The Written Word Podcast

Nearly every author thinks their book would make a great movie. But how does a book actually get from the page to the screen, and what do you need to know before you sign anything? In this episode, Ferol sits down with Maggie Marr, entertainment attorney, former ICM motion picture literary agent, and author of over 20 books, for a frank inside look at how Hollywood works and how indie authors can position themselves to get there.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
  • How development executives find books, and why your reader platform matters more than your publisher
  • What an option agreement actually means, what it costs, and what you give up during the option period
  • Whether indie authors are at a disadvantage with Hollywood (the answer may surprise you)
  • Rightscenter: the free tool authors can use to make their film and TV rights discoverable to studios and streamers
  • The red flags that identify a scam "Hollywood inquiry", including the long con Maggie has seen play out in real time
  • What a realistic film and TV deal looks like: purchase prices from $11K to $2M, EP credits, per-episode royalties, and why back-end participation is almost never worth waiting for
  • How to get creative control as an author, and why asking for final cut is a deal-killer
  • The contract clauses that haunt authors: perpetual attachments, shopping agreement traps, and development materials that survive an expired option
  • What genres are hot in Hollywood right now: domestic thrillers, romanticy, and the emerging dystopian wave
  • The three-item punch list every author should complete before lightning strikes

Maggie also discusses her book Books To Film & TV: What Every Author Needs To Know, a practical guide to how books move into the film and TV space.

Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.

The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.

© 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Creators and Guests

Host
Ferol Vernon
Founder and COO of Written Word Media
Host
Ricci Wolman
Founder & CEO at Written Word Media

What is The Written Word Podcast?

A podcast for authors who want to build successful writing careers. Each episode explores the business and craft of being an author, with practical strategies for selling more books, growing your audience, and navigating the publishing world. Presented by Written Word Media.