Advice on fiction writing, screenwriting, publshing, and screenplay adaptation from author and Academy-honored screenwriter John Marlow.
News, Insights, and New Resources for Authors Considering Self-Publishing
|
PATHS TO PUBLISHING: A Decision Guide on Traditional and Independent Publishing Options for 2025
[by Ross Browne and John Robert Marlow]
Publishing has changed a lot in the 45 years since The Editorial Department opened its doors—and not necessarily for the better, in the eyes of many. But it’s nonetheless an exciting time to be a writer, in large part because when it comes to getting published, you have more […]
FLASHING THE READER: A Practical Guide to Clearly Managing Transitions of Time, Place, and Viewpoint in Fiction
[by John Robert Marlow]
TRICKY TRANSITIONS
Few works of fiction relate events in a continuous flow, from start to finish. Sometimes the story moves back in time (as with flashbacks); more often it jumps forward, sparing the reader the dull details of ordinary life. Frequently, the transition will take the reader from one location (and set of characters) […]
How to Make Your Book a Movie or TV / Streaming Series What Hollywood wants. Why they want it badly. How to maximize your odds of adaptation success. GalleryHow to Make Your Book a Movie or TV / Streaming Series What Hollywood wants. Why they want it badly. How to maximize your odds of adaptation success.
How to Make Your Book a Movie or TV / Streaming Series What Hollywood wants. Why they want it badly. How to maximize your odds of adaptation success.
[by John Robert Marlow]
Humans have always been storytellers. Whether gathered around a campfire, painting on cave walls, or writing words on dead trees or glowing screens—it’s in our blood. Books and other storytelling formats can be noble undertakings, capable of reaching hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions of people. But movies and series are the global […]
ADAPTING YOUR BOOK FOR THE SCREEN: A Hollywood Primer
[by John Robert Marlow]
So you want your book to be a movie. (Or series.) Who doesn’t, right? Most authors dream about this, but few do more than cross their fingers and hope Hollywood will come knocking. And, hey, sometimes that happens. Usually after the book (or book series) has become hugely successful in its […]
Revise Your Book, Hollywood-Style A novelist, screenwriter, and editor shares his take on a secret weapon for manuscript revision
[by John Robert Marlow]
Are you an author who
- Has never tried using an outline?
- Likes the idea of outlining, but gave up on it because it was too much trouble—or just didn’t work for you?
- Uses an outline for initial story planning, but not for revisions?
- Would rather have a root canal than use an outline?
If so, you’re not alone. Let’s […]