This Screenwriter Used My Query Letter Recommendations and Signed with a Manager

About a week ago, I received an email with the subject line, "Exciting News!" This writer used the query advice I have been publishing on LinkedIn, Substack, and in my webinars. Now he has a manager.

As a literary manager, I receive dozens of query emails every week from hopeful screenwriters looking for representation.

I don’t have time to respond to each one, so I have created a 2-part video course on how to query managers.

For instant access, click the link below:

Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash

I love a success story, so I’m sharing this one I recently received:

Hi Audrey,

How are you, my friend? It's been a little while, so first, I just wanted to get back in touch and say that I hope everything is going great for you as well as your work and your clients. I know you stay busy - and I still enjoy your LinkedIn posts and newsletter in the midst of it all!

I also wanted to share some exciting news with you - because in some ways, you helped me get to this point through all of your tips and newsletters. After querying a literary agent via the WGA, she requested two of my pilots and asked to meet with me after reading them. We really clicked after doing that Zoom, and she made me the offer, so I signed with her! She represents screenwriters as well as authors, so I think it'll be a great partnership for both sides of my careers.

Her name is [REDACTED] and she works at Sovereign Talent Group - they've represented actors for a long time, but she started their literary department in 2021 and represents a little over 30 screenwriters, having had success with some in different areas. She has contacts at some places I've wanted to work with for a long time - and she was also upfront that she didn't know everyone but was always willing to think outside the box and knock on doors while also giving me honest feedback in this partnership (she was a manager at Citizen Skull before this, working with actors there, so she still has some attitudes of a manager rather than an agent). I felt like she was honest while also tenacious, and she understood my work - so I really am optimistic and excited about it.

Anyways, I owe you a huge THANK YOU because your advice on querying helped me with this. I don't think I would have been able to structure the query letter without so many of your instructions, and you gave me a lot of great things to think about as I went through the whole process. I don't know if I would've even reached out in the first place if you hadn't encouraged so many of us in querying. So, you are having more of an impact than you know!

I definitely want to keep in touch because you have such a kind, generous heart - and I always want to encourage you any way I can, too. And as always, I'll keep reading your advice. You're the best!

Excited to hear from you and talk soon,

Dylan Johnson

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I asked Dylan what advice he would give writers trying to find representation today, and here is what he said:

“Never underestimate making a genuine connection for the sake of connecting with another human being—not making it about what that person can do for you.

“When I first really connected with Audrey, it was because I found her perspective enlightening. When I later queried the person who would become my agent, I didn't know where it would go or how much we would end up clicking—I just saw another individual who seemed fun to meet and potentially work with.

“Taking the chance and getting to know people is automatically beneficial."

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Please reach out to Dylan on social media and congratulate him!

This industry can be a tough one, so every win is worth celebrating.