Comments on: 5 Quick & Easy Ways To Establish Credibility In Your Query Letter

By: Melody Jackson

Melody Jackson — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 17:57:37 +0000

In reply to Jeff McMahon. When it comes to mentioning contest ranking as well as even getting an option, it can be quite tricky because there are usually pros and cons. If you mention any accolade that's 2 or more years old, it already dates your script and that's a negative. You have to be very strategic about what you mention and only at the right time and place should it be used. Almost any of these things could raise the question: "Well if so and so read it and liked it, why didn't they want to make it?" And so on. So yes, some of the info is not only irrelevant but it can be a negative. You have to consider all angles before mentioning the accolades. So I would have to agree with your point.

By: Jeff McMahon

Jeff McMahon — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 03:05:53 +0000

Sound advice as always, Melody. There was one suggestion you made, however, that seems to be quite contentious; viz, mentioning previous success(es). One of my scripts was awarded second place in the 2107 New York Metropolitan Screenplay competition and I mentioned this in a few queries only to be advised that such info was irrelevant. Seems everyone is different. Perhaps other correspondents have some thoughts on this.

By: admin

admin — Tue, 30 May 2017 02:32:49 +0000

In reply to Douglas Hall. You rock, Doug. You've always had a "professional-who-breaks-the-rules-the-right-way" demeanor about you! Plus your material was great. I remember when I heard you had sold a script (and hired to write another one), I was soooo happy for you.

By: Douglas Hall

Douglas Hall — Wed, 24 May 2017 20:28:59 +0000

Melody, good article. These are all good insights. I was lucky to sell a script to a studio quckly because I wasn’t afraid to embarrass myself and walk into production companies unannounced. Of course, I didn’t know at the time that I was “that guy,” but leaving my script on a guy’s desk paid off six months later…

By: Robert Coles

Robert Coles — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 00:14:11 +0000

Thanks Melody for a great article. I was most struck by your comment that one has to place in the top five or ten scripts of a contest in order to attract serious attention. There was a time in my experience when getting to the quarter finals was a major achievement! I have made it to the finalist category (top 25 scripts) but only after much sweat, labor, and financial cost. In essence your essay, once again, puts on display the hard-nosed reality of this industry: unless you are a genius, good at networking, or a relative of someone already in the film world, a wanna-be-screenwriter faces enormous odds and obstacles to break in. The barriers to entry are huge and formidable. You must be strong and extremely PATIENT to survive.

By: admin

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 21:55:57 +0000

In reply to Forest "Saint" Hammond-Martin, Sr.. Hey, Saint, you have such a great story to tell. And I know you've been at it for years! I would love to see your story come to the screen. It has the down-and-out and the whole journey to victory. Your book is great and I wish you the best with it and your story about being at the Governor's Mansion! Whew! For anyone who wants to check it out, you can find it on Amazon here.

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