Beating the dead horse of SASEs

[Megatron1]

I know that this thread has been done a million times, but I'm asking again. Is it unprofessional or amateurish to send SASEs with query letters? Most of the threads that I have read regarding this always turn into "don't send them with your script" threads. I know that you shouldn't send them with your script unless instructed to. I've had mixed results with SASEs. Most places don't bother to reply at all, but I've had one two SASEs returned to me with script requests and one with a "no thanks." My other requests came via email.
The SASE request came from Aaron Kaplan so I don't think that he viewed it as unprofessional.
So? Am I wasting my postage? What's the definitive answer (if one exists)?

[JakeSchuster aka Ostroff]

Funny, but I had a request to read from Kaplan and he asked for nothing but my script. My advice is not to do it. Sometimes (as with ICM) they'll send it back on their own dime. But always send as if you expect them to take it, photocopy it and get it out to producers.

[Curmudgeon]

Megatron,

Send the SASE with blind queries. I wrote an article for a script rag about two years ago on this very subject and I interviewed several agents for it. They all said go ahead and include the SASE. Why?

If they want to read your script you better make it real easy for them to let you know because they are not going to drop everything to fire you off a letter.

Also, they already know you're a rookie or you wouldn't be sending them a query so it doesn't make you look amatuerish.

They also all said that the snail mail query was still their prefered way to hear from new writers. Prefered over email and phone calls although some were willing to take those.

So keep sending them out (with the SASE). It's only another .34 cents.

[Megatron1]

Thanks Curmudgeon. That's what I was looking for. Most people always turn my "SASEs with query letters" questions into "SASEs with scripts" responses. It's nice to see that not only did someone respond to what I had actually asked, but gave me some good advice. Very much obliged and thanks for your time.

[RachelSqueeze]

Hey all.
I can't remember whether I've posted this advice here or on zoetrope, but I read in Christopher Keane's book that you should send a postcard with two checkboxes: "Send the script" and "No thanks."
Then you're only out twenty-some cents. I've tried it and I've gotten some replies (mostly "No thankses") and it's easier for me than wedging another envelope into my own envelope.
Just a thought.
R

[OptimusPrime]

That's a cool idea. I'd read that somewhere also, just never tried it. Coincidentally, I'm getting ready to send out some query letters so I may try that postcard thing. Any of you pros have any thoughts on it?

Opty
p.s. This is post 101! Creativexec, come on down!

[suz28]

Last night I read an article in an old issue Script Mag that said NO to SASE's with queries. Most agents they asked said don't bother, if they wanted it they would call. The article was from like March 2000 or something.

But I think if you are mailing out anyway, including a postcard is really simple and convenient for them, and I don't think it looks unprofessional, in fact I think it looks considerate of the agent's time.

[wasup jude]

I'm by no means an industry professional - yet!

But, I have tried the postcard thing, and can only attest to my personal experience. It was a TOTAL waste of time and money. Out of numerous queries that I sent via regular mail, only 2 (of about 50) of the postcards that I included came back - one "NO" - one "please send script".

Since I have stopped including SASE and postcards, my response rate has gone up significantly. Personally, I believe that's because I am exhibiting a new level of confidence by believing that everyone I query WILL want to read it. I think SASE's make it easier for someone to say "NO", but if they're gonna say "YES" they won't care about you covering their postage. They'll care about your STORY, and that I believe, is the bottom line.

Megatron - It seems that you are just looking for validation on your preferred method of querying. You've read the threads. You know the various opinions on this subject. Now, do what makes you feel good.

About, suz28's comment that including a postcard "looks considerate of the agent's time", querying in general isn't considerate of their time. What makes you think they'll suddenly be overjoyed by a .20 cent postcard during this intrusion? The only thing that will matter, IMHO, is how well you sell your story in the query. If they want to read it, they'll let you know.

WJ

[suz28]

My queries aren't an intrusion into their time- as far as I'm concerned, they're lucky they received it.

jk - I see your point wj

My question is, why have you guys decided to send snail mail as opposed to fax or email?

[OptimusPrime]

From all that I've heard, unless they request you to fax them something, some assistant is just gonna throw it away. I haven't had much luck with email queries so far, but then again, I don't know too many email addresses. The only place that has asked me to fax them a query is Benderspink. I haven't done it yet, but I plan to tomorrow or Monday.

[wasup jude]

Actually suz, my preferred method of querying is by email. I don't send many snail mail letters these days.

WJ

[Mocean Mgmt]

If it were up to us, everyone would e-query, but that's just us.

When someone sends us an SASE, that's fine. If we don't want to read the script, we respond that way. If we do, we include our release in the envelope.

...which leads me to why we don't like postcards. We still need to get our release to the writer. Which means we still have to put together a letter, postage etc and the postcard goes unused. If the writer has included an email address on the query letter, we send the release via email, but again, the postcard goes unused.

Forget postcards.