Pitching Your Novel for Film & Television: Insights from Rachel Whetstone
If you're an author, you've likely pondered the potential of your book making a successful transition to the screen. Whether envisioning it as a captivating TV series, a blockbuster movie, or a thought-provoking documentary, turning your literary creation into a cinematic experience is more achievable than you might think. Some of the most memorable films in cinematic history, such as "All the President’s Men," "Dead Man Walking," "Apocalypse Now," "The Pianist," and even "The Sound of Music," have roots in nonfiction literature. So, how can you bring your nonfiction or fiction book to life on screen? British Public Relations Executive Rachel Whetstone shares some invaluable guidance.
Identifying your market
1. In transitioning your manuscript into a movie, Rachel emphasizes the importance of pinpointing your place within the market, if indeed there is one. If you've effectively identified your reader demographic, this task shouldn't pose too great a challenge.
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2. Rachel categorizes TV and movie viewers into four distinct groups, excluding the children's market. These categories, ranked in order of accessibility, are as follows:
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3. Adolescent and young adult males, aged 14 to 24, constitute the most accessible audience for TV and movies. They gravitate towards high-octane blockbusters teeming with action and allure. Whether at the cinema or hosting a movie night with friends, they're keen consumers of cinematic entertainment.
Adolescent and young adult females, aged 14 to 24, exhibit a slightly more selective approach to their TV and movie choices. Like their male counterparts, they enjoy the cinema experience, often attending with friends or significant others.
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4. Males over 25 tend to be more discerning consumers, considering their expenditure more thoughtfully before committing to a movie outing. While they may not rush to see the latest blockbuster, they typically rely on reviews to inform their decision.
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Females over 25 share a similar discernment in their movie choices, prioritizing value for their money. They represent the most challenging demographic to please, often remaining unaffected by reviews when making their viewing decisions.
What Types of Books Are Adapted into TV Shows or Movies?
Rachel suggests that a common thread among books successfully adapted for the screen is their strong sales record. If your book hasn't been selling well, transitioning it from manuscript to movie or TV series may prove challenging.
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Nevertheless, lack of bestseller status doesn't necessarily preclude the possibility of convincing a production studio to adapt your book. In fact, a movie adaptation can often significantly boost book sales, as demonstrated by the case of Margot Lee Shetterly's "Hidden Figures," which saw a surge in sales following its cinematic release.
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It's possible that the narrative hook of your story may resonate more effectively with TV and movie audiences than with readers. Alternatively, inadequate marketing of your book could have hindered its success. Additionally, shifts in cultural trends may now align more favorably with your story, making it more appealing to contemporary audiences, even if it was published several years ago.
Partnership
Rachel Whetstone, a British Public Relations Executive, collaborates with West2East Literary and Cinematography Review (www.westtoeastliterarybureau.org), a multimedia institution that serves as a literary bureau and cinematography firm. Originally headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, they have expanded their presence with annex offices in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Florida. This network comprises a diverse array of professionals, including Literary Presenters, Book Ambassadors, indie film evaluators, screenwriters, and aspiring directors/film creators, many of whom have affiliations with the New York Film Academy.
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Their collective expertise spans the entire spectrum of the literary and cinematic industries, offering comprehensive support to authors. From laying the groundwork for book publication and orchestrating strategic marketing campaigns to driving book sales and navigating the complexities of rights acquisition and film assessment, they provide essential services at every stage of an author's journey. Their holistic approach ensures that all crucial elements are addressed, leading to the realization of a complete success.
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Together, Rachel Whetstone and West2East Literary and Cinematography Review specialize in elevating the profiles of authors seeking enhanced publicity for their books, particularly those aspiring for cinematic adaptations.
Submit Your Manuscript to be considered for publishing with Netflix
Your manuscript is subject to vetting for quality and potential, just like it would be under a traditional publishing arrangement.
To be considered by Ingenium Books, please complete the Ingenium Books submission form below and then upload your manuscript.
Note manuscript formatting requirements before you submit your manuscript. Be sure your manuscript includes:
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a title page (with manuscript working title, author name, word count)
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a synopsis
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completed table of contents
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chapter headings that begin on new page
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double spacing
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page numbers
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12-14 pt serif font (like Times New Roman or Palatino) for body text
Your information and your sample manuscript will not be shared or exploited in any manner whatsoever and will only be reviewed by the Ingenium Books team for the purposes of assessing the suitability for a publishing offer.
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Netflix agents are professionals who represent content creators and negotiate deals to get their projects featured on the Netflix streaming platform. They understand Netflix's content requirements and work to secure opportunities for their clients. Their responsibilities include pitching projects, negotiating agreements, and providing strategic guidance to increase the chances of success. They maintain relationships with Netflix executives and stay informed about industry trends to benefit their clients.