How to Write a Query Letter That Actually Gets Read
- Renee Miller
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Query letters are the cold calls of the screenwriting world. Most are ignored. Some are skimmed. A rare few actually get script requests. So, how do you make yours one of the rare ones?
The truth is, a query letter won’t sell your script, but it can get the right person to read it. And in this industry, that’s the first big win. Whether you're reaching out to a producer, manager, or development exec, a great query isn't about gimmicks; it's about clarity, brevity, and voice.
Here’s how to build one that works:
Lead with a Killer Logline
This is your hook. If your logline doesn't stop the scroll, nothing else matters.
Your logline should contain:
Genre: So the reader knows the sandbox you’re playing in.
Conflict: What drives the story forward.
Tone: Is it horror with a wink, or a prestige drama dripping with dread?
Differentiation: Why this script and not the other fifty in their inbox?
Think of your logline like a movie trailer in a single sentence. It should spark curiosity, not explain everything. For help with your logline, check out my post, "Pitch Perfect: How I Hooked Industry Pros with My Horror Loglines."
👉 Pro Tip: Use one of the formulas listed in my downloadable Logline Cheat Sheet to keep it tight and effective.
Personalize the Introduction
Don’t start with "To Whom It May Concern." It screams mass email and instantly kills your chances.
Start by explaining why you’re reaching out to this person specifically. A few examples:
“I saw that your company produced The Invitation, and since my script shares a psychological horror tone, I thought it might be a fit for your slate.”
“I read in Deadline that you’re developing more contained thrillers, and I have a script in that exact lane.”
The key is showing effort. Even a small, specific reference can make your query stand out in a crowded inbox. Don't know how to find producers? Check out my post, "Finding the Right Producers for Your Horror Script."
Keep the Bio Short and Relevant
Nobody wants your full resume. Two to three lines max.
Good inclusions:
Contest placements (especially if reputable, like Nicholl, Austin, or Page International).
Previous options, sales, or representation.
Relevant education or training.
A personal connection that adds weight to the story (“I grew up in Alaska, where my survival thriller is set”).
Avoid irrelevant jobs or a laundry list of projects unless they directly elevate your credibility.
End With a Clear Ask
This is not the time to get wordy. State your request and move on.
Something as simple as:
“I’d love to send you the script if it sounds like a fit.”
“Would you be open to reading the full screenplay?”
Then thank them and close gracefully. A query isn’t the place for desperation or overselling. It’s the first handshake, not the pitch meeting.
Format Like a Professional
Your letter is your first impression. Make sure it looks the part:
No typos, sloppy grammar, or giant blocks of text.
Keep it to one page max (ideally under 300 words).
Use a simple, readable font.
End with your title, genre, page count, and contact info.
A clean query signals a clean script.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Being too vague. “My script is about love and loss” tells them nothing.
Overhyping. Don’t call it “the next Inception.” Let the logline and idea speak for itself.
Not following directions. If someone’s website says “no unsolicited material,” respect that boundary.
Final Thoughts
A good query won’t guarantee a sale. But a clear, respectful, and confident one can open the door—and that’s where all careers begin. Every produced screenwriter you admire once had to send that first cold email.
Keep it simple. Keep it professional. And most importantly, keep sending them because persistence is the one tool no writer can afford to skip.
- Renee
📄 Want to see a “bad” query letter example and a strong query letter example that you can model your own letters after?
🔐 Download Query Letter Examples Here.
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