Top 5 Peeves about Query Letters and Submissions for Management Representation
March 20, 2009
Since I am looking at the gigantic stack of scripts designated for my weekend read, I thought it would be fun to put together a list of my top 5 peeves about query letters and submissions:
1. If you list 12 scripts in a query letter. If I see 12 scripts listed on a query letter I am going to wonder why hasn’t anything happened with any of them? Put one or at most two in the letter.
2. Saying this script will sell for millions of dollars! Every script I have seen with a letter saying “it will sell for millions of dollars” has been a pass. First, no one knows what scripts will sell and what won’t. If you must say something, just say you believe it is a very commercial idea.
3. X meets Y. Don’t pick two movies that have nothing in common and put them together by saying your script is like X meets Y. I have seen all kinds of ridiculous statements, such as Wall-E meets Schindler’s List. This means nothing.
4. Calling me up and saying I must read this asap. If you give it to me on a Monday and think I am going to read it by Friday, then you are mistaken. You are also mistaken if you give it to me on a Friday and call me on Monday to see if I have read it. Give everyone two weeks to read your script; we are all busy and we have a lot of work to do and are trying to get through everything.
5. Spelling and grammar mistakes. There should be none, ever — either in your letter or in your script. If I am taking the time to read your script, you should have taken the time to go through your work and make sure there are no spelling and grammar mistakes.
Bonus tip. If you call me and say you would love to submit to me and I tell you to check out our submission policy on our web page and you tell me you don’t have a computer — that is a very bad sign.
However, the most important thing is to make sure you have the best script possible. You only get one chance, and it is very very rare that, after I pass on someone, I will agree to read another script by that person.
So before you send your script to me make sure you have done everything in your power to make it the most professional and well-written script you can.
Love this.
So are query letters an viable way of gaining representation? Should a screenwriter such as myself aim for lower-profile management companies and agencies, or would a really excellent query letter work equally as well for a big agency?
…and Rachel, how about accepting queries from the good people that read this blog? Perhaps a code in the subject line? I’d love to run what we’ve got going on by you.
Scott — To be honest, query letters have a lower chance of finding representation than screenwriting contests or festivals or even better, referrals. However a great query letter could work as well at a big agency as at a smaller one.
Pete - A priority for Tom Sawyer Entertainment is for the principals to personally read the scripts of everyone being considered as clients. Because of this and an overwhelming number of submissions, we cannot accept unsolicited material (even if we used a code we would get hundreds of submissions).
However, as a way to help emerging writers and directors, we launched Showmethescreenplay.com — providing honest answers about everything in Entertainment.
Additionally, our affiliated company DialogueDriven.biz offers coverage and studio notes on screenplays. If a script receives great coverage from DialogueDriven.biz, the coverage is passed to Tom Sawyer.
Best of luck,
Rachel
Rachel,
What do you suggest for directors who are not screenwriters and are seeking representation in multicamera (video) television production, demo reel and resume? I’m sure you are inundated by them also.
Thanks,
Michael
Hi Michael,
The best thing for you to do is to direct a short. If it is very well done, it can go viral and get you a lot of attention. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot. I saw a fabulous one that had big effects that was shot for only $400.
And if you aren’t a writer, get one of your friends to write something for you. There are a ton of writers out there who would love to see their work on screen!
Best,
Hey Rachel,
I’m an indie film writer/director and I have been writing and re-writing my screenplay for eight years. I believe I am finally at a point where this script has matched the potential that I had manifested. Throughout my writing, I have also research ways to find a writing agent. I have read over and over about trying to find agencies by means of query letters. My trouble is, I find myself in a Catch 22. For the most part, a person must already be in the industry to get someone to look at your work; generally a referral. I don’t know how many agencies I have ran into (via query letter) and have been turned away because I wasn’t represented. I would like know if you could possible directed me to optional ways of finding agencies that would accept material from writers of the unsolicited variety, or could you perhaps inform me of other ways to ascertain representation?
Lastly, I read your above statement to Michael about filming a short. I happen to currently be in pre-production for a short. Do you have any suggestions for film festivals/contests other than Sundance or Can that I should submit my short when time comes to release the picture?
Hey Christian,
In terms of getting representation, another idea is to get an entertainment lawyer who can submit your material. I know several lawyers and can send you referrals if you are interested.
If you are asking what our policy is, due to the amount of submissions we get, we only take submissions through referrals or by submitting through DialogueDriven.biz. We trust them and if their coverage comes back as a recommend that we will read it.
Also, here is a link for a list of Film Festivals/Contests.
http://www.dialoguedriven.biz/resources.html
Best of luck,
Hello,
I am an experienced Producer, Director. I directed a great short that won some festival notice and my combined Director of Photography skills with directing skilled and unskilled actors got me some great fun network gigs directing A Hot Reality TV series for E! Networks. Where so I go from here?
I am currently developing several TV shows, two of which have completed pilot or promo and garnering much interest. I will be directing a re-vamped Emmy awarded show for a Large Cable News TV network that already has received a full season order. I’ve optioned an amazing Vampire Horror script ( Trilogy Franchise ) from a studio tracked writer.
I would like to find out, to whom is it best and how, for me to seek the option of representation and management, some one else who will have my best interest at heart as well as naturally the contacts to assist in the production of the properties I’m working on and help me maximize my fullest potential asset requisition in these current and upcoming dealings. Thank you.
Always The Best,
rOMAN
Hey Roman,
A lot of the questions you ask are answered at my other blog ShowMeTheScreenplay.com
Check out the site as I think it will provide some answers.
Best,
Hello Rachel,
I just wanted to say I like what you had to say about the matters that are presented to you. After reading this Q and A, I find myself not so alone on this “Getting Started” Boat. I put up a trailer, for a series I created/acted in, and will sign up for your blog. Thanks so much for providing a couple answers, in a city where chaos and confusion reign supreme.
Best,
Will
Glad I could help Will!