How to Submit your Screenplay like a Pro
If you’ve never sent on your script to a professional before,
OR have only had your representatives do it,
OR If you’re just getting into the swing of things with networking and are hoping to land a position in a writers room/ approach a rep soon,
you will definitely benefit from knowing how to send your script in a professional and polished manner on your own.
A lot of writers don’t seem to know how to approach sharing their work in a professional way.
I have received queries that feel like the email/ social media equivalent of your cat leaving a dead mouse by the door and then stalking off only for you to find later as a “present.”
How would you handle that situation?
Look, reps/active professionals worth working with, are more often than not extremely busy juggling a multitude of different tasks.
Dropping off your script without context and manners is basically saying:
Already overwhelmed? Here’s more work for you! For ZERO money! Life never ends! AHahahaha
It comes across a bit rude, even though in our cores we get it - everyone has to start somewhere.
If you are guilty of the afore - I get it. It happens, but it’s time to up your game.
There is an etiquette and a formula to these things - handling queries in the correct way is much more likely to yield a positive response.
1st things 1st:
The Query Letter
Before actually sending your script, you are going to want to send a query letter asking if they would even be open to reading it.
Reading a script is a huge ask!!!
More often than not, script reading is not seen as monetizeable and thus less necessary for keeping the lights on. Other things, like handling current money-making clients, are more important.
Be properly deferential and thankful when asking someone to read your work. They’re basically doing it on their own time.
(Why do you think I started offering script coverage? Cus people will just reject you without helping you know why or offering feedback on how to improve)
As a writer (with or without management) it’s best to send this in a particular kind of format:
Subject: Script type: TITLE / Writer Name
Friendly, personable greeting,
Open to receiving?
Here’s what it is: Logline / Brief summary/ tiny pitch paragraph
Here’s who I am: Include any notable awards/ names/ experience here.
Thank you,
Your Name
The subject line formatting is extremely helpful for your rep. Their inboxes are overflowing and being able to search for you easily helps them (and their assistants) a TON.
For instance if I was going out with a script I would write:
SUBJECT: Pilot: ASSISTING // Kate Gaulke
Hi Carol,
It’s been ages since we last spoke but here I am popping into your inbox :) Hope you’ve been well!
I’m going out with a new pilot and was hoping you might be interested in taking a look?
I’m not sure what your needs are at the moment, features, pilots, certain genres, etc. If you’re looking for anything specific please let me know!
Pilot: ASSISTING
“Euphoria” meets “Girls” by way of “Party Down" set in LA
A burnt out actress finds the seemingly perfect side-gig as an executive assistant to an incompetent trust fund kid, but as their relationship grows, drugs, abuse, sex addiction, and the lows of Hollywood bring them to depths they never imagined.
Kate Gaulke is an up and coming writer worth knowing in Los Angeles. She has worked as an assistant to notable literary manager X and Y. She has written & produced a number of short films, has had her work featured in XYZ and runs a successful screenwriting blog and Instagram.
Thanks so much and please let me know if I should send along :)
All the best,
Kate
Yes, this is a real pilot of mine
Then you play the waiting game. If you haven’t heard back from them in a week or two give them a nudge.
Remember what we learned earlier: These people are BUSY and it’s quite common for things to fall through the cracks. It’s okay to send a friendly follow up!
Once you send this email 1 of 2 things will happen.
1. They Pass
2. They’ll request your script
If they pass?
Well shucks, that happens!
Thank them so much for even considering and try to set up a general meeting (coffee or lunch) sometime soon. You never know - they might bite on your next project.
It’s good to build your network - remember - people might move between companies, but at the end of the day people are more important than the particular companies they work for. Take a moment to make a human connection if you can.
Example:
Hi Carol,
I totally get it! If there’s anything else you’re looking for please let me know! Would love to send along something more aligned with your needs.
I’m sure you are so so busy at the moment, but if you have any time available coming up I’d love to get the chance to catch up - maybe coffee or lunch some time soon?
All the best,
Kate
OR
Hi Carol,
Thanks so much for taking the time to consider - I appreciate it!
I’m sure you are so so busy at the moment, but if you have any time available coming up I’d love to get the chance to meet you in person. Coffee or lunch? My treat of course :)
If that’s a bit much, I’d be happy to do a quick call or Zoom as well!
All the best,
Kate
If they say yes to reading (YAY!)
Reply to the first email thanking them, then send over your script in a fresh email with the same subject line and the same basic format, like so:
SUBJECT LINE: Pilot: ASSISTING // Kate Gaulke
Hi Carol,
Thanks so much for taking a look :) Please find ASSISTING attached. Looking forward to your thoughts!
Pilot: ASSISTING
“Euphoria” meets “Girls” by way of “Party Down" set in LA
A burnt out actress finds the seemingly perfect side-gig as an executive assistant to an incompetent trust fund kid, but as their relationship grows, drugs, abuse, sex addiction, and the lows of Hollywood bring them to depths they never imagined.
Kate Gaulke is an up and coming writer worth knowing in Los Angeles. She has worked as an assistant to notable literary manager X and X. She has written & produced a number of short films, has had her work featured in XYZ and runs a successful screenwriting blog and Instagram.
All the best,
Kate
Then ATTACH the script in question (PDF format) along with a PDF of your resume/credits/bio.
If you have management or an Agent CC or BCC them on this email so they can keep track of what’s going on in your universe.
I also highly recommend keeping your own list of who has your screenplay, including who has been queried, who has a submission, and who has passed. Keep record of the individuals you’ve been in contact with AND the companies they work for.
All in All
Querying your script in this way will set you up for success!
It will provide a good first impression, show you are respectful and demonstrate you know how to play by the rules.
Remember: even if you use this formatting and show up respectfully, it is more likely than not whoever you are sending it to will pass. These queries are what people are talking about when writers tell stories of how they sent out their work and were rejected by hundreds of people.
Don’t let it get you down! The people who succeed are the people who are persistent.
If you have questions & would like to take a moment to go over your own materials for sending out I’d be happy to help! You can book me for a consultation here.
