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nish09 · Jan 15, 2009, 12:27 PM

Hello,

I've never taken a course in writing however, I have a story that I would like to write and sell, In hopes that it will be made into a movie. I feel very confident in my idea for this story, I'm sure if formatted properly that I can sell it. Please advise me on how to go about doing this.

Alty · Jan 15, 2009, 12:31 PM

I'm not sure about the movie part, but getting your book published isn't easy.

You could always self publish, there are a lot of publishing houses that offer self publishing but it can be costly.

From my research, in order to get a publishing house to publish your book you first need an agent, I'm still working on that part myself. ;)

It's time to do some research, Google some publishing houses, ask some questions, see what they want or need in order to look at your manuscript, then go from there. It's not easy, it's hard work, but if you're story is good and there's a market for it, then it shouldn't take too long.

Good luck.

Clough · Jan 20, 2009, 03:10 AM

Hi, nish09!

What's your story about, please?

Thanks!

Clough · Jan 20, 2009, 03:12 AM

I love your signature, Alty! Especially, "If at first you don't succeed then skydiving definitely isn't for you."

Loved it! :)

nish09 · Jan 20, 2009, 08:09 AM

Hello Clough-

My story is not protected right now so I don't want to give too much away. I will tell you that it is a controversial story about a young woman who's mom remarried, her mom continuously avoid answering questions about their family.

There are quite a bit twist and turns. There a parts that will probably make some laugh really hard and then there are parts that will make some of us tear up.

Give me your input.

Thanks,
Nish09

Clough · Jan 22, 2009, 03:21 AM

If you think that it will really fly as far as publishing, then the best thing to do is to find yourself an agent who can submit your work to publishers.

Most publishers won't even look at works, unless they are submitted by someone who is represented by an agent.

If you would like to see what others think of your work, than you should ask others to read it.

You do need more input concerning that which you've written in order to get the best idea as to what others think of it.

So, it would seem to me, that to have a number of others read what you've written, would be a good start at this point. They don't even have to be professionals of any kind. It's just so you can get a feel for what others think.

Thanks!

nish09 · Jan 23, 2009, 10:14 AM

Clough-

I have had others read my work, and got nothing but positive feedback. I feel very strong about my story, the different directions that the story will take and what I vision that any being that sees it will walk away with. Also, I'm not interested in a book, I'm more hopeful for a movie.

I'm trying to find out how I can go about getting my story protected before I start shopping around, because I made contact with one cable channel and they advised me to seek representation first because someone could easily steal my idea.

Thank you for your input and any other advise will definitely be appreciated.

Clough · Jan 24, 2009, 04:18 AM

The first thing to do then, would be to contact and hire an agent who'll represent you.

Thanks!

excon · Jan 24, 2009, 05:15 AM

Hello n:

What a story is ABOUT doesn't make it good. How a story is WRITTEN makes it good. A well written story about a shoe salesmans boring day, is much better than a badly written story about a super hero shoe salesman who saves the day.

You need to write a screenplay. That is waaaaay different than a book. You have to know a LOT about film in order to write a screen play.

But, if you DO write a screenplay, get it copywritten (that's the protection you were worried about), and send it to some agents and/or producers and/or ANYBODY who you think will buy it.

excon

nish09 · Jan 25, 2009, 08:36 AM

Excon-

I agree that it's not what a story is about, it's how it's writtten, that's why I have so much confidence in my story.

I don't know a lot about writing a screenplay but I strongly feel that after I'm finished working on it, a producer will be interested in buying it.

Thank you for your advise.

Alty · Jan 25, 2009, 11:31 AM

The most important thing about writing is that you can't just talk about it, you have to do it. It's not as easy as people think, it's time consuming, frustrating and a lot of work. So, now that you know what you want to do, it's time to do it. Just thinking about it won't get it done.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes. :)

nish09 · Jan 27, 2009, 10:05 AM

Altenweg-

I agree with you that writing is hard work and time consuming, but I'm not just talking about it. I started this journey almost 11 months ago and will hopefully be finished soon. Fortunate for me, I can talk about it and work on it at the same time.

I started this thread because I'm almost finished and I wanted input on the proper format to use when presenting to professionals. Thank you for your input and I will definitely let you know how it goes.

Ambersmoke · Feb 1, 2009, 09:39 PM

I think that you should edit it and re-write your story into a script, it sounds like you have confidence in it.

There are 2 sites that I can recomend:

1 is National Novel Writing Month they are going to do an editing thing soon, so perhaps you can ask the people over there for advice.

2 is Script Frenzy | Your ticket to creative adventure they are a group that write scripts. The next contest is in 2 months, so that gives you enough time to get your book ready to be turned into a scripy.

Also be aware that there are a lot of unscruptouls people who won't help you and will charge you a lot of money for pretending to be your agent, while doing less then it would take for you to self-publish.
Check out for people to stay away from, and remember the old saying that if it seems too good to be true it is. Writer Beware Blogs!
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