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What is a Query?
by Christopher Wehner

Question: What is a query? I have treatments -- is that the same thing?

Author Christopher Wehner responds: A query is a communication between a screenwriter and any industry professional, including agents, producers or executives. It can take place as an e-mail, letter, fax or even a phone call. A query is your first contact with an industry professional. Traditionally, the term is used in reference to a written query letter (inquiry).

Your written query letter accomplishes one of two things: 1) it inquires about the possibility to submit your script, or 2) it persuades someone to request your script.

A typical query letter consists of four things: Title of script, genre, your pitch and any important qualifications and/or experience. A query letter should never be more than a few paragraphs (one page). Presentation should be professional. It should be written as cleanly and tightly as possible, keep in mind that a query letter is a sample of your writing abilities. If you cannot communicate your story effectively, the chances your script will be requested are next to none.

Christopher Wehner is the author of 'Screenwriting on the Internet: Researching, Writing and Selling Your Script on the Web' (see below). He is currently writing a series of articles about the Internet for screenwriters for Creative Screenwriting Magazine, and he is founder/editor of The Screenwriters Utopia website for writers. And he is writing screenplays.