Query Letters, Think Like a Producer

This must be query letter season. I read several letters last week written by screenwriters trying to get the attention of agents or producers.

Query letters are tough — introducing your story in such an exciting way that an agent or producer can’t help but contact you to read the whole thing.

My advice is to think like a producer, not like a writer. They want to know if this is a great concept, not whether the theme is fully realized.

If a query letter gets read, and that’s a big IF, you’ve only got a few seconds to get an agent or producer interested. Here are just a few do's and don'ts.

Don’t . . .

• . . . open by talking about yourself at length. In fact, unless what you’ve done has a bearing on the manuscript (you’ve won a couple Oscars or you’re Judd Apatow), I don’t think they care.

• . . . describe in your story in 4 or 5 lengthy paragraphs.

• . . . tell them it’s the best script they’ll ever read. They’ll be the judge of that. (This includes telling them that your friends read it and really liked it.)

• . . . discuss the theme, the character motivations, sub plots, etc. etc.

• . . . tell them your dream cast list or the ideal place to film.

Do . . .

• . . . introduce yourself.

• . . . write a killer log line — a quick one or two lines revealing the heart of the story. (Think of what you would want to see on a movie poster to get you in the theater door.)

• . . . write a one (maybe two) paragraph synopsis of your story — the shorter the better.

• . . . succinctly state anything that sets you apart from the pack — any awards you’ve received, options, etc.

• . . . provide your contact information

There is loads of information out there on writing query letters. But this, I hope, is enough to get you started.

Good luck