Getting names

[Soju Gorae]

I recently finished my first feature script and have been calling around to get names of individual agents. While I've gotten several, there were also agencies where the people I spoke to told me to address it to the literary department/query department.

In cases like these, how would I go about in writing a query letter when one of the "don'ts" in writing these letters is to star off with, "To Whom it may concern"

[JoanEasley]

In that case, they'd be expecting "To Whom It May Concern" or "To the Literary Department."

The larger question is, if it's your first screenplay, are you really ready to query agents? If you haven't already, you'd be wise to first get feedback on your script from objective outsiders such as an on–line critique group.

It takes most of us more than one script to master the intricacies of screenwriting. It's better to contact agents when you're sure you have a script others besides you are truly enthusiastic about.

[Cole Blackburn]

Get a subscrition to the Hollywood Creative Directory's
Agents and MAnagers book. Or you can get it online.
It gives the names of a lot of agents and managers.
You can email them queries or call, or even snail mail
them. The world is your oyster.
Then you don't have to use the "To whom it may concern"
salutation.
Cole

[BROUGHCUT]

If they say that then ask for the name of the literary department coordinator or story editor