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How to Write an Effective Email Submission Note to an Agent or Manager

By 2, May 23, 2025

Breaking into the industry—or leveling up—often means seeking strong representation. Whether you're submitting to an agent for the first time or looking to switch management, your email submission is your first impression. Here's a guide to writing a concise, confident email that hits all the right notes.

Below is a breakdown of what your email should include, followed by a sample template you can personalize.

1. Enticing Email Subject Line (Include Referral if Applicable)

Your subject line should spark curiosity and professionalism. If you have a referral, mention it up front. For example:

Subject: Referred by John Smith, Athletic, 30s, Courageous Leading Man, Elsbeth Co-Star

A referral immediately establishes trust. No referral? Highlight your type or recent booking.

Subject: Recent Co-Star on Elsbeth, Athletic, 30s, Courageous Leading Man

2. What You Want: Be Clear and Direct

Let them know why you're emailing:

I’m currently seeking representation and would love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss working together.

3. How You’re Most Often Cast: Type and Age Range

Be honest and specific about your casting type and age range.

I am a 6’1, athletic, energetic, African American actor based in NYC, who typically plays characters in their early 30s. I am normally cast in roles ranging from charming, fiery, and rebellious to vulnerable, goofy, and protective.

I’m most often cast as the edgy rocker, the sweet girl next door, the angsty intellectual, or the conniving mean girl in their teens to early 20s age range.

This helps them immediately envision your place on their roster.

4. Why You’re Ready to Book: Recent Work, Training, Reels, and More

Now prove you’re ready. Include:

• Recent bookings or callbacks
• Casting director feedback
• Training with reputable schools or coaches
• Industry quotes or press, if applicable
• Reels and online profiles

My Recent work includes

• Commercial callbacks for TD Bank Commercial (first refusal) and Kia Commercial shooting in Korea, and Pearson Online Education
• Numerous auditions for Law & Order and Elsbeth and these casting directors: Caroline Sinclair, Maura Garnett/Ross Meyerson, Stella Tompkins, Jennifer Vendetti. Liz Lewis and Kendall Cooper
• Ongoing classes with the Bob Krakower studio, Ted Sluberski, and Stacy Gallo Commercial Improv

I recently wrapped a guest star role on Chicago Med and was called back twice by casting director Lisa Fields for a Netflix limited series. I’m SAG-AFTRA, trained at Atlantic Acting School, and currently study with Anthony Meindl.

Here’s my reel and materials:

• [Demo Reel Link]
• [Casting Networks / Actors Access / IMDb Pro/ Website

A recent review from StageSceneLA called my performance “riveting and heartbreakingly honest.”

Make this section easy to skim. Use bullet points or clear formatting.

5. Closing: Confidence Without Pressure

End with warmth and professionalism. Show confidence in your path, but don’t be pushy.

I’m passionate, prepared, and committed to building a sustainable career in this business. I’d love to discuss how we might be a great fit for each other.

6. Actor Signature: Keep It Simple and Professional

Include your full name, contact info, and links again at the bottom. You can also add a headshot thumbnail if your email supports it. Check out companies like Wisestamp for creating a professional digital signature with pictures.

SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE:

Hi [first name],

My name is Susy Smith. I am an actor based in Atlanta, but I get on planes at a moment's notice to travel across the country for film and television projects. Recently, I travelled to Michigan to wrap up a feature and to L.A. to film a pilot as their lead.

I am in my early twenties -- typically cast 18-TPY or early college. Looks-wise, I get compared to Sofia Hublitz, Alicia Silverstone, and Reese Witherspoon. My bread and butter are intense, strong-willed, “stick-to-her-guns”, Girl Interrupted roles, but I also play a strong romantic lead (just wrapped) as well as the fun-loving, quirky girl-next-door (how I exist every day).

I have acted most of my life -- starting in theatre and transitioning to film in 2017. Since then, I have had the opportunity to train at several stellar studios via Zoom:

• Stella Adler’s Art of Acting Studio (LA) - ongoing
• Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (London)
• Margie Haber Studios (LA)
• The Company Acting Studio (ATL) – ongoing
• Workshops with Actors Connection (NY) and Get Scene (ATL).

In addition to my acting training, I am a skilled martial artist with 10 years of Tae Kwon Do Training and three black belts. Before the pandemic, I was training in Brazilian Jujitsu and made it to blue belt in under a year. I continue to keep my other special skills sharp - training weekly in gymnastics, parkour, drumming, dance, French, and vocal lessons.

I know the turtle wins the race, but I’m ready to take my career to the next step. I have been looking for an awesome [Manager OR Agent] to add to my team to continue to help me open doors for my career. I would love to discuss the possibility of working together!

Please check out my reel links below, and attached headshots and resume:

• Demo reels : [Insert link]
• Recent self-tape: [Insert link]
• Website: [Insert link]
• Actor's Access: [Insert link]
• IMDB: [Insert link]

I look forward to hearing from you,

Final Tips:

• Always proofread.
• Don’t attach files (other than a PDF resume and a JPG headshot) unless requested—use clickable links.
• Send from a professional-looking email address.
• Send yourself a test copy first. Check that all links are working!

With the right note, a clear ask, and strong supporting materials, you’ll stand out from the crowd—and make it easier for the right rep to say yes.