Screenwriting : Book to screenplay by Amber Dee (Rewis)

Whatcha got.....? Have written two adaptations. Not easy work, yet fulfilling, especially when the essence and feel of the story gets translated to the script. Cheers!

What I got is a literary punk song about scrip drug addiction. It's raw, real, makes readers laugh & cry.. But the thought of writing an adaptation is daunting. I'm used to writing short things, like songs.:) See ya!.

I gotta say, I don't believe Authorhouse has producers potentially grappling for my little book. Based on my experience with them so far, I'd presume they're just trying to sell me a package. I'd like to think that my work is special to them but I'm probably just another number; business as usual. So, back to grass roots, how to do such tedious, yet fulfilling work...The cool thing is maintaining creative control, right?...I can't sleep.

Personally, my publisher is primarily movie orientated, his second love is the novels he produces. Saying that he tries to get me to supply him with funds to promote his screen play of my story, over my novel. I do feel that these people often prey on our dreams so I would be wary and at best seek opinions and or experiences from other authors with the same publisher.

Thanks Danny! I'll do that.

I agree with Danny...In a situation like this, it's great to trust your instincts, but it's also a great idea to solicit advice from those with the same publisher.

Good stuff, Richard. Gotta go with my gut, wich says 'no'. I'll do the research you suggested first. Thanks! This site rocks!

You rock, Amber! Best of luck to you!!

I began my literary career as a novelist and later continued into screenwriters, I must say if you have the time to write a full novel then writing a screenplay is like writing your first 120 pages. No one knows a story best than its author and if you allow another writer attempt to write your book to screenplay adaptation then it might lose its integrity. My sincere advice find resources online from websites like scriptfrenzy.org that would teach you the four fundamnetals of a screenplay format, like slugline, action, character name and dialogue and then follow a three act structure, starting with intro, plot arc and closure to begin writing your first screenplay. I am a self taught screenwriter and i currently have over 7 screenplays written. Yourself as the author have a better chance of writing a better screenplay, then you can find an agent to pursue your screenplay's production. Production studios seek submission screenplays that are similiar to telling a story, which varies from those scripts that are known as productions screenplays. Good luck and follow your creative intuitions...

Awesome, Abel! I'm taking notes. I'm a songwriter but can't call myself a novelist. My book's just a little memoir I'll be making some additions to in the screenwriting process. Yes, I have definite ideas, visually & musically, & to give up creative rights to a stranger.. Like you said, it might lose its integrity. They may not share my vision/purpose. Thanks!

Hey Amber - caught this thread a little late in the game but wanted to say find out more information. My friend had the same proposition and his book will now be made into a B movie straight to download but with a major studio. Now this means his little book automatically gets press and exposure not to mention he gets a % of the royalties and a set license fee. So listen to your gut for sure but get all the facts too. Then ask the universe for an answer. That could mean driving past a huge billboard with YES on it, or hearing a 'no' all day long. Good luck!!

Thanks Jak, I'll definitely consider your input. Can I ask who your friend's publisher is? I sure don't want to tell the universe 'no'.:)

Amber: I went to the Authorhouse website to see what their Book-to-Screen services were all about. First, I applaud you for having enough confidence in yourself to invest in self-publishing of the memoir. What you want to do is ask your publisher who, exactly performs each of these services for them before handing over the money. What you're looking for is somebody who's got some credentials. And then Authorhouse's information also says they'll put your story into a database that Hollywood searches for new ideas. Find out whether that's a proprietary Authorhouse database or something like an InkTip for story ideas. Then see if they'll give you names of production companies that have looked at this database in the past. What you're looking for is names you can check out on IMDB.com for production or writing credits. Same goes for that Pitch Summit they reference. Find out where it is and who sponsors it so you can look them up. They seem a little pricey to me, but then the folks I've used deal with scripts that are already written. But if you have a history with these people and trust them, by all means take a shot if everything checks out.

Geat advice, Bob! I'll get on it. A sales rep outsoarced from the Philipines calls me from Authorhouse with different offers. He's nice, of course, but my history with the company makes me feel untrusting. When I need help with an issue their response has been slow to never. Yet when they want to sell me something they're very prompt. These are great suggestions you're sharing. Thanks!

Based on a conversation with my trusted source in Hollywood, don't trust someone who asks for money to sell your script. An agent will shop your script for free and then take a cut of the selling price, which is the professional and fair way to sell a script and get paid for doing it. Look on WGA's site for a list of agents and then write some queries. Network here. Do it that way...

Suzanna's way is the best way for sure however not everyone can get an agent. Then you have two options: self-promote or pay to promote. The industry is changing. My friend self-published and he was contacted by a script rep in LA based on his copyright submission. The rep contacted my friend's agent (temporary agent as it tuned out) in London and they brokered a deal. I think you need to get everyone's advice here, print it out then really really think what is your next best move. If you're a spiritual person I would say pray on it, meditate on it, feel your way through it all. And good luck.

Amber, as Suzanna mentioned, WGA is a trusted source of information. Of course there's the old saying, "Never trust anyone making a commission on you". I'd be concerned with having to pay up front. They should take a cut on what they sell. Wish you all the best.

You guys rock! Yes Jak, You read my mind, I am praying, meditating, feeling my way through it; printing it out, highlighting points... So helpful!

Bob, Thx for the encouragement about self-publishing. I don't know if it was confidence or blind passion. I just had to record the whole insane ordeal while it was still raw. More has happened since then & I need to refine it all. Kind regards!

I feel the need to clarify about "...more has happened..." Yes, it has & I've learned more about addiction but it's not just about me. Both my story & addiction are bigger than me, & people worldwide are touched by the same issues. I believe we don't have to be "anonymous", & a more progressive, open, even humorous approach could be not only helpful but downright entertaining. Why not have a sense of humor about it, albiet, dark humor. Clearly, it's not about being a screenwriter to me (though I love it). It's about raching out. Good day all!

...That's "reaching" out. It won't let me edit. :)