Emails Going Unanswered? Here’s What You’re Doing Wrong
You’re excited, motivated, and ready to connect – so you pour your heart into a long, thoughtful email to that connection who might just open doors for you.
Look, that’s sweet, but here’s the thing: long, detailed emails are killing your chances. In the film & entertainment industry, shorter is sweeter – and it dramatically ups your odds of getting a reply.
Here’s what might be going wrong – and how to fix it. (Pst - be sure to read all the way to the bottom for the most important rule of all!)
But first…
The Problem with Long Emails
Long emails take time to read - a resource we rarely have enough of. Plus etiquette typically dictates that a long thoughtful email also requires a long thoughtful response. So a note that may have started out as as something sweet, ultimately turns into a chore for the person you’re sending it to.
In an industry where everyone constantly feels like they’re running out of time, sending an overlong email can come across as ignorant and disrespectful of your contact’s time. Thusly, long emails often get skimmed, pushed to the bottom of the inbox to be dealt with later, or straight up deleted.
“I apologize for such a long letter - I didn’t have time to write a short one.”
Inbox Reality Check
Managers, agents, and producers are absolutely flooded with emails.
Between fresh screenplays we need to read from active clients, providing feedback on said screenplays, setting up meetings to expand our clients’ professional networks (along with setting meetings to expand our own professional networks), setting pitch meetings, doing favors for our colleagues and oh, I don’t know, maybe having lunch? Inboxes pile up quickly.
At the literary management company I work with, I have seen literally over a hundred emails come in just an hour. We’d love to thoughtfully reply to everyone, but unless you’re literally on fire IN our office or actively in process of negotiating a deal, you’re probably not a top priority.
Please be aware of our crushing workload.
Brevity = Respect For Our Time
Respecting someone’s time shows you understand the business. When you get to the heart of your message quickly, you come across as professional, savvy, and considerate. In other words, you’re someone who “gets it” – and that reflects well on you.
With all that in mind, how are you supposed to get someone to reply to you? I’m glad you asked. Here’s a breakdown:
How to Write Emails That Get Responses
If The Email Is for a New Contact:
1. Mention Your Connection
If you’ve met, remind them where and include a memorable detail.
“It was great meeting you at the Hoi Polloi Sundance Party! I’d have been trapped in that stall forever if you hadn’t passed me a fresh roll of TP!”
Or, if you haven’t met in-person but share contacts, mention the mutual connection:
“It’s great to connect! [Mutual Contact] has spoken so highly of you.”
2. Keep the Ask Small - Better yet, Offer something
Ask for something simple and appealing, ideally designed to build a relationship. Small asks are more likely to get a “yes.”
Better yet, offer something. Instead of asking for a general, Offer to buy them coffee or lunch to pick their brain. You’re a bouncer? Give them priority access to the club you work at. Work in events? Offer free tickets to something cool.
2.1 Do NOT ask for representation
Asking someone to rep you in your first email is a HUGE request and is 99.9% sure to be met with a “no” in addition to putting a major dent in your relationship. It’s like asking someone to marry you after 1 date.
3. Do NOT include any attachments, including your screenplay
Larger companies screen their emails - if you have an attachment and your email is unrecognized in their system, you may very well be flagged as spam. The only exception is if you met in person and your contact offered to read it - that being said, it’s courtesy to double check before sending it off.
If You Already Know the Person:
1. Keep Subject Line’s Specific
Busy professionals need to know why they should open your email now. Use a clear subject like, “Appointment Reschedule,” “New Writing Sample - TITLE,” or simply “Checking In.” Let them know your purpose right away.
2. Don’t Forget the “Sweet” in Short & Sweet
Begin with a quick personal touch, like “Hope you’re well!” to keep things human and friendly. We want to know what you want quickly, but we still want to be considered from a human perspective - not just for what we can do for you.
The film industry is all about relationships. Be brief, but personable. At the end of the day, people work with those they like. Personally, even if someone’s powerful, I won’t try to work with them if I don’t like and respect them.
3. Make Your Ask Clear and Focused
Get right to the point. Are you hoping for feedback on your script? An introduction? A call? Get this out early.
4. One Ask Only
Stay focused on a single ask. A direct request, like “Would you be open to reviewing my script?” avoids confusion and keeps your message tight. Multiple asks or vague requests dilute your impact.
5. Use Bold Text for Key Points
If you absolutely have to write something on the longer side, make it easy to skim by highlighting your main question or important details in bold.
And the most important part of getting your emails answered…
BE PERSISTENT
It’s entirely possible your email was read with the intent to respond, but something else came up and it was forgotten! Keep reaching out - every 1 -2 weeks is acceptable. Give at LEAST 2 weeks if you’ve sent over a screenplay.
Persistence is it’s own kind of currency. It shows you’re dedicated, you’re sticking around and are intent on growing. Those qualities are valuable and will be rewarded.
Oh - and it’s not just you. There’s a saying in Hollywood, “if you haven’t had to reschedule a meeting 3 times it’s not a real meeting.” This is just the way it works.
All in All
Take the time to edit your email. Be short, personable and clear about what you’re looking for. Also, be sure to follow up!
And, if you want to talk directly about getting your emails answered, I’d love to chat with you! Book a free 1-on-1 introductory zoom meeting, with zero sales pressure here:
