Address your query letter to the individual or department that specifically handles new submissions rather than exposing yourself as an amateur through salutations like "Dear NBC" or "Hi, Mr. Spielberg". The appropriate contact information is spelled out in the call for new scripts through film trade magazines such as Hollywood Reporter, web sites such as MovieBytes and InkTip, or annual resource publications such as the Hollywood Creative Directory and Writer's Market.
Identify the purpose of your correspondence in a subject line between the salutation and the first paragraph. Example: New Romantic Comedy Screenplay for Consideration. Due to the volume of correspondence that film reps and production companies receive, they need to be able to tell at a glance what yours is about. (See Warning.)
Identify the title, genre, length, target demographic and setting of your screenplay in the first paragraph. Example:
My feature length script, "My Lost Lemur", is a coming-of-age comedy that will appeal to families and takes place over one summer in 1930's Detroit.
Provide a short synopsis of the movie in your second paragraph. The synopsis should identify the main characters, the story's central conflict and what's at stake, significant plot points, and the resolution. Unlike a third grader's book report, a screenplay query letter should never leave the reader dangling with comments such as, "And if you want to see how Lonnie the Lemur saves Danny from the kidnappers, you'll have to read my script".
Tout your qualifications in the third paragraph. If you have been a professional writer for the past 15 years, say so. If you have sold or optioned previous scripts, identify them. If you have won awards for your writing, don't be shy about disclosing what they were. If, in addition, you have a unique background that qualified you to pen this project, explain what it is. Example: "For the past six years, my role at the Detroit Zoo has been to oversee the lemur compound."
Close the letter by respectfully thanking the reader for her time and stating that you would be happy to provide additional background and/or a copy of the screenplay upon request. Make sure your contact information is complete and that you proofread your letter thoroughly before you put it into the mail along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope.