Thread by @DannyManus

After my tweet about #Query Letters I received many DMs. Is shocking how many #screenwriters dont know how or havent tried to query.
So it's 🧵 time!
Disclaimer: Theres no ONE right way to query! These are just MY tips/advice as someone who's read thousands & written hundreds...

Let's start w/ the Subject Heading in ur email.
1. If u have a referral or personal contact, use that - "Thriller Writer Referred by __"
2. Use big award-placement. "2022 Nicholl Semifinal Script"
3. Or just a title works (have a intriguing/clever title!)
4. Never say QUERY.

For your greeting, you better know their name & spell it correctly. No "To Whom it May Concerns" & no cutesy "Dear Gatekeeper" shit. Know who you're sending it to. Use imdbpro. Dont bother sending it to anyone over VP level, more likely a CE, Story Editor or Assistant.

The structure of a query can change. Keep it short - half a page well spaced is good, no more than 2/3 pg - BUT a logline and your name is not enough.
I suggest starting w/an intro to you, something to make u stand out, some context & info such as...

My name is Danny Manus and I'd like to submit my latest horror comedy feature "GHOST SHARK," which is a Nicholl Quarterfinalist and ScriptPipeline Semifinalist, for your consideration.

1st line we get ur name, the title, genre/subgenre & a major accolade to help u stand out...

Next line can be something personal/relevant about u or if there's a connection/inspiration for the story. Past industry experience, if its based on true story/IP, if ur published by a major, or if u work as an expert in the field of your story. If none of these, just move on to-

Your LOGLINE.
Arguably the most important part.
Not long line. Not log line.
Dont say, "Here's the logline..." just write --
LOGLINE: words words words words not more than 35-40 of them.
Then, give the COMPS.
2nd most important part...

COMPS - It's THIS meets THAT. Or It's in the vein of THIS & THIS.
Italicize titles. No underline, no quotes. You can use 1 film & 1 series! But dont use 2 series as comps for a feature. Comps should be Financially Successful and/or Critically Acclaimed. Dont use 2 shit bombs...

Now you've set your context. The comps will setup tone/genre/demographic.
Now BRIEFLY - 4-8 lines - you can intro your main character & give us a bit more plot. Why should we care? Whats the World (if it matters) & who's the antag? Don't mention more than 2-3 character names...

The final sentence can be clever (if a comedy), can touch on a timely/universal theme, can ask an intriguing question, or just give a nice adjective or 2. Or skip it altogether & just
thank them for their time & consideration. Let em know how to contact you "at the info below"...

Oh! I forgot! For TV - the 8ish lines of story can be broken down into 2-3 on main character/concept/world. 2-3 on where we enter the pilot & what the protag/cast must DO in pilot & 1-2 on the show's LEGS. General idea of where it's going in S1. Define the engine & the dilemma.

Then after that final sentence, skip a line and write that B.S. Goodbye...

Warmest, (or something like it)
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
If you have an impressive imdb link or coverfly link or personal website link, thats OK! Put that too. No other info needed.

And remember, EVERY query is different. Ya dont need to include ALL of this. Keep it as short as u can. Personally, id rather read 2 more sentences that make me love ur idea than just a logline & a "thanks."
Hope this helps.
Want more help? DM me or visit nobullscript.net

Two last points...these are tips for querying producers/execs.
If querying a REP, try to find what they personally look for in a query & do THAT. Let em know u have other projects & that u know what kind of writer you are or want to be! For example...

"I'm a comedy/dramedy writer with feature and TV samples, and I love exploring family dysfunction in my stories" (or LGBTQ issues or BIPOC characters, etc). Let them know that you know who you are.

Ok, 🧵 over. For real. Probably.