Whether you write books or screenplays, querying is a process we go through regularly. When we query, we ask for our work to be reviewed for publishing, representation, or production. It’s a task we face often, as it’s usually the only way for our work to be read or seen. Even if you self-publish or produce (which I have done), we are still querying for acceptance from a digital platform, physical store, or theatre. In other words, we are always presenting something to someone!

What’s important when sending a query is to follow the submission instructions exactly. If you don’t, your project will simply be rejected. As I told a colleague once who questioned the type of media a digital platform asked for versus what he thought was better, “Those are their rules. If we don’t follow them, they’ll reject it.” Sure, there are sections in my manuscript for SOS United States that I like better than the first 10 pages, but if I can’t sell this project in the first 10 pages, nobody is going to care what’s on page 50!

This past week, I sent a query to a production company about SOS United States. Unlike the manuscript version that consists of a formal “Query Letter,” this type of query was in the form of a pitch deck (I love Canva!). Although one usually needs a literary agent for this, this production company allows direct submissions as long as their release form is signed. Since this company has produced some of my favorite films, you can imagine I was especially excited when they requested the complete screenplay on Friday. While I don’t know where this will lead, I’m just happy that the project is being reviewed.

Regarding movies, I’m pleased to announce that Stonegate will have its fourth screening on October 11 at the same location where most of the film was shot—Tewksbury State Hospital. For more information and tickets, please visit this link. The event will begin at 4 PM with a tour of the Public Health Museum at the hospital, and the screening will start at 6:30 PM (ticket includes access to the museum). Stonegate’s writer/director, Dan Groom, will host a Q&A session after the screening.

Playing Father Clayton in Stonegate was a career highlight. Having watched the movie a few times at different theatrical showings, it was interesting to see how my character was responsible for the actions of others. Of course, when we were filming, I had a pretty good idea of where things were heading, but it was only when all the pieces of the puzzle came together on the big screen that I fully understood the entire story. 

On a closing note, for those of you who enjoy museum ships, aviation, and space exploration, I highly recommend visiting the Intrepid Museum in New York City. From the World War II era aircraft carrier USS Intrepid to the submarine USS Growler and the supersonic Concorde, there’s something for every enthusiast at this museum. One of my favorite attractions is the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Named after the iconic spaceship in the TV series Star Trek, I remember seeing Enterprise on TV in the 1970s performing test flights in the atmosphere.

Finally, when you visit the Intrepid Museum, you’ll see the Lockheed A-12, the aircraft that served as the basis for the Lockheed SR-71 and inspired the design of the Arctran in First Signal.

Next query.