How to Turn a Book Into a Movie

On Reading 529 Comments

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.

529 thoughts on “How to Turn a Book Into a Movie”

  1. There’s no money in doing adaptation, I don’t think you should be encouraging folks, Superfast.

  2. Pingback: reading is my superpower | What It's All About

  3. Hello everybody,

    It’s great pleasure for me to find this topic. I’m a new author who really would like to turn his book into a movie. I think it would make a good movie.

    Can anyone tell me where I can find the people who can help me?

    If someone knows, please, contact me back:
    kopale777@yahoo.com

  5. Hi there & welcome to Reading is my Superpower.

    In order to gt your book made into a movie, you’ll need to get it into the right hands. The best way to do this is through an agent. You might want to send out information on your book to some agents who specialize in shopping books for film. This is the best resource for contact info:

    http://www.writersstore.com/pr.....ts_id=1102

    Good luck!

  6. Thank you very much for your answer….
    I’m sorry but I have one more question:
    Do I have to find some ordinary literary agent or there are some special literary agents who provide the service to sell book rights to movie makers?

    Sincerely,
    J.K. Kopale
    and thank you very much one more time!

  9. I am almost finishing a novel based on the trauma most single african women on marital issues. I am hoping that the book will be turned into a film after its publication and needed some information on that.

  11. There’s a lot of good information here. I was a manager/producer for a book publishing company and would love to help authors find ways to turn books into film. Currently I’m working with an actor/writer/director/producer in LA who has ties to the industry and we are looking for projects. I’m also a screenwriter and working with several authors on projects coaching and consulting.

  13. Dear Mr. Johnson,

    It was very intriguing to read your comment. I have already added you on my myspace page. I had self-published my novel Destroyed Love, and now I finished my new children’s book Bobby Scout. I’m looking for a literary agency for my new book.

    Let me show you the part of the query letter that I have already prepared for the Bobby Scout and please, let me know what you think about it? Can someone work on it to make a movie from it?

    “The book is completed and I plan to start working on the next series of it soon. The first series of the Bobby Scout is called The Friendship Chain. To my opinion, this will be the book for the reader of any age-groups; however it must be especially interesting for fourteen and fifteen year-old kids.

    Let me tell you more about Bobby Scout – The Friendship Chain:

    A new dimensional world out of time and out of space, the Timespace, is captured by the lord of dragons, the Goloxius. The existence of civilization on the earth is in danger. The secret organization called the Elder Council is seeking for a new hero who will lead the last representative of the Spovel Eagles to the victory over the Goloxius. Only this hero, together with the eagle, can defeat the evil; soon, based on the efforts of the Elder Council, along comes the new hero, Bobby Scout, fifteen years old boy from the XXI century of the Bibran civilization. His amazing adventure starts after he visits the Republic of Georgia as an American boy scout. In the international scouting camp he makes friends with two Georgian and Russian boy scouts. The three friends in the camp give each other a promise to be friends and brothers forever and fight to secure the freedom on the earth.

    Besides of the mysterious and funny adventure, the book bears an educative nature for those who want to learn more about foreign cultures. As far as I know, the Bobby Scout is the first children’s book based on international friendship and Scouts Law experience; I think this mixture of scouting rules and different cultures enhanced with exciting adventures of young men will be truly enjoyable for the scouts all over the world.

    The vocabulary at the end of the book provides definitions of foreign terminology and historical places that are used in the book.

    I drew up the version of the front-cover design of the book myself as well. I think it expresses the content of the book in the best manner and it may be very helpful for a publisher as well.

    I have published three poetry and children’s short-story books in the Republic of Georgia before. I had my first novel Destroyed Love published in the United States of America two years ago. Besides, lots of poems have been published in different magazines and books in the United States, such as the Anthology of American Poets, the Marquee, the Whispers – A Collection of Short Works, etc. I hold the Deed of Honor for winning the Literature Contest administered by The Humanitarian – Economical Institute of Georgia. Currently I’m attending the webinars on publishing and book-marketing given by Brian Jud, the book marketing expert from Book Marketing Works.

    The idea to write a new children’s book based on the Scouts Law came in my mind while in the scouting camp in Georgia. Later on I developed a plot of the story while being on a student exchange program in Missouri, the United States. There Russian exchange student and his friend from the student hosting family became my best friends. That’s how American and Russian boys, Bobby and Vitaly, became the key characters of the Bobby Scout.”

    This is about Bobby Scout, but I would be very happy if someone would make a movie on Destroyed Love….
    Please, let me know if you can help me, or if you have any advices…

    Respectfully,
    Koba Jabanishvili (Kopale)

    kopale777@yahoo.com
    bobby.scout@yahoo.com

  14. If you read the new book,
    He Holds The Sparrow, on line Barnes and Noble.com, and you feel it is movie material I am the author and I’m accepting investors.
    blessings, fran grubb

  15. He Holds The Sparrow for sale on line at Barnes and Noble is “A movie in the making.” From the start when Frances runs bare foot to hop a freight car in the dark of night on top of a Virginia Mountain, you just know that this is going to be a book that you won’t ever forget.

  16. my book was published august 2007 by publish america. it is now for sale at bn.com (barnes and noble). it is called A Stranger To This World by michael “yogi” Overby. i think it would make a great movie but dont know how to get it started. you can checkout what the story is about (horror/suspense) at bn.com or authortree.com. thanks for your help.

  17. If you own the rights to the book, write the screenplay or hire someone and try to find a producer to produce it. If the publisher owns the rights try to get a contract to write the screenplay. You have to at least start there. A movie can’t be made without a screenplay.

  18. I just happened upon this site. I have a children’s book and would love to speak with someone who would like to guide my story into a short movie or tv show and more.
    The book just came out on a self publish. I have my press lease ready.
    Anybody interested in a story no one has done?
    817-268-5544
    My book is on http://www.sandywinnetteauthor.com

  19. I just happened upon this site. I have a children’s book and would love to speak with someone who would like to guide my story into a short movie or tv show and more.
    The book just came out on a self publish. I have my press release ready.
    Anybody interested in a story no one has done?
    817-268-5544
    My book is on http://www.sandywinnetteauthor.com

  21. I have a wonderful children’s book titled: Pat Pat the Angel, Adventures in West Heaven that would make a wonderful animated movie. The story has great characters like a mischevious squirrel named Rocky, a sweet horse named Apache and a cuddlely possum in a camoflage shirt named Georgie. If interested please view on http://www.xlibris.com/PatPatt.....eaven/html or contact me directly at 757-242-4804

  22. My book “What Happened to Suzy” will be a gem for the Film maker who is lucky enough to offer the first deal and the story will put an end to criminal abuse of innocent children like Suzy. I am on a mission to find the next Speilberg to make this book into the movie it derserves. More than one person has called this book the best autobiography ever made…A reviewer from IP said the following about my incredible, tumultuous journey from a childhood that lead me to many opportunities for death; but, I survived it all! Yet, nobody should ever experience what happened to suzy. Hold on!

    What Happened to Suzy
    By Carol Denise Mitchell
    Strategic Book Publishing
    252 Pages

    When I first heard the title, What Happened to Suzy, by Carol Denise Mitchell, I immediately thought it was a mystery. In many ways, it is! The mystery is how Suzy is alive today! What Happened to Suzy is one of the most amazing books I’ve had the honor to read. Fiction, based upon a true story, it is published as fiction only because names, places and dates had to be changed to protect those involved. For the majority of this book, you will not be able to believe it is true—in fact many will pray that it is not!

    Suzy’s real name is Carol Denise Charles. Her mother started calling her Suzy and many worse names when she was very small. Carol was one of sixteen children, but for some unknown reason, it was very clear that her mother’s animosity and anger against Suzy was beyond any for her other children. It was only from her grandmother, Mamus, pronounced (Mom-us) that Carol was able to find love and learn about God. But Mamus died when Carol was just 10 years old and Mamus had earlier only helped the children on the weekends. She and her siblings were physically, mentally, and emotionally abused their entire young lives.

    With a father who was abusive and absent except coming home occasionally to create another baby, Suzy’s mother in many ways was a strong woman who kept her family from the ghetto, worked long and hard to provide a decent place to live and was devastated her entire life because one of her husbands had stolen two of her children. At the same time, it is clear that she was psychologically unable to deal with the pressures placed upon her. She presented a Jekyll/Hyde personality—and only her children saw Mr. Hyde!

    Once each child reached an age of being able to handle household responsibilities, that individual was forced into “hard labor.” Her oldest son, however, was the love of her life and was given the responsibility to care for the other children and supported him when he ordered all the younger children to the boys’ room. What happened in that room can only be read to begin to understand—and none of the children knew to call it what it really waschild abuse.

    The physical abuse Suzy endured resulted in much evidence. When she started to school, most of her hair was gone and there were scabs and sores everywhere. All of the children, except one young boy, called her The Blob. Dan was his name and Suzy and Dan realized a mutual friendship, however, Suzy knew that Dan would also be ostracized if he befriended Suzy…and she understood that and lived on the memory of her first boy friend.

    Once Suzy thought she had a new girlfriend; she was betrayed and was almost burned alive! Unbelievably Suzy’s intelligence was above average and her grades fluctuated greatly, only going down during periods of abusive behavior at both home and school.

    The first amazing event occurred when, at 17, Suzy had been able to maintain and develop sufficient self-esteem to enter a local beauty contest, be selected as a finalist, and win the Miss Congeniality Award! She had won the college scholarship for which she had entered the contest. Her mother’s response was somewhat positive—so much so that Suzy could not believe that her mother still followed through with an earlier threat and she was forced to leave home by her 18th birthday!

    It was not surprising what happened to Suzy when she was cast out on the streets with little money. The amazing thing was that she fought her away through it and never actually entered the life toward which she had been lured!

    But the final amazing event was when her childhood sweetheart, Dan, one day saw her on the street—and stopped!

    What Happened to Suzy is written in somewhat of a diary style and is very fast-paced. Readers will be caught up in the sorrow of the children’s abuse, and then thrill to the realization that Suzy fought her way through the pain and suffering to enter a contest that could provide her a coveted scholarship. Suzy’s time on the streets is very realistically written, so much so that you realize how different her life could have beenand yet was it? This story will speak to teenagers and adults alike. There is a bright light shining throughout Carol’s story as she is led through traumatic experience after experience that many of us cannot even begin to comprehend. Where is Suzy? She’s Gone!

    I applaud the author for the courage she displays in first living and then sharing her story! Teens! Read this book and you will find Hope! Adults—if you care about children, this is a must-read! We must care and do more for the children of our country!

    G. A. Bixler
    For Independent Professional Book Reviewers

  23. This book by Carol Denise Simms-Mitchell is the best book on the topic of abuse “EVER.” Some of the things this woman says in her book are off the hook! I read her first edition – my friend Kamela gave to me for Christmas last year. First, I thought is was just another book – until I opened it and learned the true meaning of “Never Judge a Book by its’ Cover.” This one should be sitting ontop of all the best seller list, no dope!!!

    Peace out!

  24. I feel my story has what it takes, based on the criteria laid out on this website. I would love to have some feedback from you the readers. I’ll respond to any comments… Thanks for your input, peace…

  27. My book ‘Lean on Me’ is a true story of my husband’s courageous battle with mesothelioma (asbestos related cancer) and of my emotional journey as I cared for him and improved the quality of his life. Many excerpts from my personal diary in which I wrote daily throughout the 2 years of my husband’s illness are featured throughout the book and give ample matierial for writing a great script. My story is above all – a love story which demonstrates the true meaning of love and the strength of the human spirit. It would make a wonderful movie and be an inspiration for anyone whose lives have been touched by cancer of any kind. If anyone knows how I may pitch my story to a film maker I would be most appreciative.

  28. I have written and self published a heart wrenching novel that depicts a survivor of domestic violence as she catastrophically falls into the arms of Mr. Right, but baggage from her past as well as her excitement and awe at her own independence, not to mention the murder mystery across the street from her office in Music City USA, causes her to wonder if she will ever be the warm and caring companion that she thinks she is capable of being. The book ends in an unanticipated cliff hanger, with book #2 well on the way. As a movie, audiences would find themselves sharing the rollercoaster of emotions that the leading characters find themselves swept up into. A must see, made-for-movie presentation. Anyone interested should contact me at the email address listed. See you at the movies!

  29. Seriously you people are so Naive.Even the bestsellers are hard to tun into movies and those are books that sell by the millions and not hundreds or tens people.Everybody in his life has a good idea for movie but this doesn’t make it ideal.Never met anyone who had an idea who did not say that their idea was not the greatest to turn into a movie.They hear that 1000 times in hollywood everyday and the Lit agents as well.Take a number and wait.When they call number 1000000000 and the gods favor you then may be you might make some $$$ otherwise you can dream.

  30. Does it hurt to dream? Is anything really impossible if you want to do it? People are so quick to crush something that somebody wants to do. I’m glad Nash wasnt around to raise Barack Obama. If we all listen to Nash then there would not be some of the greatest filmmakers we have out there today becauase someone told them you are naive, dont do that film its dumb…dont make Pulp Fiction, it will never go anywhere…it just started an independent revolution in film…
    Here is my advice for all of the “naive” authors. Turn your book into a screenplay..not just any screenplay but a great screenplay..it may take 1, 2 or even 5 years. While you are doing this get the book from Reel to Deal by Dov Simens. This way you will learn the business on how it really works the reality of either studio route or independent route. Quinten Tarrantino read the book and took his two day course…i think its worth a shot…..and if God is in your favor then it doesnt matter what number you are. At least you got picked.

  31. A movie just waiting to be released! My book titled: Beyond my Control has what it takes to be a bestseller. Beyond my control is the true story of my life, beginning with my battle trying to beat the eating disease—anorexia nervosa. While trying to break the vicious cycle I was in another condition suddenly entered my life—epilepsy. I was seventeen at the time.

    I describe my twenty year journey of living with epilepsy and how the unpredictable disease has not only impacted my life but the lives of everyone close to me.

    The next fifteen years I operated my stained glass business and managed staff while battling an ever-increasing number of seizures. As my condition deteriorated and my post seizure responses became more intense, I was often prone to violent outbursts that threatened not only my safety, but the safety of anyone unfortunate to be close by!

    I was offered seizure surgery which, (if successful) would provide freedom from a life on instability, danger, and stares from strangers. Beyond my Control provides an honest, emotional look into a highly complex and often misunderstood condition. With perseverance helped me break through the darkness and find hope on the other side.

    Please check out my website and read the many positive reviews……..A true story of courage and survival! http://www.beyondmycontrol.net

  32. Please, if ever there is a book that needs to be a movie – it is this one!

    ROSS McCallum provides us all with the intricate details of Anorexia Nervosa and EPILEPSY. Never, have I engaged such an incredible novel – where I was for the first time in my life given the answer to my question: “What the hell is Epilepsy”

    Thank you ROSS. Not only did he explain the disease – he did it perfectly and eloquently in his book Beyond My Control – in a way the Nation and the World needs to know about. I read the book twice and was continually fascinated by Ross McCallum’s survival.

    He almost left us. The doctors’ could not explain the “Auras” and allowed this poor man, (who was at the time running a family business) walk around with Epilepsy that was not diagnosed.

    Please, this is the book – you want to make into a movie.

    Sincerely,

    Carol Mitchell

  34. Hello!
    My name is Lori E. Mazzola! I have an agent from writer’s literary agency. I have written four children’s books in the series, Tales of the Tree People! I am currently working on the fifth. Children and adults love my stories, and would love to see them turn into movies! Could some one please help? This is the longest waiting game I’ve ever played…and I have two children!

  35. Lori Mazzola,
    Did you really find a publisher through WLA? I heard they were a scam shop and never actually sold a book. They make their money selling services to authors. If they sold you r books I would be interested.

  36. My first book, Tales of the Tree People “To tree…or not to tree?” was published by Publish America. I have published book two… Tales of the Tree People “Tree Kings” three, Tales of the Tree People “Reverend Redwood” and four, Tales of the Tree People “Myrddin’s Magic” using lulu.com. I am currently working on book five, but I haven’t heard anything from writer’s literary agency…on book two…I just keep writing because my children love the stories! Thank you so much for taking the time to reply Joe!

  37. Hi… I’m an independent producer/director, and graduate fellow at Dodge Conservatory of film (http://ftv.chapman.edu). I produced/directed several short films, one feature documentary, and had international festival exposure. You can find my work on IMDb and Amazon. Currently, I’m searching for a great literary material (novel) to option for possible development into a feature film. This is part of my thesis project here at Dodge Conservatory, guided by several Oscar winners/nominees. We all know that film development is very difficult and long process. Many projects never see the screen due to various reasons (lack of financing would be no. 1 reason). Therefore, optioning the rights doesn’t mean that your book will become a motion picture. It means that someone (producer) sees a potential in it, and is willing to push it for development and possible production, which can be beneficial for everyone involved. As an indie/student producer, I cannot promise anything, but I shall do my best to develop your book into a presentable film project that can generate interest of financiers. I’m looking for something unique from one the following areas: horror, thriller, children’s, crime, international themes, comedy. If you feel that you have what I’m looking for, and would like to collaborate w/me, please contact me via eMail: ePHOTOeVIDEO@gmail.com (Attn: Book-4-Movie)

    Thanks.

  38. My daughter has written and published a book called, “You’re Next” which is the biography of Jimmy Trotter…”The Ice Cream Man From Hell”. Jimmy is an Icon in the Biker World who comes from an Italian immigrant family. This book has all the makings of a hollywood movie and is real world. Are there any agents out there interested in this project? Read the book and I know you’ll jump at the opportunity!

    Regards,

    Pete Gower

  39. I am looking into turning my new book
    “One Day i Will” into a film for the big screen after the book hits stores in May 10th, 2009.

    If you have any information on how i can do this, please by all means contact me anytime. i write full time as well as speak at high schools and colleges so i am available.

    Thanks for all your time,
    Chad Gaines

  40. Having published 3 books, the first one was self published and the other two were by Publish America, I have realised that the only person to promote my books is me. The last novel is set in England WWl and about a group of friends. It contains all the elements that make a great film, romance, murder, homosexuality, war and personal struggles. However, I am under no illusion that I will become rich as a writer but that was not the object of the exersize. I not only love to write I HAVE to write. My first book “Pandora’s Legacy” was an offshoot of my PhD thesis about female personalities. My second book “The People Movers” was based on my foster care experiences in 3 countries and has some harsh words about what a mess it is in. The third and the easiest write is called “The Seduction of Dolly: A Tale of a Lincolnshire Lass”. So for all you authors and would be authors, you must write for all the right reasons otherwise it is just an exersize in futility. Check out my web site. Pam Martin-Makuk

  41. HEY I WROTE A BOOK WHILE I WAS IN PRIOSN THAT I WUD LIKE TO SEE TURNED INTO AN INDIE FILM OR TV SHOW ETSC. NEED SOME DIRECTION IN DOING SO FEEL FREE TO HIT ME UP
    MY BOOK IS GEARED TOWARDS AT RISK YOUTH AND THWE HIP HOP GENERATION. PEACE

    832-752-5189

  42. Who owns the subsidary rights or republishing rights to a book if it was written in the 1940’s and the author is dead and the publisher is out of business? I want to see this book back in print and perhaps it can be adapted for the screen. Any help would be appreciated.

  44. So, there’s a young adult love story novel, “The Faraway Lurs” that has rave reviews on Amazon,
    http://www.amazon.com/Faraway-.....0839827229
    Someone even wrote in an Amazon review:
    “I just want to know when a movie will be made based on The Faraway Lurs. It’s long past due! ”

    The author is deceased. I am a granddaughter of the author and my father manages the estate. How do we find a screenwriter who can write and sell a successful screenplay?

  47. There is an autobiography being released this fall, 2009, “BUSTED: THE RISE AND FALL OF ART SCHLICHTER” about the former NFL quarterback whose life was ruined by a gambling addiction. It has all the elements of a successful movie, centering on a father-son relationship, but with a darker, deeper story than “Invincible” or “Rudy.” Email me for contact or details.

  49. How can i make this book into a film.
    Apart from the main story,there was deaths,tragedys,two murders,explosions,illness,bravery awards.

  50. Even though I am only 14 years old, I really do believe that the book I have written has a strong enough plot and characters to get published and/or made into a movie. The title of it is called “Book Me a Life”, and it fits under the category of teen fiction. It is about a 14 year old girl named Amanda Brink who thinks that life is horrible and no one cares about her except her boyfriend Mark Nolan. Amanda is very much into Mark and assumes that she will be with him for a very long time. However, when she is partnered up with the somewhat nerdy Blake Carter for a Science project, her emotions start to change. As Blake and her spend more time together, she realizes that she now has stronger feelings for Blake then she does for Mark. So early in the book, she breaks up with Mark and eventually decides to become Blake’s girlfriend {by the way, he has had a huge crush on her since they met in kindergarten}. Throughout the book, Blake has chats with his older brothers Cory and Dylan talking about how much he loves Amanda {they have always known} but also how afraid he is to tell her the truth. By the end of the book, Amanda knows that Blake is in love with her and happily confesses that she loves him too. There are many other characters involved in this story {like Amanda’s sister Lucy, Lucy’s boyfriend Kevin, and classmates and friends like Sabrina, Adrienne, Kiely, Minnie, Danielle, Sean, and Henry}. With all my heart and soul, I truly do think that “Book Me a Life” has the potential to become the next great teen novel and a smash hit film thanks to the story and the cast of celebrities I have in mind to play each character.

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