Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Everyone Sees Their Novel As A Movie - It Probably Won't Happen

I love receiving those query letters where the author has already cast the actors to play the role of their heroines and heroes. They often go on to tell of how they have been marketing their books to major movie studies all around the world. And, while this might be a beautiful thing to see, the odds are really against you of seeing your face on the big screen. The chance is about as good as me showing up in the next Bond movie.

Now, don't feel bad if you are one of those people who have seen your novel play out in your head. Every author does this. The odds are, you have an amazing soundtrack to go along with it. That is really how you are probably writing your story.

But again, the odds are against you. The thing is, the movie industry is really different from the publishing industry. They are looking at a lot of different things when they pick those movies. It isn't just about the story line. It is about how the dialogue works, the way the scenes are set up, the feasibility of carrying out all of those scenes you have carefully crafted in your book.

Now, is there a chance a production company will buy the rights to your book. Sure. You'll get $2000 and the movie will never be produced. It just means someone else owns the rights.

So, if you are a writer, go ahead and keep viewing that novel as a movie. It is probably what makes the story in your head move so much better. But, if you are thinking of bigger things, you'll probably just have to hope for some good luck. It doesn't mean it won't happen, but...

Well, you get the idea. 

1 comment:

  1. I had to smile at this post. Although, honestly, when I fantasize about my books' futures, I don't envision movies. I picture someone going into a bookstore and having to place an order because the book is sold out, or going to a public library for the book and having to go on a waiting list because all copies are checked out. Either one would make me very happy.

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