Query Letters - Screenplay Query Letters - Query Letter Submission
to Screenplay Agents
After having spent so much time writing the screenplay, many
screenwriters find it difficult to summarize 100 pages of their
best work into query letters with only two short paragraphs and
a one sentence logline, but it is a necessary evil. You have to
forget about the great detail in your screenplay and get back
to the very essence of your script. Your screenplay query letters
are strictly marketing tools meant to peak the interest of the
reader and make them want to read your full script.
Query letters are short sales pitches for your script and contain
the following details:
Logline:
A catchy 25-30 word (200 character max) glimpse of the entire
movie.
Genre:
The category for your film such as Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, etc.
Synopsis:
1 or 2 paragraphs (1000 character max) revealing more about the
plot and main characters. The shorter your synopsis is, the better
and the more likely that it will be read. The goal of your synopsis
is two-fold: 1) Create a reason why the story needs to be told
and 2) Leave the reader wanting more.
If you would like to have your equery reviewed and edited by
our staff writer, be sure to take advantage of our popular Equery
Edit service only available to our loyal Equery Direct customers.
Here are a few basic Query Letter Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Introduce the lead character
Don't: State names of actors and actresses that would
play the role well
Do: Be creative and original and pique the reader's interest
Don't: Tell the reader where, when, or how to produce
the film
Do: State awards and competitions that you have won or
placed in
Don't: List pending or future competitions that you submitting
to
Do: Provide your WGA Registration # if available
Don't: Threaten to prosecute the reader if your material
is stolen
Do: List your current contact information
Don't: Use a goofy catch phrase or slogan with your signature
