Great question. STEP 1. OPTION THE BOOK!!!!! Remember to the option the book first. You don't want to waste all that time writing, and re-writing, and getting super passionate to the idea, when the author won't let you option the book for a stage production. -------------------------------------- FOLLOW UP QUESTION (Bruce I'm attempting to read your mind here). HOW DO I OPTION A BOOK? Another awesome question. STEP 1. Retain a Theatrical Attorney (Yes this will cost you some money -- but Trust me, You get what you pay for, especially with important Agreements/Contracts) STEP 2. Tell the Attorney you'd like to option the book to write a stage version of it. You'll need to know ahead of time if this is a musical or a play that you want to create. STEP 3. Attorney writes a contract and you review it (I'm optioning a piece right now, and this is the stage I'm at). You can also, hire me to review it with you if you like. STEP 4. The Negotiation -- NOW this is why you want a good theatrical attorney, and I mean a GOOD one. There are definitely attorney's out there who will drag out this process, and make it as expensive as possible. The really good ones will not do that, b/c they will want to either -- A. Be your representation to help you get the script picked up by a producer (and they may know a few) -- B. If you're a producer, they may hope you'll hire them as Production Council which would be VERY lucrative for them. Either way is a an additional income stream for the attorney, so if they are a good attorney, they will be aware of that will be moving forward in a fast way. STEP 5. Sign the Deal STEP 6. Keep up your end of the Bargain. If you have 18 months to get to a draft of the Script, then DO IT! If you have a 18 months to get to a reading then DO IT! Just keep up your end of the bargain so you stay in good standing with the option. Let me know if there are any other questions about this.....or if you guys would like an exclusive video or Master Class on the Subject