James Patterson and Bookshots
I didn't see a thread about this and was curious if any of my fellow MTS-ers had run into or thought about participating in his new project. Basically, you co-write a short (30k or so) book, according to his guidelines and outline, and you get a flat fee, no royalties. My agent emailed me about it, but concluded:
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A bunch of my agent friends and I have been discussing it and feel, after we saw the attached, there's not much in it for the author. Some agents feel, at the very least, there's exposure for the co author. But I'm not so sure of that; who ever remembers a Patterson co author's name? I asked XXX how he felt about it and he said, when he was a buyer for B&N, he didn't pay much attention to the cowriter's name, and didn't think readers did, either. He did say things may have changed but I don't think so.[/FONT]"
Here are the guidelines:
Consideration Guidelines
BookShots refers to James Patterson’s new line of short form fiction, featuring thrillers and romance stories that run approximately thirty thousand words or less.
There are three ways to be considered for the BookShots program.
- The potential coauthor is given an outline by James Patterson.
- The potential coauthor is given a logline (a brief summary of the plot idea) by James Patterson.
- The potential coauthor submits original material to be considered for development.
THE MATERIALS
A potential coauthor who has been given an
outline by James Patterson is responsible for the following materials at the first step:
The first two chapters of the book as a sample (approximately one thousand words per chapter).
A potential coauthor who has been given a
logline by James Patterson is responsible for the following materials at the first step:
An outline summarizing each chapter, as well as the fully written first two chapters of the book. The outline should consist of roughly one paragraph per chapter, moving both characters and story forward in each.
A potential coauthor with an
original pitch is responsible for the following materials at the first step:
A one-page “pitch,” outlining where the story goes.
If this one-page pitch is acceptable to James Patterson, the potential coauthor will submit the following:
An outline summarizing the plot points of each chapter, as well as the first two chapters of the book, by way of a writing sample.
We will review any submitted materials in a timely manner.
THE WRITING
The writing should be in the style and voice of James Patterson books: short, sharp paragraphs and chapters. Each chapter should move the characters and story forward while turning on the movie projector in the reader’s head.
THE TIMELINE
There will be a 90-day deadline to complete the project, with installments due monthly.
CONTRACT DETAILS
This is a work-for-hire with James Patterson, a fixed fee, non-royalty, non-negotiable contract.
Shared cover credit will be offered.
THE BOOKSHOTS TEAM AT HACHETTE BOOK GROUP:
Bill Robinson, BookShots Editorial Director,
[email protected], 212.364.1256
Laura Fazio, BookShots Editor,
[email protected], 212.364.1355
Trish Daly, BookShots Editor,
[email protected], 212.364.1263
Sasha Henriques, Editorial Assistant,
[email protected], 212.364.1473
Thank you!
The BookShots Team at Hachette Book Group