MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007
Writing a Great Query Letter
A good query letter should go something like this:Month, Day, Year(four spaces)Company NamePerson You Are Sending ToStreet, SuiteCity, StateZip(two spaces)Dear Mr. Bigshot:(two spaces)Here are my bad-ass creds; A graduate of USC, I am a Nicholl'swinner, placed second in the Antarctic Script Competition and makegreat apple cobbler. Incidentally, I just loved BOOM CHUCKA DINGDONG; what a great movie!I have written a script called NUNS OF THE PEACH ORCHARD; aromantic comedy set in 19th century Italy. Here is a great logline,which tells you who the main character is, what the conflict is, whatthe stakes are and has a cute little teaser that doesn't
quite
giveaway the ending; will she or won't she? Does the peach brandy winthe prize? The executive or manager will have to read the script tofind out.If you are interested in a read, I would be happy to send a hard copyof NUNS or a pdf via email. Or a copy strapped to my rat, Wilmer,who incidentally, hasn't bitten anyone in a couple of years. I haveenclosed an SASE for your convenience.Warm Regards,(four spaces)Your printed name here, your signature in the space above C'est moi. Julie Gray. Hello.
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If you haven't got personalized stationery, put your contactinformation here, under your name. Be sure to include your phonenumber and email address.*******In other words, Wavers, the
first paragraph should be your bonafides
. Any competition wins or placements should go here, as shouldany film program or impressive university you graduated from. If youhave not got any filmic or screenwriting bona fides, try to findsomething you can say by way of introducing yourself. Obviously,having creds in the screenplay world is a great attention-getter andthis is why I recommend leading off with it. Suddenly, you are takena bit more seriously - you have something to brag about. Again,those who feel they have no creds, get creative - think of something, anything that gives you some credibility. If your script isset in a coal mining town and you grew up in one, mention it. If yourscript is about doctors and you're a doctor - mention it. Maybe youhad an open heart surgery and now have a baboon heart - if thathas direct bearing on your script - mention it. Paragraph one isabout piquing interest.
If the recipient of your query has recently wrapped or evendebuted a movie, mention it.
It demonstrates that you're in theknow and that you've taken the time to follow their career just abit. Not in a stalky way - don't mention their new twins or that greathouse on Oak Lane. Your SASE may just contain a restraining order.
The second paragraph is your logline-teaser.
Lead off with thetitle, and be sure to mention the genre and time period. Then layyour gorgeous logline on them.
Wrap it all up in the third paragraph
, by graciously offering tosend the script in any format should they be interested in a read.Make it easy for them, include an SASE.
Do:
Research the recipient; know their movie or client credsBe brief Be graciousGet to the pointMake sure your logline rocksNote your accomplishments or credentialsInclude an SASE
Don't:
BabbleBegBe too self-deprecatingMake stuff up to look goodName dropInclude pictures, cd's or supplemental materials (you think I'mGet Text Alerts
your phone number
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kidding!)Be annoyingly twee or clever; you're dealing with grownupsIn summary, a query letter should be quick and dirty: get in and getout. Be gracious and authentic. Try to get some creds down in thatfirst paragraph but be honest; don't exaggerate and for god's sakedon't lie.Yes, it's okay and customary to query several places at once and no,you don't need to mention that you're doing it. It's a given. Don'tmention the other agencies you've queried; it's none of theirbusiness unless they want to meet with and possibly sign you. Asabove, do NOT name drop; Hollywood is a small town and if you'refull of baloney, you're sunk. You also risk dropping a name that youwere under the impression had some weight but actually that personis roundly hated, had some big failure or had a breakdown andmoved to New Hampshire.Summon all your writerly skills so that your letter is perfectlypresented, graciously worded and mercifully short. Nothing willmark you as an amateur faster than blathering on - or converselybeing serial-killer brief. Sound like a regular person. Write the letterYOU would like to receive.
POSTED BY JULIE GRAY ATMONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007 LABELS:REPRESENTATION,WRITING STRATEGIES
2 COMMENTS:
Christian M. Howellsaid...Great post as usual and really timely as soon the queries willproceed forth. I don't have an HCD sized list yet but I do have theDone Deal list.I hope that I can solicit some feedback when I do. I have beenfinding that most companies accept emails now which makes ti alittle more "immediate-gratification-like" though probably nottimelier.The big thing now is to finish a few scripts. I'm well on my way withmy "baby" and a little family comedy that's in treatment stage.I've been hearing that treatments are an even better way toapproach the industry, so I've been honing my skills at that also.JUNE 20, 2007 10:35 AMLaura Reynasaid...Copied & saved for later reference.Thanks! :-)JUNE 20, 2007 8:42 PMPost a Comment
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Put Your Best Foot Forward When You Query
It's hard enough to write that great novel, essay or script. But now you have to write a great query letter as well. There's an art to it and you want to get it right - because this is the first - and potentially last impression you'll make on the recipient.
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