How Do You Write a Query Letter? 10 Tips to Getting Your Script Read

It can be hard to figure out where to send your work or who to contact about possibly reading your writing. Your work could be something that’s already written. It could even be a piece you have thought about writing and you want to know if it’s worth it to get started. Either way, an essential part of getting your work out there is being able to write a query letter.

What is a Query Letter?

A query letter is a formal letter that is sent by screenwriters in the hope of enticing the right people to read their work and possibly sell it. These people may be agents, executives, producers or studios/production companies.

The query letter is so important because it could very well be your first step into the screenwriting world. Unfortunately, writing queries can be a very painstaking and frustrating process. Striking the right tone can be tricky and knowing what people are looking for from this kind of request can be, in a sense, unknowable.

Still, writing the right kind of query letter has the potential to create many connections and opportunities. Introducing yourself in a pithy, efficient and effective way is no easy feat. But doing so can be an in that could ultimately be priceless.

Executives also often look at query letters as a reflection of your skill as a writer. So, if your query letter is not up to par they may assume that your ability as a storyteller may lack the creativity and talent they are looking for.