I would like to sell my memoir. "The Preppy Vagrancy" . Logline: Privileged co-ed from Grosse Pointe, MI, degenerates into vagrant homelessness in the U.S. southwest, living by her looks and wits as she fends off drug dealers, thieves, and rapists. I have a UAE-based agent, who has yet to deliver.
I pitched my story to Stage 32 pitch sessions, and here is the tally of results: 1. One love; 2. One hate; 3. One lukewarm. All execs agreed that "TPV" is best suited as a book adapted to film. One exec suggested I sell my story. How do I do this? Any suggestions? Many thanks! Kelley
Pretty much what Jeff said. If your agent is not delivering, is it because he has "nothing" or little to deliver? What makes your story/memoir different? What's the hook? What's the objective of the key character(s)? Writing a book and self-publishing, if you've never done it before, is hard work and a steep learning curve. But the satisfaction once completed is brilliant. Lots of people/companies will charge a fortune for very little in respect of "helping" you self-publish, but you can do it all yourself if you're willing to learn and put the time in. Formatting is the biggest hurdle to overcome (although marketing is definitely more troublesome). Along with editing and proof-reading and cover design. I can help with the formatting, so PM me if interested. There are people here that have helped me with editing and proof-reading my books. Put something in the jobs section - you will have to pay SOMETHING, but it's worth it if you get a good one (I did, he was amazingly good - I can give you his details if required). Good luck!
I work as a ghostwriter/script doctor but I write prose as well. I'm querying 3 novels, and I've self published. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat. I'd be happy to see if I can help you Kelley :)
Thank you, Jeff, David and Shannon, for your sage advice. I feel so much better knowing I am not alone. After talking to other many other creatives, self-publishing does seem the way to go, I just don't know if I am ready to climb that hill. Thanks again. Kelley
After a year of pitching producers, and after very honest advice from a Chicago-based screen writer friend of mine, I have discovered a common thread among the collective feedback: that my story is worth writing, it is marketable, but because it is so personal, I am the one who has to write it. So I am. My summer project........
This is an old thread, but after a year of spinning your wheels it's still alive. So what's next? It sounds like it's a marketable story (the logline is a little lukewarm) with could be a substantial arc. Evidently your agent isn't impressed (or just lazy), so he's not going to do you any good. Why not put your story into a spec script format and shoot a proof of concept or teaser to help sell it? I basically write in two genre - coming of age and paranormal comedy. I'd be happy to help you in any way that I can.
Hi Doug - I know it has been awhile, but I have another project, "DOMO Drama" that has received positive feedback from Stage 32 producers. The feedback is similar to that of the "Preppy Vagrancy": original idea, powerful story, good conflict, memorable characters, but deplorable delivery. Oviously and admittedly I do not know the industry and know nothing about the process. Do you charge for your expertise? Please visit my updated profile if you are interested. Thank you, Doug! Best wishes, Kelley
Kelly, I might be interested. Read my screenplay 'The Final Answer' on my Profile Page and see if I would meet your standards. Or just click on my name, if you are, send me an email (Not a message) wgunn1953@hotmail.com Thanks.
A regular Old-Fashioned email please.
Hi Kelley, I was going over my schedule and it looks as if I'm going to be involved in my own projects for at least the next year, possibly longer. I'm not old (I'm 66), But I'm not as young as I used to be. Thanks, William
This sounds like an interesting coming of age story, coupled with a survival story in the basest possible terms. (meaning the hoods lurking in the shadows, the high stakes and risks on daily basis) Kinda Maslow’s hierarchy of needs being turned on its head, and interesting to find out how protagonist “Climbs back up ladder.” I agree with @Doug putting your story in script form will broaden choice and chances for pitch.