On Writing : Novel available for option by Susan Wile

Here's a one minute trailer I made.

https://d3uryq9bhgb5qr.cloudfront.net/StarterAnnualLimitedUsePerUser/4a4...

Hi, Susan. You may have to opt for what I did which was to learn screenwriting and convert my own novels. Your novel looks like it would be an expensive film to make, and I understand that, unless they are by big-time well known screenwriters, the studios won't touch a screenplay that is very expensive to make. You might think about how many special effects might be required, and how that would affect overall cost. What I find is that most screenwriters are busy birthing their own babies to assist someone else. You may be able to pay someone to churn out the screenplay, but that is a bit of a gamble, and can also be expensive. I hope that helps.

Thanks Karlyle. I wrote a couple of screenplays years ago, so I'm familiar with the format. I think it's likely that my story would be animated, which would save significantly on live-action costs. I'm curious - have you been successful in selling any of your screenplays?

Not yet, but I haven't been at it that long. My agent is pitching my TV sitcom pilot, and it will be a matter of time before we see whether that bird flies.

Hi Susan

Thanks for this post! My IP Is a children's adventure fantasy novel, Cloud Kingdoms. Suited to animation also for film or tv series. Unlike you I haven't succeeded yet in learning screenwriting.

May you get the advice you're seeking

www.cloudkingdoms.au

Karlyle Tomms Good Luck to you Karlyle!

Anne Maree Durnan Thanks Anne Maree and good luck to you!

This is a very competitive market and If you have a New York Times bestseller, you might have someone contact you. Otherwise, you could hire a screenwriter to adapt your novel or adapt it yourself. That's what I did. I had already taken screenwriting courses and published eight novels when I set out in this challenging direction. It wasn't easy because screenwriting is such a different way of writing than novel writing. I read many books, including Save the Cat, got feedback in writer's groups, and hired a content editor. Fast forward two years and I've already been offered an option and had several producers interested. But it takes work! Good luck.

Laurie Woodward Thanks for posting your experience. Having written a couple of film scripts, I'm familiar with the format. It's something I'm considering, while also researching the next Extinction Warrior. Work, persistence and luck is what it's ALL about!

Susan, I hope you're having a wonderful time on the journey. Smiles!

Susan Wile, one helpful approach could be to ensure your pitch materials are as strong as possible—having a concise logline, a compelling synopsis, and even a visual mood board can really help potential producers and screenwriters see the story's cinematic potential. Have you considered which aspects of your novel might translate best to the screen? Wishing you the best of luck!

Susan Wile adapting your own work into a new medium is certainly an option but you almost have to pretend the original version no longer exists unless you have the data to show you sold in the top 1% of titles (over 5000 sales), and honestly, you need even more than that to attract attention for a screen adaptation these days. I'd strongly encourage you to focus on getting your book seen and read more if you want producers to sit up and notice!

Jonathan Jordan Thanks for your perspective Jonathan.

Ashley Renee Smith I hadn't considered having a mood board, but will now -- thanks, Ashley!