How do you sell a screenplay or book?

Answer 1

Books are easier to sell than scripts.

An agent is generally required for both, but most publishers will take open submissions.

It's almost impossible to get a reputable agent to work with you and a common agent gets little results.

You generally have to make calls and do pitch sessions for scripts.

Scripts fetch a better price than books.

They buy certain rights and options on your script. They buy the option to use it as it is or to develop it with other writers.

You get paid an up front fee, general thousands of dollars.

In a book deal, you make get a box of copies (worth $500+) or a small advance of maybe $500 to $1,000.

The rest comes from sales of the book or re-print rights or sales of the concept to TV and movies. You get 50% of that.

If the book sells you will make money. If it moves up the NY times list they will pay your royalties.

They generally also get a first look at your next book with the sale of your current book.

Answer 2

Screenplays require an agent who handles those. Contact Writers Guild West to check out their agent list for possible agents. For books, you need a literary agent (usually), and you can consult such groups as AAR. Try joining publishersmarketplace.com (it's $20 a month), and you'll have access to deal lists and contact info for literary and screen rights deals, so there's a lot of info there you can use.

Answer 3

I would get a lawyer first,then a reputable agent to represent you and submit it to studios or publishers on your behalf. Make sure the agent and lawyer are NOT the same person.Beleive me,if it's a success,others will come out of the woodwork claiming your work as theirs if you don't protect yourself first.

Answer 4

for book, try lulu.com or cafepress.com

Screenplay, try Imdbpro.com

Answer 5

ebay?