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WHAT A QUERY LETTER NEEDS TO DO
Everyone talks about the importance of the query letter. It is important because it is the first introduction of you and your work to professionals in the entertainment business. We all know that first impressions are the ones that last.
Think about all of the things you want to accomplish with this one page.
You want to motivate someone who is extremely busy to spend their time or the time of their employees, to read your screenplay. You want them to know that you are serious about your work. You want them to know that you have done due diligence in your writing work. You want them to think that there’s a chance that if they don’t read your script they will miss a great opportunity.
If your letter is sloppy, you’re out. If there are misspellings, you’re out. If your story idea is unclear, or too long, you’re out.
Here is a sample query letter that says it all and has a little “personality” to boot. Hope it helps:
Your Name
Your Address
Your Email & Phone Number
April 1, 2008
Ms._________ _____________
Company Name _____________
Address ____________________
City & State_________________
Re: “NAME OF SCREENPLAY” by __________________
Dear Ms.__________:
Hearing you speak at the ___________ __________ Writers Conference (Film Festival, etc.), I was very inspired by your remarks and your willingness to share information.
My background as a writer consists of studying screenwriting at UCLA, winning the _________ _________ Screenwriting contest and practicing the craft of writing since I was 10 years old. My spelling has improved, as well as my stories.
Attached is a Treatment for my latest sci-fi adventure script for your consideration. It tells the story of a young man and woman who meet and fall in love during a cataclysmic event that sets them on a course to preserve the United States as an independent country.
I will call you next week to see if you are interested in reading my screenplay.
Regards,
Joe/Jane Doe
Comments
Michelle,
Good topic. I don't know if I agree to sending a treatment with the initial query. Here's why.
A good logline will (hopefully) pique the interest of the recipient. Depending on the length of the treatment, it might turn them off. Also, if they read the treatment, they may not feel a need to read the script.
Just my two cents. it's pretty much a hit and miss process anyway.
Well Phillip, here's the real deal. First, please note that I was a Literary Agent for over 25 years, prior to becoming a screenplay & novel consultant.
When sending a query with a Treatment, the Treatment should be limited to five (5) pages. It is not necessary to enclose a Treatment, however if you are able to write a dynamic piece, it should be enclosed. If you are a "new" writer, you need to do everything you can to get an agent to read you and consider representation. Your Profile shows that you might be a very good writer. If you are a serious writer, why aren't you living in Los Angeles?
Obviously, you have more experience at this than I do. With the various meetings I've had with agents, producers, etc., some have said reading the treatment is sometimes substituted for reading the script. Since I'm not great at writing treatments, I try to avoid them if possible.
Why am I not living in LA if I want to be a serious writer? Well, I am a serious writer in my journalism endeavors (I hope) and enjoy the benefits of having a full-time job. If I could find a job in LA that included health insurance, I would pursue that.
Thanks for the note. Yes, Journalism is a very serious and important career.
I was thinking about a screenwriting career. Wish you all great success in all of your endeavors. Let me know if I can help.
Great little discussion !
I live in London and I am a serious writer.
I would love to move to LA. I used to live there once.
Will be back soon I hope.
Thanks for the sample query letter, very useful.
Simon Cade Williams.
Miichele:
Very useful topic-as usual. What about attatching an actual resume? Does anyone care about that? Do they expect degrees specifically in fifeld or at all?
Hi Mary Eliz. It is not necessary to attach a resume. Simply note in your letter if you've attended a Film School or previously sold any written material, i.e. magazine articles, scripts, novels. By the way what is a fifield?