What is a query letter in screenwriting?

A query letter is a short, professional email to a manager, agent, or producer introducing yourself and your screenplay, with the goal of getting them to request the script. It typically includes a hook, your logline, a brief bio, and a clear ask — kept to a few short paragraphs.

How do you write a screenwriting query letter?

Open with a personalized line and a strong hook, state your title, genre, and logline, add a brief credibility line (contest placements or relevant background), and close with a simple ask to send the script. Keep it short, specific, and professional.

How do you find a literary manager to query?

Research managers who represent your genre through industry databases, trade coverage, and the credits of writers similar to you. Target managers whose existing clients suggest they'd respond to your material, and personalize each query rather than mass-blasting.

Finding a Literary Manager: How to Write a Query Letter That Gets Replies

How to find a literary manager and write a query letter that actually gets read. The query structure, what to include, and the mistakes that get you deleted.

For most new screenwriters, a manager is the realistic first rep — more open to unproduced writers than agents, and focused on developing careers. But you have to get their attention first, and you do that with a query letter: a few short paragraphs that either earn a script request or get deleted. Here's how to write one that gets replies, and how to find the right people to send it to.

Manager vs. agent (briefly)

A manager develops and guides a writer's career and is generally more accessible to new writers. An agent focuses on deals and usually wants writers who are further along. Start with managers.

Finding the right managers

Don't mass-blast. Target:

Research by genre. Find managers who represent writers in your lane, using industry databases and trade coverage.
Follow the credits. Look at writers similar to you and find out who reps them.
Check they're open to queries. Some accept unsolicited queries; some don't. Respect it.

A dozen well-targeted, personalized queries beat a hundred generic ones.

The query letter structure

Keep it to a few short paragraphs:

1. Personalized opening

One line showing you know who they are — a client you admire, a reason you're contacting them. Never "Dear Sir/Madam."

2. The hook + logline

Your title, genre, and a compelling logline that sells. This is the heart — if the concept doesn't grab them here, nothing else matters.

3. Brief credibility

One line: relevant contest placements, background, or why you're credible. If you have none, keep it about the work — don't apologize.

4. A clear, simple ask

"Would you be interested in reading the script?" Make saying yes easy.

5. Professional close

Thanks, your contact info, done.

The mistakes that get you deleted

No personalization — generic blasts read as spam.
A weak or missing hook — bury the logline and you've lost them.
Too long — a page of backstory won't be read. Short and sharp wins.
Desperation or arrogance — both are instant turn-offs. Aim for confident and professional.
Attaching the script uninvited — offer it; don't force it.

A rough template

Dear [Name], I loved [Client]'s [Project] and thought you might connect with my [genre] feature, [TITLE]. [One-sentence logline with a hook.] I was a [contest] finalist / [brief credibility]. Would you be open to reading it? Thank you for your time — [Name, contact].

Personalize every one.

Send them your best work

A query gets you one shot with each manager — so the script behind it must be your most polished draft. Keeping your script organized and revision-ready in one project, as Scriptease does, helps ensure the pages live up to the query that opened the door.