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I've done all that and in the WGA site under 'employers - looking for a writer' I've checked the named writers on my list. Guess what? All the writers identified by the WGA are with the top 3 agents! UTA (who don't accept query letters and for whom Hollywood Creative Directory have no listing); CAA who don't accept query letters unless by referral and WME likewise.

Further problem - these agencies have many individuals so there's no way of identifying the individuals who have expertise in your genre.

In any case is there not a danger those agents who handle writers writing in a similar genre will have a conflict of interest?

There simply aren't 50 'focussed and relevant' agents!

My understanding is that agents hate getting 'cold' phone calls.

So I think we have to rethink this whole process.

1. I've written a drama-thriller feature and a pilot for a sit com. Is the agent who crosses genres (so to speak) common or rare? Who do I send my one letter to?

2. How do I differentiate between an agent and a manager? I have a list of both taken from Hollywood Creative Directory. I do have another 6 'formed' projects which I'd also like to discuss, develop and work on with my 'new' agent.

Yes definatley avoid CAA and those guys- and not because they have a script stack 40-deep. Most of the majors have policies about not taking unsolicited material.