Screenwriting : Is there a certain way to write Query letters? by Jai Jackson

Hi Jai, they are at their heart a sales document. Even if money doesn’t change hand, as in writing to an agent. You are trying to get an action to be taken. So there are some important things to consider.

1) are you writing to the correct person? Let say you have a horror film, it may the world’s best. But you are writing to someone that makes romantic comedies. They will not be interested and may not recognise the genius.

2) is it right for them now. Are the flat out with 10 projects in the next 2 years?

3) are you ready to talk to them. They are not going to hold your hand through the process. They are looking for a business partner/ product supplier, not a hobby. So if they ask you a question can you answer it?

There are a million things to consider. I try the AIDA method. Some formula from the 1960s. Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.

If you can hit these things in that order you have a higher chance of success. Here is a video: https://youtu.be/gkPFmgDb028 Otherwise I could type pages.

Search this dude's tweets, He is now a pro writer- his occupation. Started with 0 connections, tweeted advice about querying.

https://twitter.com/balance510/status/1546935970280288256?s=21&t=dGpgpPs...

Jai Jackson, you can write a query letter different ways. I make my query letters brief.

I always open with "Hi, _________." Then I let them know why I'm emailing.

After that, I mention the logline. Some script posts tell you that the producers, companies, etc. only accept loglines in query letters, so I exclude a synopsis.

If the script posts say the producers, companies, etc. are open to more than a logline, I include what's special/unique about the script, a synopsis, and a small paragraph about how many characters are in the script, how many locations are in the script, any connection I have to the script/why I wrote it, etc.

Next, I thank the person for hearing my pitch, and I mention that the script is available. I also mention that a treatment and a pitch deck are available if I have them.

Then the short bio.

I end the email with my name and contact info.

EXAMPLE:

Hi, ______,

How are you? My name is Maurice Vaughan. I found your post on Screenwriting Staffing. I have an exciting Action/Comedy short script titled "Mom Fight Club."

Logline: After receiving a foreclosure notice, a single mom who doesn’t accept help participates in a tag-team fight club for moms so she can win money to keep her house.

Thanks for hearing my pitch. The script is available.

Bio

Maurice Vaughan

Contact Info

Thank you for this Maurice Vaughan . You are an amazing human.

You're welcome, Debbie Elicksen. Amazing human? Average human. Haha

Maurice, that's it!

Thanks for posting an example on how you write query letters.

Me, I've been trying to find a way to shorten my own queries and just get right to the meat without taking up more of a recipient's time...and I'm going to try your method.

So darn glad, glad, glad you're here on Stage 32! All the VERY BEST to you!

Here's the query letter template that I use.

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Email subject — [genre]: [TITLE]

[greeting]

[logline]

[short synopsis]

If you like the concept of [TITLE], I'd be pleased to send a treatment, first ten pages, or screenplay for your consideration.

BIO: [short sentence or two with your qualifications]

Respectfully,

[name]

[contact info]

You're welcome, Jim Boston. Hope the query letter example helps!

I forgot about the bio, Bob. Thanks.

I updated my comment/query letter with a bio, Debbie Elicksen and Jim Boston.

No. Do what's best serves your interest...even templates get personalized...

"Hi, I'm a friend of John, he said you would be interested in this script. Here's the logline."