3-2-1 Screenwriting Thursday: Clear Objectives, Useful Comps, Query Etiquette
October 22, 2026· Kate Gaulke
Happy Thursday!
I’ve been working with writers at very different stages lately. Some are getting the first version onto the page. Others are polishing work they’re excited to take out.
Those stages need different kinds of attention. And once you’re ready to approach people, how you approach them deserves some attention, too.
Here are three things from those conversations.
3 IDEAS FROM ME
I. What does your character want someone to DO?
In a recent session, we were working through a scene. There was plenty of conflict, it felt dynamic, the dialogue was fun, everything was clipping along, and I was enjoying it!
But after I finished reading it, I caught myself: the scene served a clear purpose for the writer, but what were the characters themselves trying to accomplish? They were complaining about injustice, but in this particular scene, I needed to see what they wanted that complaint to achieve.
We needed a clear intention and obstacle. What, specifically, were these characters trying to get the other character to do? For example: sign the document, release the funding, give access to a building. Drilling down into specifics anchors the scene so it can concretely further the plot.
When a scene feels a little floaty, get more specific about the desired outcome. What would count as a win for this character, in this room, today? What is preventing it?
II. Put your comps to work
In another recent session, I reminded a writer why we were building a list of comparable projects: to help identify people who might actually be interested in making their work.
“X meets Y” can go a long way in helping someone understand the movie you’re pitching. BUT, you can also take the research further.
Who produced those films? Which companies were involved? What else have those people made? Where does your project fit within the work they seem drawn to?
Follow those questions and you can start building a thoughtful outreach list.
III. Ask before you send the screenplay
A friendly reminder: Sending someone your screenplay without asking whether they’re willing to receive it is rude—and can create the kinds of disputes that unsolicited-submission policies are designed to prevent.
I work with a lot of smart, capable people who just don't know industry etiquette, so when this happens to me (which it did several times over the last couple weeks) I get it. BUT when you enter the next level, this shit isn't going to fly and will immediately count as a negative mark against you.
- Unsolicited-submission policies: You don’t know what someone else is developing. If their project resembles yours, that overlap can lead to accusations that they stole your work. Warner Bros. Discovery explicitly cites this concern in its policy. These policies have a practical purpose. It's not just simple 'gatekeeping' or cus they're big meanies who don't want the new guy to break in.
- Inconsiderate: I know you don't mean to be inconsiderate, but it will be interpreted that way. Many writers seem to forget that reading a screenplay can take a couple of hours. Giving thoughtful feedback takes considerably more. I routinely spend 7-12 hours on my developmental style coverage. When you send over a script and want someone to look it over before a meeting, you may not realize that you are basically saying, 'I would like you to invest several hours of your time into my work for free.'
Adding “if you have time” doesn’t replace asking permission. Think about your day job: would you want someone you barely know to drop several hours of unpaid work into your inbox? You might choose to help, but that choice belongs to you.
This is part of what querying is for - you must ASK first! Get consent!
Give them a brief introduction, a clear logline, and a reason you’re approaching them. Ask whether they’d be interested in reading, then wait for a yes. Attaching the screenplay to the email where you ask permission defeats the purpose. So does slipping in a script link “just in case.”
Asking first applies to friends and professional acquaintances, too. Knowing someone doesn’t tell you what they have room for this week.
Ask. Let them decide. Respect the answer.
2 QUOTES FROM OTHERS
I. “Do this loop. Then do another. Keep going.” — Austin Kleon. Source
II. “Many frustrations are the result of unspoken expectations.” — James Clear. Source
1 QUESTION FOR YOU
What would make your next query feel thoughtfully written for the person receiving it?
Until next week, Kate Gaulke
p.s. As a massive Zelda BOTW fan, I laughed too hard at this
(Thanks, Chase!)