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Author FAQ

Understanding OptionAvenue

General Information

What is OptionAvenue? OptionAvenue is a groundbreaking platform that connects authors with producers looking to adapt books for the screen. We bridge the gap between storytellers and industry professionals, facilitating access to unique literary content ready for adaptation.

Who can submit a book to OptionAvenue? Submission is open to anyone who holds rights to a book, including:

  • Independent Authors
  • Literary Agents
  • Managers
  • Attorneys representing authors
  • Publishers
 

What happens after I submit my book? We carefully review each submission to ensure it aligns with our platform’s standards. Approved books benefit from:

  • Prominent homepage placement for high visibility.
  • Promotion through targeted social media and email campaigns.
  • Direct avenues for communication with interested producers.
 

Can I adjust the option price for my book? Yes, you have the flexibility to update the option price at any time either through our website or by direct contact with our team.

 

OptionAvenue Pricing

  • Free — Basic Book Listings: No, there is no fee per book for listing and managing your option price on OptionAvenue, for our Basic Book Listings. 
  • Premium — Sponsored Book Listings: For $99 per month, Sponsor a Book enhances the visibility of your book on our homepage and within its genre category, without requiring a long-term commitment.
  • Buy It Now — This feature allows producers to instantly secure an option to adapt your book, directly from its listing page. We apply a 5% processing fee on the option fee for each transaction.

Understanding Pricing for Book Options

At OptionAvenue, we aim to demystify the process of pricing book options to adapt your book into a TV show or film. Here’s a simplified guide to help you understand the typical financial considerations, including option fees, exercise fees, net profit percentages, and credits.

Option Fees

Option fees are typically lower to encourage producers to invest in developing your book into a screen project. These fees can vary based on the author’s profile, the book’s popularity, and market trends.

  • Emerging Authors: For relatively unknown or emerging authors, option fees can be quite modest, generally ranging from $1 to $1,000 for a 12-month option. On OptionAvenue.com, we particularly highlight options priced at $250 or less, allowing producers to discover affordable opportunities easily.

  • Established Authors: Authors with a proven track record or established fan base can expect higher fees, typically between $1,000 and $20,000, reflecting their market potential and historical sales.

  • Bestsellers or Highly Coveted Titles: High-demand books may command option fees from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, particularly in competitive situations involving bidding wars among producers.

Exercise Fees

Exercise fees are negotiated when a producer decides to proceed during or after the initial option period. These fees are influenced by factors such as the author’s reputation, the book’s fan base, and its perceived market value. While specific amounts can vary, they are generally structured to reflect the potential of the project and the author’s standing.

Net Profit Participation

Authors may also negotiate for a percentage of the net profits, which are calculated after deducting all associated expenses, including production, marketing, and distribution costs. Standard industry practice allocates between 1% to 5% of net profits to authors, though this can be higher for particularly influential authors or blockbuster potential titles.

Credit

It’s also common for authors to negotiate credits in the adaptation, such as having their name prominently featured. This not only serves as recognition but can also enhance the author’s visibility and branding.

Additional Terms

Option agreements often include terms for extending the option period and for outright purchase of the rights if the project moves forward. These terms are typically negotiated separately from the initial option fee.

Navigating Negotiations

While the figures provided are guidelines, each deal is unique. Authors are encouraged to seek the expertise of a literary film agent or an entertainment lawyer who specializes in film and TV rights to negotiate the best possible terms.

Security and Trust

How does OptionAvenue safeguard my work? We implement several measures to protect your intellectual property:

  • Public Availability: Listed books are usually published and publicly accessible.
  • No Direct Transactions: Negotiations and agreements occur directly between the author or their representative and the interested producer, off-site.
  • Controlled Information Sharing: We do not host detailed content like full manuscripts. Producers must reach out directly to authors for more detailed information.
  • Author-Driven Process: You maintain complete control over all interactions and terms of agreements.
 

Additional Support

Need more information? We’re here to assist!

  • Browse additional FAQs on our website.
  • Reach out through our Contact Form for specific inquiries.
  • Stay updated with our regularly refreshed FAQs.