January 1
9 comments
January 1
9 comments
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Thanks for the insider info about the industry calendar. I’ll try to fire off some queries before the season for features goes bye-bye.
Definitely a great article from a respected voice.
This was very informative and has provided a different perspective on how to go about getting that script noticed. Thanks for this!
This is good to know. Thanks, David.
This a great piece! I looked deeper into her content and have found more gold. Particularly, what she has written/shared around constructing a good screenwriter’s bio feels helpful as I am applying to fellowships and programs which require supplementary materials. Thanks!
Thanks so much for this insight! I read it over and it really helps!
In a subsequent post Audrey provided the following:
3 Tactics to Capture the Attention of a Literary Manager When Querying:
1. Stick to one email. Sending multiple different emails can be overwhelming and off-putting. It also makes it challenging for me to remember who you are and what you’re following up about. If you’re going to send a follow-up email (which I do think is a smart strategy), I recommend waiting at least a couple of weeks and following up as a response to the original email thread, so that they’re all connected in the manager’s inbox.
2. Keep your initial query email concise and informative. We’re looking for the main points (and nothing more!)
3. Try again strategically. A pass from your recipient could come in the form of a response declining to read your script, or they might simply ignore your email. You can try again with another project later, but I recommend waiting at least six months, ideally even a year is better.
I expect writers to reach out to me with their *best* project, the one they think I am most likely to respond to and the one that is the best executed and most ready to go. So, if I reject that, I don’t anticipate responding positively to a backup option. I might, however, be open to the next thing that they write in the future as they continue to develop their skills, understanding of the craft, and experience working in this industry.
More valuable info from Audrey Know
Get out your calendars and write down the best time for screenwriters to query agents and managers:
Summer.
Here is a full breakdown of the “seasons” of our industry:
Week before Thanksgiving to first week of January: “The Holidays.” Don’t query.
Mid-January to March: Pilot Season. Query feature managers, but stay away from TV reps because we’ll be busy prepping and submitting writers for pilot season staffing.
March-May: Staffing Season. Broadcast TV staffing is everyone’s focus. Don’t query. This is, however, a great time to put together your Fellowship Applications, which are usually due around May.
May to Labor Day: Summer. Development Season. Excellent time to query.
Labor Day to Thanksgiving: Fall. Querying can get results, but we are starting that end-of-year rush to set client projects up before everyone tunes out for the holidays.
If you’re not getting any responses, try optimizing when you’re sending your email as well as what’s inside it.
Thank you David. This is vital information, along with Ms. Knox that will help us strategically submit our queries. It’s solid.