Do you want to sell your script and write a query letter that producers can’t resist? Do you want to be able to write a query letter that is so good that it will leave a producer desperate to read your script?
In this post I’d like to talk about some of the ways you can write a great query letter that really hits home when a producer reads it.
Now I’ve already talked about how to write a great query letter from a technical point of view and if you haven’t already read this popular post then you should definitely check it out.
But in this article I’d like to talk about something a little different. That is the psychological aspect of writing a query letter because this is so important, and, at the same time, one of the least talked about aspects of writing a great query letter.
So what do I mean by psychological aspects? What I’m referring to here is how you can appeal to a producer when pitching your query letter. Now to really make your query letter effective, your query letter must do the following:
1) Make the producer want to read more (this comes by creating tension and intrigue)
2) Leave the producer in a state of suspense (this is best done by keeping your query letter short and to the point)
3) Make the producer believe that your story can make money (you need a commercially appealing story to be able to do this)
4) Use emotion to create a connection in your query letter (use emotionally powerful words—here’s a great list of emotionally powerful words you can use) One screenwriter I knew who was very successful at promoting his screenplays, used to create something called an open loop at the end of his query letters.
Use Open Loops
You’re probably wondering what I’m talking about here, thinking what exactly is an “open loop?” When it comes to pitching a query letter to a producer or screenplay agent, an open loop is when you frame a question at the end of your query letter like this:
…will “CHARACTER’S NAME” get the girl or will he die trying?
…will “CHARACTER’S NAME” lose everything or find a way to get his life back?
TV shows use this technique all the time. It’s the very technique that keeps audiences glued to the screen. People can’t resist an open loop because it makes them want to know more. It makes them want to know how it all ends.
You can use the same technique in your own query letters. Don’t hesitate to use open loops at the end of your query letter to add more punch and interest to your story and entice a producer to read the rest of your script.
Persuasion Is Half The Battle
Like any artistic endeavor, whether it be writing a book or a screenplay, there is the creation stage which is where you will spend one half of your time. Then there is the promotion stage which is where you should spend the other half of your time (although most artistic people hate to do this and severely neglect this part).
Please don’t make the same mistake.
If you really want to be successful and get a producer to buy your script, then you need to write a query letter that is convincing and persuasive. After all, you’ve done all this great work putting together you’re query letter, why not take some time to promote your work and give it the time it deserves.
All the successful screenwriters that I know all hate promoting and selling their work. But here’s the positive side of pitching your query letter. If you do it right, then it’s something that you only have to do once in your life, after that you’ll have opened doors and have all the connections you need to submit your script to agents and producers anytime you like.
(Note: our team of writers here at Script Mailer can write an emotionally compelling and powerful query letter for you, all for only $75.)
*Jennifer Sloane has worked as a screenplay agent in Los Angeles and Nashville for the last five years. Jennifer loves good movies, music and animals. A former television and movie executive, Jennifer currently heads business development at Script Mailer (a company that connects screenwriters with agents and producers in Hollywood).