How to Compose an Effective Query Letter for Managers (and Understand How to Accept Rejection)

      If you're a screenwriter facing rejection from potential managers, it's important to recognize that it isn’t a personal issue; they also experience rejection frequently.

      “I like to tell people that being told no is part of my job,” said literary manager Josh Dove during a panel at the Flickers’ Rhode Island Film Festival on Thursday. "My job involves receiving 500 ‘nos’ for every single ‘maybe.'”

      Dove, who has previously worked at Stride Management and Circle of Confusion before founding Redshift Management, was a speaker on the panel aptly titled, “How to Rule the Film World: Successfully Navigating Hollywood,” sponsored by EJOYA Productions and the Rhode Island Film and TV Office. The discussion addressed a variety of topics, providing two main takeaways:

      1. Learn to accept rejection.

      2. Discover how to leverage it for opportunities, politely.

      “It may be comforting to know that directors and writers at the highest levels also face studio rejections,” shared panelist Meena Harish, who is involved in finding and nurturing film and TV projects at the studio division of independent production company 30WEST.

      She emphasized the need to understand industry terminology so that each rejection can be viewed as a chance to learn. Rejections can guide you on refining a pitch or exploring collaborations elsewhere.

      For instance, if a company passes on a specific pitch but appreciates your writing, you might consider pursuing open writing assignments.

      “There are sometimes chances to request those if you had a positive general meeting, even if that particular project wasn’t suitable. You can reposition yourself for other opportunities,” noted Emily Hason, an Emmy-winning comedy producer, director, and writer, who recently teamed up with Colin Jost to create No Notes Productions.

      Hason advised diversifying your creative portfolio and not placing all your importance on one project. She encouraged creators to keep multiple projects in development so if someone dismisses your film concept, they might be intrigued by your unscripted series or podcast idea.

      While having a range of projects is vital, you don’t need to discuss them publicly before they’re fully developed.

      “I think particularly in L.A., there’s a strong culture of discussing intentions rather than actual actions,” remarked panel moderator Jack Greenbaum, who leads The Arlook Group’s New York office focusing on literary management and development.

      He suggested that writers should “keep quiet about their work until it's ready… sometimes maintaining a low profile is the best strategy, since mentioning your plans can lead others to say, 'Oh, they’ve already tried that and it didn't work' or 'I know someone more prominent is doing that now.'”

      Greenbaum pointed out that by employing this discreet approach, you'll have moved on to your next project by the time your current work is released.

      ### Dos and Don’ts for Writing a Query Letter

      Dove also shared specific tips for querying an agent. A query is essentially an email inquiring whether a manager would consider representing you.

      Despite frequently encountering rejection while advocating for his clients, Dove must also turn down writers who submit poorly crafted query letters.

      He clarified what he appreciates and dislikes in a query.

      First and foremost: “An agent is akin to a salesperson,” Dove explained. “They seek something ready for immediate action. They generally won’t represent you until something is generating interest. Conversely, a manager discovers talent early and invests substantial effort to elevate them, with the ability to produce, which agents cannot do.”

      He added: “Agencies typically do not accept queries; they usually end up discarded. It's management companies that might accept these letters, and many clearly state their policy on their websites.”

      Thus, when preparing to query a potential manager, it’s crucial to write “a strong, respectful query letter specifically tailored to the individual you’re addressing.” Make it clear why you believe you would be a good fit—for example, if they represent writers whose style resembles yours.

      Additionally, be sure to use their name correctly. Nobody enjoys being included in a group email addressed to “Dear Industry Professional.”

      Next is the logline.

      “What I prioritize in a query letter is, above all, whether the logline intrigues me,” said Dove.

      If it’s poorly worded or just not to his liking, he moves on.

      “When I receive a script and find it average, I must consider: 'If I were to collaborate with this person, would I be not only willing but eager to contact every executive I know and say, ‘You have to check this out this weekend’?'”

      The following criteria he assesses is “normalcy.”

      “Does this seem like it was penned by a person who is—if I may put it delicately—not unhinged?” he queried. “You would be astonished by the number of bizarre and erratic letters that exist.”

      He also appreciates when “you respect the reader and demonstrate an ability to construct a coherent sentence, which is essential for a writer.”

      If these points seem obvious, Dove is surprised how often they are