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Program Description

The 12th Annual Book Pipeline Adaptation contest seeks books, graphic novels and comics, and short stories for film and TV development.

Books and comics must already be published (traditional or self-published). Shorts stories may be unpublished. Judging criteria is based on concept originality, feasibility for adaptation in the current marketplace, and overall writing talent.

Selected material is developed into scripts with Pipeline's in-house team and circulated to production companies, managers, and other execs, opening up new avenues for those looking to get their work made into a film or series.

Deadlines and Fees

Pre-register
Dec. 27, 2024
Special Entry
Feb. 20, 2025
Early
May 20, 2025
Regular
Aug. 15, 2025
Late
Sept. 05, 2025
Final
Sept. 25, 2025
Adaptation Entry
Standard Fee
$25
$35
$45
$55
$60
$65
ISAConnect Fee
$20
$30
$40
$50
$55
$60

Program Benefits

The Winner and Runner-Up receive one-on-one assistance from Pipeline execs prior to industry circulation, in addition to the following:

  • $5,000 to winner
  • Extensive project development to prepare a script or pitch for industry
  • Circulation and promotion of the author's book to those seeking IP for adaptation
  • Additional long-term review of other books and scripts for potential circulation or development
  • Access to exclusive writer events via Pipeline Artists' Symposium

Announcement Dates

Winner

Nov. 10, 2025

Runner-Up

Nov. 10, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE THE DEADLINE DATES?

Pre-Register: December 27th, 2024 - $25
Special Entry: February 20th, 2025 - $35
Early: May 20th, 2024 - $45
Regular: August 15th, 2025 - $55
Late: September 5th, 2025 - $60

WHAT IF MY BOOK IS UNPUBLISHED?

Writers with unpublished material may submit to The 2025 Book Pipeline: Unpublished season.

IF MY BOOK IS ABOUT TO BE PUBLISHED, IS IT ELIGIBLE?

Yes! If your book is getting released later in 2025 or 2026, you can register and submit at any time.

HOW SHOULD I SEND MY SUBMISSION?

Electronic submissions only. Hardcopies mailed in may be disqualified. Selected text and synopsis must be uploaded during registration. If the entrant is only in possession of a hardcopy of the book, we'll accept image files of the first appx. 5,000 words.

IF I'M SUBMITTING A BOOK AND IT SPILLS OVER THE 5,000 WORD COUNT LIMIT, IS THAT OKAY?

Absolutely. If you want to send in selected text—say, the first two chapters—and a natural break occurs around 6,000 words, that's acceptable.

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY SYNOPSIS?

The synopsis should be a general summary of the story, hitting on the major plot points, beginning to end (yes, please spoil the ending in this case). If you're submitting part one of a broader series, the synopsis should include a brief overview of the entire series. Synopses should be 1-3 pages in length.

For judging, we need to get a sense of the complete project's conceptual and narrative scope. This, combined with the writing sample, will help us make a determination on the adaptation potential.

CAN INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ENTER?

Yes, applicants outside the US are welcome to enter any Book Pipeline contest. However, we only accept works that are written in English.

DO I RECEIVE FEEDBACK ON MY ENTRY?

Feedback is kept internal, but unpublished work may be submitted to the Workshop.  If you'd like feedback only on your book's adaptation potential without entering the contest, that can arranged via the Workshop as well for a separate review fee. Email us to inquire.

WILL YOU ACCEPT PITCHES ONLY?

All submitted works must have been already published. If you have a pitch for a film or TV series, that can be submitted to the Script Pipeline Pitch Competition.

Contact our coordinator with any other questions.

Rules

Guidelines

Fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels/comic books must already be published in some form (traditional publishing or self-publishing). Unpublished material can be submitted to Book Pipeline Unpublished.

Short stories may be unpublished or published.

Entries are judged on the basis of concept originality, writing talent, and the property’s current viability as a scripted film or television series. Judging is done exclusively by Pipeline's team of senior film/TV development executives.

What to send for ...

Fiction & Nonfiction - approximately the first 5,000 words, a logline, and a full story synopsis (1-3 pages)

Graphic novels/comics - selected pages (no limit, can submit a partial or the full issue), a logline, and a full story or series synopsis (1-3 pages)

Short stories - the complete short story and a brief overview or synopsis (a paragraph is fine)

Other details:

  • Book Pipeline does not take a percentage of any future option agreement or sale of your work, and all rights remain with the author, regardless of their final placement in the contest.
  • PDF or Word doc preferred. If you only have a hardcopy of your book, we'll accept image files of the first 5,000 words (appx). The synopsis, however, should be sent as a PDF or Word doc. Do not send a hardcopy.
  • No limit on the number of entries. Each entry is a separate fee.

Rules:

  • If it's a book or comic, the entry must already be published by a traditional publisher or self-published, OR due for release before November 2025. Again, this limitation doesn't apply to short stories—unpublished short stories are welcome!
  • The film & television rights must be available. If the material is acquired by a production company or other entity after the time of entry, contact us, and we'll withdraw it from the contest.
  • We'll accept entries submitted by a publisher or lit agent so long as the author's consent is given.
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at time of entry.
  • All former semifinalists, finalists, runners-up, and winners from any Book Pipeline contest, from any year since 2021, are ineligible.

Contact Information

info@bookpipeline.com

Los Angeles, California

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