I honestly think you've done them a favour by not putting them into a position they're not ready for, and I hope in time they come to realise that as well.
I made a lot of mistakes when I first started trying to break in as a screenwriter, and while I do reflect—sometimes ruefully—on opportunities missed at that time, I'm glad I didn't break in before I was ready. In hindsight, it's easy for me to see that I would likely have made a mess of things in my 20s, whereas now (*cough*40s*cough*) with the life- and professional-experience I have, I am much better placed to manage a career as a writer. So, I recognise that the people who passed on me back then were not only right to do so, but they did right by me as well.
This is an excellent way to frame it! I absolutely agree. If someone is in this business for the long haul, they will stick around, learn from their mistakes, grow, and find the right partner when they are ready. Because yes, if someone doesn't know how to conduct themselves in a query conversation, they'll likely burn bridges in a general meeting or working on an assignment.
Such good insight. Thank you! I've never even sent a cold query letter to anyone-- manager, agent, producer-- anyone. But if I ever have the nerve, I glad to know the proper protocol. Thank you!
If and when you are ready to query, managers are the best to start with. Agents are busier and less likely to accept unsolicited queries. Producers (unless you know them through a personal connection) often only accept submissions from agents or managers.
What do you think about sending a query directly to a producer whose company makes projects similar in tone to the one you have? Are they less likely to be willing to read a writer who doesn't have a rep?
I've often wondered if I've waited too long (I get that they're busy). It's good to have a time frame. And the thread info! OMG! I may have done that thinking "let's clean this message up." I am strict about including necessary info, but it would definitely be best to keep the thread. Great info.
Thanks, Effie! I'm glad it helped. I realize that what may seem obvious to me isn't so evident to outsiders, so that's why I have been posting this content: To give everyone a fair peek into how to best increase their chances of making a positive impression on their target.
Great advice! It tracks closely with what I've heard from other managers. As hopeful screenwriters, we tend to read a lot into those silences that follow a screenplay submission. "No news is good news." "No news is bad news." But in my experience, for at least the first few months "no news" is truly just that. "No news"
Yes exactly, we're usually just busy and it pays to be patient! Following up is okay, but you want to make sure that you do it strategically and with the right timing.
I honestly think you've done them a favour by not putting them into a position they're not ready for, and I hope in time they come to realise that as well.
I made a lot of mistakes when I first started trying to break in as a screenwriter, and while I do reflect—sometimes ruefully—on opportunities missed at that time, I'm glad I didn't break in before I was ready. In hindsight, it's easy for me to see that I would likely have made a mess of things in my 20s, whereas now (*cough*40s*cough*) with the life- and professional-experience I have, I am much better placed to manage a career as a writer. So, I recognise that the people who passed on me back then were not only right to do so, but they did right by me as well.
This is an excellent way to frame it! I absolutely agree. If someone is in this business for the long haul, they will stick around, learn from their mistakes, grow, and find the right partner when they are ready. Because yes, if someone doesn't know how to conduct themselves in a query conversation, they'll likely burn bridges in a general meeting or working on an assignment.
I feel like I know who this is about. 😛
Oh no I hope not!!!!
Maybe there’s two of them. 🤣
I'm sure there are so many....
Such good insight. Thank you! I've never even sent a cold query letter to anyone-- manager, agent, producer-- anyone. But if I ever have the nerve, I glad to know the proper protocol. Thank you!
If and when you are ready to query, managers are the best to start with. Agents are busier and less likely to accept unsolicited queries. Producers (unless you know them through a personal connection) often only accept submissions from agents or managers.
What do you think about sending a query directly to a producer whose company makes projects similar in tone to the one you have? Are they less likely to be willing to read a writer who doesn't have a rep?
Yes they are unlikely to read it straight from a writer. It's best to try and get a personal recommendation for these.
I've often wondered if I've waited too long (I get that they're busy). It's good to have a time frame. And the thread info! OMG! I may have done that thinking "let's clean this message up." I am strict about including necessary info, but it would definitely be best to keep the thread. Great info.
Thanks, Effie! I'm glad it helped. I realize that what may seem obvious to me isn't so evident to outsiders, so that's why I have been posting this content: To give everyone a fair peek into how to best increase their chances of making a positive impression on their target.
Thank you for sharing. It is so important to be patient..
Great advice! It tracks closely with what I've heard from other managers. As hopeful screenwriters, we tend to read a lot into those silences that follow a screenplay submission. "No news is good news." "No news is bad news." But in my experience, for at least the first few months "no news" is truly just that. "No news"
Yes exactly, we're usually just busy and it pays to be patient! Following up is okay, but you want to make sure that you do it strategically and with the right timing.
Hi Audrey, is it best practice to send the query letter alone, or with the script attached? Thanks!
Always, always send the query letter alone. If they want to read the script, they will ask you for it, and then you can send it!
Thanks for the insight. I've made some of the mistakes you listed. 😎
I'm sure everyone has! The important thing is to learn and refine.
Absolutely!