To SASE or not to SASE

[ginacresse]

What's the consensus on including SASEs with query letters? I've rarely gotten them back, in fact one production company person told me not to include one, since they'd just use it to mail their electric bill payment. Of course he was joking, but I'm left in sort of dilemna. Send one? Don't send one? If someone is really interested, would they just call and ask for the screenplay?

[ComicBent]

I think most people say not to do it, unless of course you are asked to do so.

[Alpha286]

I've never gotten a response without a sase.

[phatgirl]

Oh come on. If they really want to read your script, do you think they're going to write you a note? They're going to pick up the phone and ask that you send your script. The only thing returned in your sase's are 'no thank you's.' I've never gotten a positive request with an sase, but I've gotten phone calls from assistants w/o them.

[JustinoIV]

I agree with phatgirl. SASE's are a total waste.

Put all your contact info on the query letter. If they're interested they'll call you or email you.

[The Problem Solver]

Don't SASE.

[Ivylilly]

No SASE unless they ask for it. But make sure your phone # is there as well as your email.

[billythrilly7]

Even if they ask for it, NO SASE...

A. They almost never use it..
B. If they do, they use it to tell you a big stinking "no!" Why pay for that priviledge?
C. I'm pretty sure that some offices have a years supply of stamps taken off our SASE's...

Don't bother. If they want the script, they'll call or e-mail. If they don't, they'll crumple the letter up and throw it away.

[Totiwos]

Why don't they return an SASE with a "no thanks?" I'm used to the print industry, where it's rude to not send an SASE. I like knowing that at least it arrived and was acknowledged, even if I get a form rejection.

[billythrilly7]

I'm used to the print industry

This ain't the print industry. Welcome to the jungle.

[writur]

Out of 10 query letters I sent recently, I received three big NOs in my included SASEs, but I also received three requests for the script, also in the SASEs. Each request included either a release form or a handwritten note from the agent.

So...glad I used the SASEs b/c of the positive responses. And the negative, because at least I know the query arrived and was read. not knowing really stinks. BUT if I hadn't included the SASEs, maybe the agent would have called me to request the script, and I would have had an opportunity to sell myself a little on the phone call.

After all this babbling, I'm still not sure which way is best. I think I'm going to stick with SASEs for now and make it as easy as possible for agents to request my script. It only costs 37 cents for the stamps and like 5 cents for the envelope.

Would love to hear from an agent/manager/etc. to find out what they think on this topic...

[MoreCats]

I'm just taking a Gotham class with Laurie Scheer (author of "Creative Careers in Hollywood"). She says, include SASE.

[creativexec]

I think they look amateurish - especially the
postcards with the "check yes if you'd like
to read the script," "check no if you are not
interested," and then the third box - often
reserved for something "witty" like "check
this box if you wish I would drop off the
face of the earth."

I agree with the NAYSAYERS here. A phone
number and e-mail should be plenty for some-
one to get in touch with you.

If a company can't afford a stamp or a phone
call to tell you they want to read the script,
then they may not be doing all that much
business anyway.

However, many low paid assistants LOVE
SASES. They have been known to carefully
remove the stamps from SASES and postcards,
providing them with lots of free postage for
bills and Christmas mailings.

:)

[sarajb]

:)





Canceling customized postcard order. Start sending an SE for low paid assistants.

[JoeNYC]

Writur says, "It only costs 37 cents for the stamps and like 5 cents for the envelope."

-- You plan on sending out only one query? How about times that by hundreds for each script.

Save your money.

If you include an email address in your contact information, they'll email you a short paragraph to print out the attached release form, sign it and send it along with the script.

If you don't have an email address, they'll mail you their release form by mail.