Query query

[Kosh]

I've know the popular format for Queries: 1)Purpose of the letter, 2) Brief synopsis, 3) Credits, qualifications, and related education, 4) closing.


What happens when you don't have much to add to that third part? Do you just leave it out?

[IWrite]

Kosh -

A couple things.

First of all keep in mind that the sole purpose of a query is to make someone want to read your script. As such, the single most important element of a query is the logline.

Believe it or not and fair or not, people actually judge your ability as a writer by your query, it is NOT simply a formality. And those who write queries as if they are just a formality almost always get rejected - unless their logline screams high concept or is exactly what a producer is looking for.

Unless you are responding to a call for submissions - "stating the purpose" is redundant. If you did not want to submit your script for consideration for production or representation, you wouldn't be writing.

As for your question. If you don't have experience, qualifications, etc. then leave that part out entirely. Pointing out that this is your first script or that you are self-taught - is not a good idea.

Remember - a good query is as much about style as content.

[NikeeGoddess]

well, most newbies don't have much in the way of credentials or award winning screenplays but - if you want to include this stuff then make it practical to YOUR script. why did you write this story? do you have experience working in some field or some kind of life altering discovery that compelled you to write that story? this all comes from that advice "write what you know" - do you know enough about what you wrote? and if so then tell them why.

[IWrite]

No offense to Nike Goddess - but I gotta say in a query letter unless you have relevant life experience - then I wouldn't include what possessed you to write what you wrote.

And when I say relevant - I mean experience that would give you very specific knowledge and insight into the world you are writing about (i.e. if your story is set in the world of ballet and you are a former professional dancer). If your world is set in the ballet and you have been a passionate fan of the ballet since before you could walk - I don't need or want to know that. I'm operating under the assumption that you are passionate about what you wrote. I'm also operating under the assumption that you did the necessary research to flesh out your world. Don't waste your reader's time telling them what they already assume or know. Chances are that if someone is hooked by your logline, they'll request the script regardless of whether or not you possess insider knowledge.

I also want to point out that saying that a script is based on something that happened to you personally - is not necessarily seen as a good thing. Scripts that are autobiographical in nature often tend to be lacking in character depth and a need to relate what occurred as it occurred - often does so at the expense of drama and structure. I'm not saying that you should neccesarily omit that fact from a query - I'm merely pointing out that writing "what you know" in this particular sense is not always perceived as a good thing.

[JustinoXXV]

You could put in your educational background, as well as relevant work experience. Where you a script reader, an industry assistant, or did you have some other type of industry job that my indicate that you know what you're doing?

Did you have something put in stage from one of your play scripts, or did you have a book published? This stuff will look good too.