Query Letters

[Plotman00]

I'm getting ready to send out query letters regarding my script. Now I've heard that one thing you dont want to do is flood the market with them, by this I mean sending it to everyone in the book. I did this with my first script and only recieved 3 responses. I feel really strongly about my latest work and want to get the word out there. Anyone have any advie on how I should approach this. Should I send a letter to everyone or maybe just a little at a time? What is the best way to get the word out there?

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[rsigno]

Just get it out there. It's all a crap shoot. Whats works for one thing won't always with something else, so who can really say. I believe it's a matter of being there at the right place at the right time, and with the right stuff to do it with. What really matters is that your querry is properly bated and hooked. Good luck!!

[a mccuaig]

What's a query letter? I'm sorry, I'm not familar with that.

[Plotman00]

A query letter is basically a letter you send out to Agents, Managers, or production companies to let them know what mateiral you have and some quick info on what its about.

[newriter]

Are there any predefined formats for Query Letters?

[OneWay]

It's the first time that I meet that word, for anyone who asked what is it a "Query Letters", I found some good information of that, I didn't read it by myself, yet.

How to Write a Query Letter
DOS and DON'TS: HOW TO WRITE THE PERFECT QUERY LETTER
Our my favorite web Wikipedia

I hope that it will help... 

[FSUWriter]

One Way;

That's good that you did research on the subject, all people should learn to use the available search engines (Google is your friend!  Praise the Google!).  However, the query letter link you have there is not specific to scripts.  That link is about queries to biik publishers, not to Agents, Managers or Production companies.  There are differences.

Now, having said that, I can't tell anyone how to write one.  I've never had to, so I never learned.  But I do know a couple of things to keep in mind.

First, find out which agents/managers/production companies would be right for you.  With agents and managers, this is harder because the common sense rules tell you that you don't want to be with an agency that has so many of your type and style that you get lost, but you don't want to be with an agency who has no one of your type and style because they have no clout in your area.  However, choosing the right production company is easier.  Go to your local video store and look through the titles for films that are similar to the tone and genre as yours.  Look on the back of the DVD case and start taking down information: the production company, the producers, the director (this is best done with a small tape recorder, by the way...)  Then do research on them. You don't want to query Merchant Ivory if you have the latest ALIENS script.

The research comment is important.  Don't just send it to "To whom it concerns".  Do your research.  If it's an agency or management company or production company, get a list of the people who do what you want and research them.  Again, google is your friend.  If you do diligent research, you will often find interviews or references that will allow you to personalize your letter.  You don't want your query to look like it's a form letter.  But, by the same token, you don't want to write a long rambling personal letter.  But you DO want the reader to feel they were specifically chosen because THEY are special.

Sorry I can't help you with the actual writing of the letter.

[xoxoxoxovy]

  Should I do this before writting the actual script? Wouldn't it be benifical to see who would actually be intrested in my idea before wasting time on writting it and no one is intrested?

[caissiela]

Should I do this before writting the actual script? Wouldn't it be benifical to see who would actually be intrested in my idea before wasting time on writting it and no one is intrested?

Okay, you would think that would make some sense but the answer is unfortunately "no".  There's a few reasons for this. 

First, what if they like the idea?  It's going to take you weeks (at best) to even pump out a rough (and I'm stressing rough) first draft. 

Second, most agents want to see that you have more than one script written.  This is not to say that a first time writer can't get their one and only script looked at, but the more you have to offer the better your chances.  (remember quality is still more important than quantity though...5 lousy scripts isn't going to help you more than say 2 great scripts).

Third, you're opening yourself up for someone to beat you to the punch.  When the idea hits you, write it and worry about getting someone interested after the fact.  If you're worried about writing something that someone is interested in I can give you some pointers.  If you're a first time writer (new and haven't sold anything yet) you should probably stick with: thrillers, horror, comedy, and action.  Dramas may win academy awards, but they're not as easy to sell.  There are always exceptions to this, but I'm a firm believer in taking the path of least resistance. 

One more pointer, check around to make sure the idea you're working on isn't already being made.  I only say this because this has happened to me on numerous occassions.  Hope that helps.

Welcome to site, good luck, and have fun!   

[xoxoxoxovy]

Thanks so much for the great and insiteful advice. How do I know if someone is already working on a similar idea? However I doubt it since my idea derived from events that I have encountered or should I say its a combination of things that happened in the lives of 2 past boyfriends of mines and a little of my own life experiences which are unique but that others can relate to as well.