I’m often asked what I look for when I evaluate books for the movie biz.
First and foremost, I look for the elements that are important to my employers–things that they are specifically looking for in terms of genre, execution, etcetera. I read for a couple of different places, and each has a slightly different mandate.
In general, in order for a book to become a movie it has to have a strong, forward-moving plot line, and a premise that you can easily picture on a poster or in a TV ad campaign. Deal killers are:
1) The story has been done before
2) The concept is “soft”–takes too long to explain because it has a lot of nuance. This is also called “execution dependent.” The Hours is a prime example of this. Generally speaking, you can only get away with a soft concept when the book is a bestseller.
3) The story is small, meaning the stakes don’t feel like they matter very much or that the obstacles seem easily surmountable.
If you have read a book and think you have what it takes to turn it into a movie–
DO NOT START WRITING.
It is imperative that you obtain the film rights to the book before you begin the adaptation.
“But Superfast Reader, what if I write it so good that the movie people just have to have it?”
The answer to that is litigation.
If the rights have already been taken, not only will no one read your script, they might actually take legal action against you to stop you from writing (and the law would be on their side). In the case of Writers’ Guild credit arbitration, which determines, in the case of multiple writers, who contributed what elements to a screenplay, only writers hired by the rights-holder will be considered. So if you think one of your ideas ended up in the movie, you’re basically out of luck–unless you know for sure that someone at that company read your script and stole your idea. These kinds of lawsuits do happen, but they are very costly to bring to court. And because of high-profile story-stealing cases like Coming to America, studios, financiers, and production companies are on their guard. Nobody, and I mean nobody, in their right mind will touch your script for their with a 10-foot pole.
If the rights aren’t available, you might think that you should write the screenplay to prove that the book would make a great movie, enticing a moneybags to option the book for you. Here, you run the risk of losing the book to someone else, which would take you back into the nightmare of the 1st situation. You’re just setting yourself up for heartbreak.
To find out rights availability for a book, the official route is to call the publisher and ask to speak to “Subsidiary Rights.” More than likely, you will get a recording requesting that you fax or email a request. Some publishers have this information on their websites as well. You are inquiring about the film rights, and in your letter you must also establish why they should give you this information. If they don’t deem you a legitimate candidate, they might never, ever respond to you.
The good news is that many writers have websites and allow you to contact them directly. Your best bet, if you really fall in love with a book, is to make your case directly to the author, and get him on your side. If you’re lucky, you’ll hit it off and she’ll option her book to you. Now you have the legal right to shop the book around, write the screenplay, and make the movie.
Last night’s work read was the new book by a best-selling author who I just really don’t get at all. His books are way too weird for me, and this was no exception.
Hello
I have recently published my first book at the age of 20, I would really like someone to read this to see if its good enough for screen play ? I have had so many different ideas as to how to convert into a movie but I would rather give my work to a professional, who knows how to do good work. I would really like to get the chance to talk about this with a hollywood script writer or film producer about this, please help me
“From Grief to Glory” by Otto Rieke would be a blockbuster movie. See the website and especially an adversary’s “Press Release” therein for more info..
The new book Renegade Hero by Michael Hingston published by Pen and Sword has all the makings of a great Movie but how to move forward in that direction ??
Hello,
I have written and published a book, which I believe can help many people. I think this book can be turned into a great movie. The title of the book is “A Dark Mystery in the White Mountains: The Unforgettable Story of an Online Encounter.” This book is based on a true shocking story. You have never read anything like this before. If anyone is interested in making a movie based on this book, I will be very happy to discuss this opportunity with you. Thank you.
My published book is Locked Up Abroad. It’s based on my true story. As a young drug smuggler I was caught with 100+ lbs. of hash @ the Greek border. What follows is four years of hellish torment, then finally an escape attempt that could finally lead to freedom! If you have the juice to make this into a movie, e-mail me and I’ll send you a copy of my book. dck; Anchorage,Alaska.
Hey David Kunkel,
I like the sound of your book and would love to see it as a movie, If you could send me a copy of it I Would be happy to start a screenplay for you.
If you are interested please Reply to this.
Carl
Hi, I have written a fantasy/romance series titled The Link, and have written and published the first three so far. I think they have what it takes to become movies, if you like I will send you the first, titled The Link: Matthew’s Beginning or you may purchase it at my storefront by clicking this link: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/franchise2k6
The Link: Matthew’s Beginning is the first, the following sequel is Colette’s Beginning followed by Colette’s Fame.
Makala-Veronica x
I self published a book titled “Elizabeth”. The story is about my mother Elizabeth and how she was raised in Florida. There are stories told by my uncle about a Fish Camp, Florida panthers and bears, dancing contest, a shark attack, blowing up boats and then there are stories about my mother’s drinking and her many husbands and domestic violence. She died of cancer at the age of 44. Then I became an alcoholic and a miracle happened that changed my life. Would like to have this story made into an moive. Thanks.
Hello,
My name is Michael DuMaine, and I have written a book titled “Chronicles of a Child Criminal” which details a true accounting of a young man who went to jail when he was 14 years old, and was transferred to an adult facility soon after his 17th birthday. It goes deep into several crimes, and the thought processes behind them. Very detailed descriptions of scenery, and things that happen in Juvenile and Adult prisons in the state of Texas.
If anyone would like to contact me about a movie deal, I would love to speak with you about it.
I have a book that was just released in October….my memoir titled, “It’s all in Your Head,” and it’s about what I went through after being diagnosed with a rare brain disorder called a Posterior Fossa Arachnoid Cyst. Doctors wouldn’t listen to me and tried to tell me that I was over emotional, made me to feel as though I was a hypochondriac etc. My cyst grew to nearly 1/3 the size of my brain.
I finally found a doctor who operated and 4 months later had to have a shunt put in, then a doctor following me for the shunt allowed it to overdrain for months, saying the same things that I was crazy, a hypochondriac, etc. and with that type of treatment, my brain began to sag and I developed a Chiari Malformation where the brain stem herniates into the spine. I still live with all these conditions. I am trying to create an awareness to not only these medical issues, but for doctors to listen to their patients.
To add insult to injury, my husband of 14 years and I just divorced this past year….with him claiming that he lost his compassion for my situation.
I believe my story (my book) would be a good movie. I know I can reach many more people with a movie made from my book and help bring the awareness to these issues that they deserve.
I am looking for an agent who will represent me and help me get my book turned into a movie. Can you help? Can anyone reccomend one?
Thank you,
Maria McCutchen
i have a manuscript of genre tragic thriller/crime. It was inspired by a true story. It’s really touching and i feel like it would make a big blockbuster if made into a movie. Any advice for me?
I have a book that I just released called A Struggle of the Heart –
A young woman faces the age-old dilemma: what to do when you are torn between two lovers?
Annette, a beautician in Norman, Oklahoma, does not believe she’ll ever find love, let alone two men who fall head over heels for her. Aaron, a handsome and virile Native American with long dark hair and sensuous brown eyes, draws her to him like a magnet. Tim, a good-looking, happy-go-lucky fellow, is always there to help, care for and comfort her.
With Aaron, it is love at first site, while Tim grows on her over time. How will she ever decide? It seems at first that fate might make the decision for her when Aaron joins the army and is stationed overseas. While he is gone, Tim fills the huge void left in her aching heart.
At the same time, Annette knows she must follow her own dream. After the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, she yearns to find a more fulfilling job helping others. This leads her to begin emergency medical training and after that, to attend paramedic school.
Upon graduation, Tim asks for Annette’s hand in marriage but what about Aaron, who just returned home from Afghanistan? It is truly “A Struggle of the Heart” as Annette finds herself torn between two lovers.
This story is based off reality of living at the time of the OKC bombing and how It changed my life. Only I made the character a lot younger and put in a love triangle. I would love to send you my synopsis to this story.
I’ve written an exciting historical narrative novel that would make a terrific and unusual movie. It is entitled “Fatal Decision: Edith Cavell WWI Nurse” fataldecision-edithcavell.com It hasn’t been done since the 30′s. It’s the story of a British nurse who goes to Belgium to start a nurses’ school and gets caught up with the underground during WWI in Brussels. She rescues over 1,000 right under the noses of the Germans but gets caught, tried for treason, and executed. The backlash of her untimely and vicious death backfired on the Germans, the consequence of which changed the course of the war. The story is big, bold, and emotionally engages the reader. I need a screenwriter and direction as to how to make this a movie.
I have no idea how to write very well, but I’m starting a book titled “Pangea”. It’s about the first mega continent Pangea, but with a huge magical fantasy twist. I’ve got so much running through my head for this book, I hope one day I’ll be able to see it on screen.
My First novel “White Lilies” was published in 2002 and re-released in 2004 and is still selling the odd one. I have been asked on many occasions why i don’t try and have turned into a T V film as i have been told it is a strong story. I have no idea how to do this and would love to hear any advise on how to this. My second novel “Vengeance in Mind” in now ready for publishing.
Regards Garry P Baker.
Hi,
I have written a book named The Super Soldier. It is about a boy named Tony who gets tangled up in a thousand year old treasure hunt when he meets his long lost friend. But when there is treasure, you are never the only one trying to find it. He competes with a psychotic warlord to find it.
P.S. I am only 11.
Hi well im no different than any author i used to write songs as
i was with a band then a friend told me to write stoies so i did mostly childrens short ones and some romance and some mysteries i just finished one yesterday thati believe could be a play or a movie that would be great my daughter has cancer and i think it could touch a lot of lives its called the bell it
shows how a tragedy can become a miracle id love to let everyone read it
I have been writing short stories since I was twelve years old, but never had anything published until I turned thirty. My stories are all fact-based stories. I think thats why so many of my readers always question me about trying to make it visual. For the last two years I have been researching different websites to get some information on how that process work. If anyone have any information please send me an email @keithvuanu@gmail.com
Thanks in advance Vuanu A. Wood
What if Sherlock Holmes, the master of disguise, were really a woman? I just published a novel based on this premise, called My Dear Watson, written in Holmes’s own voice–and it has murder, secret identities, and the alluring daughter of Professor Moriarty–Holmes’s nefarious nemesis. So many people have said it would make a great movie that I thought I should find out more about that. You suggest getting a Hollywood agent, but can you recommend a good agency or site with reputable agents? Should I send a copy of my book? Thanks for any information about the best way to proceed with my first steps. Write to marparbri@gmail.com. Thanks!
I have a blockbuster of a redemption book that should be turned into a movie! The book is entitled You Dont Know My Name A Story Of Redemption. Trust me no one has ever done a redemption book like mine before. If there’s anyone reading this post and feel the need to contact my publisher or me Bookstandpublishing.com my personal consultant is Andy Balwin and I’m Author Gwendolyn King we will be more then happy to experdite your request.
Also I’m on barns& noble amazon.com
Pitching two novels: Until We’re Free & By Appointment Only for Motion Picture.
Google my name: Lora Kay Alexander, and many of my works will surface.
Looking forward to hearing from you, Lora
An Afghan Winter
http://www.amazon.com/author/rajeshtalwar
Damn there is a lot of weird self-promo going on in the comments. If I ever see my work published, I wouldn’t let any movie studio near it with a stick. But that’s just my personal I’m-a-grouchy-writer pov so stay ‘way from my art.
Ooo – but I wanted to say – because my friends and I have wondered – WHY hasn’t anyone torn the film rights of Lloyd Alexander’s Prydain Chronicles away from Disney and made the series into a huge cinematic blockbuster like LOTR? It would be absolutely wonderful if it were done right.
Also, They Came to Bagdad by Agatha Christie – never been done – and its by far one of her most unique stories – if a little outdated now – but someone could easily update it. Its got everything: romance, intrigue, international spies, big brother, and murder.
Good blog, sir. Good information.
Oh and people begging for someone to look at your novel? I had the distinction of working with quite a few editors and authors here in Seattle and many of those authors got the promise of movie options when their book first came out, but nothing much has ever come of it. FYI. Who cares? Isn’t it cool enough that you have a book published? As an amateur scribbler myself, selling the rights to something I’ve created would totally bother me anyway. They take it away from you and create their vision out of it – or else it just sits on a shelf for 20 years and no one can touch it. Either way, it would suck. It wouldn’t be yours and they would most likely ruin it. Just sayin’.
I have written and had published a biography of my brother and I growing up in Georgia as twins., hence the title, Growing Up As A Twin. I would like very much to have someone read it and let me know if it or parts of it could be made into a movie.
It’s a very humorous book that covers the years, 1938-1962.
I would appreciate any help I can get.