Friday, October 26, 2007

I've been sick with a blasted flu. Today I'm coughing but substantially more conscious!

Q. Is there somewhere I can see examples of successful query letters for TV specs?I know it needs to be short and to the point, but examples would help.

Something like this, I imagine:

[date]

[address]

Dear Mr. Alpern:

I have just finished polishing my new spec HOUSE episode, "Haunted House," and I'm looking for representation. May I send it to you?

I also have a spec GRAY'S ANATOMY, "Anatomically Correct," and a spec comedy pilot about Egyptian mummies trying to make a living as garbagemen in New York, entitled GRAVE MATTERS. I'd be happy to send those along, too.

If you're interested, please let me know at desperatelyseekingrepresentation@gmail.com.

Thank you.

Best,


Foo J. Baz


If someone the agent knows, or knows of, recommended you contact the agent, mention that. If you've sold anything, or optioned anything, or are working as a writer's assistant somewhere -- anything that validates you in the biz -- mention that too.

Q. - also, if the agent's gender is unclear, is it OK to write "Dear [first name] [last name]"

- and if querying by mail, are postcards or envelopes preferred? Does that matter?

If the agent's gender is unclear, pick up the bloody phone and call the agency and ask!

I wouldn't bother querying by mail these days. If anyone has a different point of view, please let me know. Mail is expensive, especially when you have to enclose a SASE. If they're looking for new clients, they'll read your email, and if they're not, you just saved a buck or two. If you must query by mail, use a postcard. If they can't be bothered to compose an email to you on their Blackberry, they're certainly not going to read your script.

Labels: queries

9:04 AM

5 Comments:

Alex,

I just wanted to inform you that I have contacted my lawyer about you stealing my idea about the mummies working in New York as garbage men.

By  Tim W., at 2:37 PM  

Wow, "Anatomically Correct" really would be a great title for a Grey's script.

By  Jeff Greco, at 2:47 PM  

I emailed 10 queries six weeks ago. Three turn-downs, six no-word, and one request. Email is all I use anymore and my query letter is a simple as your suggestion.

JDC

By  Unknown, at 8:46 PM  

I always thought a query was supposed to "entice" the potential agent with a small taste of what your spec script is about. Is it better to just state the facts - (I have spec of [show] called [title], can I send it to you?)

By  Jud, at 2:02 AM  

also, do you usually have to call the agency for his/her e-mail address? (they aren't listed with WGA?)

By  Jud, at 2:20 AM  

Post a Comment

Back to Complications Ensue main blog page.