Multi-million dollar story

Wow... either you didn't read the OP or you're incompetent.

You could shop the idea to publishing companies to look for a deal, other than that, I'm not sure. There are others that have experience working with book releases though. Ebooks, would be an awful idea.

hahahahahaha

I'm not familiar with the world of publishing, but I do have experience with TV/Film.

If the writer was an entertainer, you would be acting as manager. There is a difference between an agent and a manager. A manager handles the day to day operations and works as a liaison between the performer and agents, publicists, media, public, etc. Managers do all the leg work.

A manager is always looking out for the best interest of the client. They never negotiate monetary deals, but they do research and scout out the best possible partners (agents) and deals.

Like I said, this is how it works with TV/Film performers. May be different in the world of publishing.

Kindle and Amazon publishing isn't nonsense. There are authors who have never been represented by major publishing houses who are quite successful. I personally know these people.

I have contacted literary agents in the past and while they can help you, it's a long, slow road to publication. If you can get an agent interested, that is.

In the meantime, you could be published on Amazon, on Kindle and marketing your book properly so that it's seen by producers, and the media...

Lee Ann

If your friends are well known, a book deal with a major publisher will be a snap. Most books are actually written by a co-author that gets second billing. The family would simply give a series of interviews and the co-author would edit it, and put it into a book.

Then the publishing house would help get interviews and personal appearances.
An agent would help a lot. And this is exactly the kind of book agents look for.

Seriously, our Createspace books aren't going to sell like a national tell-all.
And to do it right they should get an experienced agent.

If it were really my friend? I would help them get in touch with a book agent, and step aside. The agent will handle all the publisher meetings, get them the best deal, and the publisher will arrange everything from printing to distribution.

A real friend offers help until they are out of their field of expertise.

I'm flattered that you asked my opinion on this.

You need to look up literary agents, or publishing houses that have recently published something similar. Writer's Digest, Poets and Writers, Writers' Journal often have info on how to contact and who to contact.

Or you get The Writer's Market.

Agents and publishers specialize. No point in contacting one that specializes in Christian fiction for teens and religious studies and translations from Polish.

Also, pay attention to how they want to be contacted. If they say send an email but no attachment, send an email but no attachment.

If they say, 'Add a blank page after every paragraph and scratch your left ear,' add a blank page after every paragraph and scratch your left ear.

Reason for doing exactly what they ask: if they're good, they get 1,475 more queries a week that they can handle.

For short pieces, most of them want a 1-page query that shows them that you know what they specialize in and why your project is likely to excite (ahem, make them buy), their target audience and, most importantly, that you (the writer) can write and are qualified to write about the subject you've selected.

For long pieces, they want the same + a sample chapter and a darn good outline. This means, you've got to have it thought out quite well.
(query letters to literary agents).

Poets and Writers ran about a year ago a series of interviews with literary agents (one of the questions was about what makes them decide to bother with someone). Some of the answers will surprise you: common sense you've forgotten you had.

At every point, keep in mind that, whether you're approaching an editor or an agent, you're proposing a monetary transaction, so they're always thinking What's the ROI on the time I invest reading this query? Asking this writer for the whole book?

Hi Cash89,

In summer 2012, I was at an internet marketing event near London, UK.

One of the speakers spoke about what makes a good story a massive success - have worldwide appeal, and sell millions of copies....

He said it is all down to ONE word, and he invited people in the audience to guess what the word was....

People said adventure, romance, mystery, humor, excitement. etc. etc.

He said everyone was wrong

Eventually, a chap at the back of the room shouted out "STRUGGLE".

The speaker said: correct.

In other words, if the story is about how someone (or a group of people) have faced massive obstacles, but have overcome them, then the book is likely to have worldwide mass appeal.

This is because people like to see how others cope with problems that are far, far greater than their own problems.

The theme of "STRUGGLING" and trying to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be clearly seen in block-buster hits such as:

Titanic

Avatar

The Impossible

The Passion of the Christ.

127 Hours

Saving Private Ryan.

Jaws

The Great Escape.

The Battle of Britain.

Batman.

Pearl Harbor

Etc, etc.

If you approach your friend's story with the mindset of "struggle" and how they came through despite the odds stacked against them - then it is more likely IMHO to hit the big time, as opposed to being relegated to specialist interest groups!

In addition, if the book focuses in on a particular human element, as well as the big picture, then it is likely to sell more copies. Example: James Cameron's Titanic movie focused on a love story as well as the giant ship slowly sinking. Merging these two stories (i.e. struggle) was one of the reasons why this film had such universal appeal.