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.
I have been writing for over 15 years, and recently published a memoir with Lulu Publishings in September of 2011. Titled: Stoughton Street I am… I’m searching high and low to have my manuscript turned into a play and then to a major motion picture.
I have published book in 2008and its been sold in 8 different countries .
How i can make movie from my book 2008.
Its called Mummy come home make
publishers Harper Collins
” Boyhood’s Fire ” is the title of my book, I have already written a sequel to it
” Two Suitcases And A Dog “, recession books I would call them. Shows one how to survive with neither money or education. I am currently living in Provence, originally Irish. capfiny@gmail.com
I’ve written a book called ‘The Third Testicle’ which I reckon could make a pretty good movie, given a proper adaptation. Anyone interested?
Hello,
I have completed a novella Titled (To Save a Dying Planet, with the subtitle (A Spiritual Science Fiction Love Story.
It’s a about an alien named Jophar whose ancestry is from Earth and his encounters while living here.
Also, a higher evolved alien species is trying to help him save the planet from inevitable destruction due to bio genetic mutation.
Jophar has the ability to help earth people evolve through sounds and words.
Past help with giving full revelation has caused planets to be destroyed.
The alien(Jophar) decides to have much of his brain removed in order to not give full revelation.
An opposing alien group attacks him, he is paralyzed, but still able to convince ,many that he is an alien and has power to help us develop our own power.
More importantly I attempt to weave throughout the book the love that is established among Jophar and the people he meets and loves.
You can order a copy at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com
This is completely trend setting, and can cause a standard for future books and movies.
Ron Figueroa, MA
949-205-8357
Lets try something else. The book describes us as the enemy. It is anti War, Immigration the hard way, dysfunctional family. If interested I will send you the book.
I have written “Over My Head” which is a biography from my personal perspective of a 15 year community struggle against an airport expansion. Our group desperately fought for our right to a healthful environment and sanity from every facet of representative government. I unravel the fallacies of public perception of people trapped in airport affected homes, failed programs implemented by agencies that are supposed to quiet noise and uncover the worst threat from tiny invisible killers that are infiltrating their walls.
Thanks for your time.
I truely think the people who look at this should recommend the book and series Witch and Wizard by James Patterson. It is a jaw dropping, and intriguing book. One you get a hand or two on it you will not want to put it down. Please, please, please read a chapter or more of this book. If you like read more, if you LOVE make a movie out of it. The other books that are apart of this series are The Gift and The Fire. Please, please, please look over the book, and hopefully do a movie. it would mean a lot.
Witch and Wizard, by James Patterson, is about two teenagers who were living a normal life, but one night an army of soldiers came to their house and changed their lives forever. they were being accused of being a witch and a wizard. The teenagers, Wisty and Whit Allgood were shellshocked of what was being told to them. They were taken away, but managed to escape, by the magical powers they recently discovered. But do they have the willingness to survive by themselves or will they fail to all of mankind who are believing that they will bring things back to normal. Find out the rest by reading the book. (The comment above this goes with this comment as well).
I have written my first novel, The Way He Made Me Cry .A awsome love story filled with laughter and tears, her middle-class up bringinh in the piney woods of East Texas prepared her for both the tears and laughter that her on again, off again relationship with her beloved Eddie brought about .This book encompasses the problems which drove this couple apart,as well as the strenght of their undying love that brought them back together again.Although this is my first novel,I am sure you will find it a powerful portrayal of love amoung young people. I really believe this would make a awsome movie everyone that have read the book told me so
Ting and I: A Memoir of Love, Courage, and Devotion
might make a fine movie:
Su Ting-Ting, a girl from Kunming, China, and Douglas Winslow Cooper, a boy from New York City, fall in love in college, are separated nineteen years, then reunite and marry. In those nineteen years, each had married, had a career, and had never forgotten the other. Added to the usual complications of second marriages were the inter-racial factor and the specter of progressive disability from her multiple sclerosis. They maintain their love as they cope with a nearly fatal MS exacerbation and her subsequent quadriplegia.
Available from amazon.com in paperback or $0.99 ebook.
We are writers – this is my trailer for a Christmas Film – We just need a film company to approach us – it could be huge. Belstarr The Lost Toymaker.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aei7nw_fmgw
wrote a book on my true life. And want to make it a movie. need help
I wrote and published a suspense novel called To Protect and Serve, and I think it has a shot a being a very good movie. I put together a great storyline, and will have at least one sequel. The link to me book is above. Please take a look and tell me what you think. Thanks, Greg Bryant
I put the link to my novel in the cooment area, but noticed it was not posted. Here it is.
www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay/aspx?.bookid=67769
My book is titled “The Legend of Frankie and Smoosh (a never ending love story). It’s a true love story of a boy and a girl who breifly met in high school, went different ways, remet at their twenty fifth class reunion and fell in love, were engaged then because of distance lost each other then finding each other again and again and again trying to find away to stay together.
I am in possession of a well written and compelling supernatural horror story. The title of the novel is ‘BURIAL MOUND’ and it took an incredible twenty years to complete! The story encompasses many elements of adventure, mystery and suspense. So if your searching for a great story to morph into a feature film then search no more! Please do not hesitate to contact the author for additional information. Thank you! 🙂
I wrote my first book and everyone that has read it loved it..i still havent gotten it published because I don’t know what steps I should take first. I want to also make into a movie. If anyone can offer there help or advice it would be greatly appreciated. Chrisb6982@yahoo.com
Hello,
This year some overwhelming events has led me to great depression and the need of writing this book. My boyfriend and I met in my hometown, I moved to Santa Barbara for college, he moved to Hollywood. In a long distance relationship comes unbelievable romanticism, drama, and emotional destruction. The book will be about how my boyfriend of 3 years disappears, becomes diagnosed with schizophrenia, is sent to a psychiatric ward, turns out to be in love with his male roommate who loves him back but could never be sexually involved, and now, he is going to bible study to become a pastor. Story of my life, which I strongly feel would be a touching book and movie. I’m sure this will take quite some time to complete, but the words and images keep pouring out of my head. Keep in touch.
– Nell
Hello
I love to write, and write stories all the time. My friends, family, and teachers love them. A lot of the time they’ll make comments like, “If this was a movie I’d pay a million bucks to see it.” So that got me thinking: Why not? But the problem is that I have NO clue where to start or how to do it. The other problem is that i’m 15 years old. Am I too young? My mom said I shouldn’t get into the movie industry at my age, because some producers and buyers might use my naivety and youth to their advantage and cheat me out of the business. Any help or tips would be great! Thanks to anyone in advantage.
RE: A Finnish immigrant’s story unlike any you have ever read before…….
Dear Friend:
My name is John Raikkonen. I would like to share with you my exciting new memoir, Life is an Amazing Song, about my life growing up in Finland during the Finnish-Russian war, from 1942 to 1945 and beyond. One reader described it this way: “a very humorous and still serious tale…this book left me wanting for more.”
It is a poignant story of a young boy’s experience during the war at his grandparents’ farm in Oulu, North Finland.
One day, a Russian war prisoner “under house arrest” was brought to the farm by my father. He became a valued farm hand and my good friend. The man was un-real with his talents. I will never forget “Stranos.”
Later in I was shipped to Sweden to Orsa in the Dalarna region. The fear and trauma of war are captured in a story that is nevertheless both touching and sentimental.
He finally returned to his mother, sister and brother in South Finland. It was a happy and somewhat awkward homecoming after a seven year absence. Compared to the comfortable life his grandparents had provided, he now had to cope with the challenges of a hardscrabble life and bone grinding poverty. Food was scarce. They lived in a tiny firetrap apartment building. His mother struggled valiantly to put food on the table with her meager salary as a prison guard, in the old castle in Hameenlinna.
His father returned from the war and immediately announced that he wanted a divorce, after which, he disappeared from their life without any financial support. And so the struggle went on.
Eventually good fortune shined on the desperate little family when Mother regained her old position at the internationally famous resort Hotel Aulanko. The family moved to the hotel’s premises into a solid and large log cabin. Life was now bright with promise for the whole family. The hotel years were exciting and uplifting. Life was beautiful again.
As a poor boy from a war torn country what happened to him next, at seventeen, was truly a “miracle.” A hotel guest, a lonely, rich widower invited him to go to America. As his sponsor this remarkable individual provided him with all travel and living expenses, plus schooling in Philadelphia.
The young man embraced his new life in America with vigor- eventually becoming a successful businessman. America truly was “the land of opportunity” just as he had dreamed it to be.
This thrilling memoir is steeped in the tradition of Angela’s Ashes, My Life as a Dog (Swedish book) and a hint of Tom Sawyer.
I attribute life to God’s guidance and His wisdom.
For more information, please visit my web page and be sure to tell your friends about “Life is an Amazing Song.” They are sure to thank you for it!
http://www.LifesAmazingSong.com
EDITED by: Mike Valentino REVIEWS: Jean Purcell Siggy Buckley Laila Sullivan and many others.
John (Juha) Raikkonen, and in Sweden, Johan
P.S. As the author it is my honor to autograph all copies of the book ordered on my web page.
ISBN: 1453735100
I have a completed published novel via PublishAmerica. It lends itself to film, and they do not have the film rights. I have no interest in taking up screen writing and would like to turn this over to someone who does or a producer who will assign it to someone who does if it looks promising.
What if the book is Public domain in the USA. What or who do you talk to about making it into a movie.
Hello there. I was wondering if you would possible take a look at the book “I’d Tell You I Love You but Then I’d Have To Kill You” by Ally Carter. In my oppion, Ally is an amazing writer and I would love to see this series as a movie. I really enjoy these books and have been reading the Gallagher Girls series for almost 3 years now. I believe that they would make amazing movies. Thanks
you can go on lulu.com book name November Rose and Spring Lily working on 3rd book in the shadows of a vampire/inRonnie’s eyes
Rose Maebell a 16 year old girl moving from Missouri to Oregon with her family; Ken her daddy, Josie her mama, sisters Pattie, Bettina, Maggie and brother Zachariah. Rose going to a new school; meeting her new best friend Frances; which she could not even tell her family secret to. Learning of how much we all are different; how you can hate one moment and love the other. She meets the boy in the forest, he will show Rose just how different we all can be. The eternal destiny that is to come; Journeys to other worlds; meeting ones of her own kind. Story telling of Native American legends of their beautiful places. Learning that the two worlds can together live, protect and believe the worlds to be told. The paths that can be crossed; and that cannot be crossed. Rose finds out that the ending is the beginning as her life changes. Becoming as one with the one she loves, how the changing will be for the good. Two is stronger than one and two will bring all together to live in harmony.
I will bring you into a world that you will not want to leave. You will feel the sadness you will smile and feel the love. I am going to take you on a journey to unbelievable places that your mind will want to see. November Rose is of a 16 year old girl that grows, learns, hates, loves, fights and enters into a world that she only can handle with her family. She finds out that she is not only immortal. Just remember we are all different in our own way. Our powers are within. Two bloodlines are stronger than one; Eternal destiny mythical children will be the strength of our two worlds.
Rose and Ronnie’s children Adahy, Adsila have grown to be the mythical superior children into adults. They have gone on a great journey to Romania to find their mother that the Morti Vii had taken. They will fight for their mother’s life and their coven. They will kill to protect of whom they are and the humans used as food. You will grow as the family grows; you will meet new comers’ as they enter into the family and coven. You will feel the pain and sorrow .The happiness of a new world equal to ours. New births, new beginnings, A New blue moon. The magic of being human turn to vampire. You will learn that a vampire can live, feel as humans, cry, touch, love even though they are immortal. There are times you have to take a life to save a life. The understanding will come clear, but some will still from time to time come and try to kill and stop the existence of the powerful bloodline. The blood necklace becomes to be the family ties. The power within each and every one is known. A new shall become the ruler of all covens. Two bloodlines are stronger than one. Eternal Destiny Mythical Superior Strength Is the circle of our existence?