don’t need anyone’s permission to level up — just be honest with yourself.

7. Diagnose correctly, respond accordingly

Mid-career stalls are normal. Misreading them is what causes damage. The key is figuring out what’s really going on so you’re addressing the right problem. Because in a business where so much is out of your control, this is one area where your choices can make a difference.

What’s your best advice for a mid-career slump? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!

For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:

If you're interested in finding out more about my one-on-one coaching, go to: carolekirschner.com/options

For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch

To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.

And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).