Here’s a list of things I’ve learned about email query letters that might help you write yours. They've helped me get script requests.
1. Use a catchy subject line (one I use is "The House is ALIVE! - Horror Comedy Script Pitch")
2. Don’t make the subject line too long
3. Don’t make the query letter too long
4. Use the person’s name (like “Hi, Richard”)
5. Open the letter with a hook (one I use is "What would you do if you heard someone crying outside at night? Would you open the door and help them?... That’s the mistake Kelsa makes in KILL THE MONSTER")
6. If your script is a Horror, try to make the letter scary. If your script is a Comedy, try to make it funny. And so on.
7. Include a logline
8. Don’t put unrelated things in the letter
9. Don’t attach files to the letter. A lot of producers, directors, etc. won’t open the attachments, for legal reasons. The person might delete your email right away if they see attachments.
10. Test out different query letters until you find one that works for you/gets responses
If you have any other tips for writing query letters, feel free to post them in the comments.
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The shorter the query letter, the less probable is it that there is a typo, or something else the receiver dislikes.
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You're right, Göran Johansson. Your comment reminds me of another tip: check query letters for typos.
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When you say shorter, what length do you suggest?
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Does anyone have suggestions for viable email service or resources? Last email service I tried, I received a lot of 'cease and desist' replies.
Sometimes I just put the intro, logline, outro, and my contact info, Jed Power.
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Great to meet you, Robert Wooldridge. I used Screenwriting Staffing's Query Letter E-Blast campaign a while back. I got some script requests and made contacts through the service. www.screenwritingstaffing.com/query-letter-blast
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Thank you, Maurice. I'll look into it.
You're welcome, Robert Wooldridge.
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Hey Maurice, would you include any awards info? Tell a little about yourself? Thx!
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Hey, Christine Capone. I think adding awards is fine. I usually hear writers say they put awards near the end of query letters or under their names and contact info.
I think telling a little about yourself and your connection to the script is fine too. I'd probably put it underneath the intro or in the outro.
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Maurice Vaughan Is the "Screenwriting Staffing's Query Letter E-Blast" service something you'd recommend? Sounds good but seen some harsh comments on reddit.
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Hey, GJ Harvey. I recommend it. It worked for me.
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Simple things—i like that Maurice. Things that grab attention and save people! I was talking to an experienced festival judge, and he told me he won’t read past 10 pages. I’m like, okay, I need to make my first 10 pages interesting, lol. That’s when you start noticing deja vu—intro, boat explosion, Get Out, kidnapping, etc. You gotta hook them early. No one has time—people have lives. The last thing they need is to waste time on your boring ass story, ahaha.
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You're welcome, Chase Cysco. Gotta hook them early. I try to hook readers with the first action line(s).
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Bookmarked this. Thank you Maurice Vaughan !
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Thank you!
You're welcome, Patrick "PK" Koepke. I hope it helps!
You're welcome, Janelle Rollins.
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Thank you so much for this!
You're welcome, William Monette.