Is a novel in the format of a screenplay or script salable or no?

[[deleted user]]

So basically my fiction writing so far has been in the format of a screenplay or script. The dialogue mimics the format of screenplay dialogue. I am wondering now if such a format will turn off readers/buyers too much, since they probably do not expect a screenplay or script style format.

[Guy]

As a screenplay perhaps, but would not be salable as a novel. I have written and read screenplays. They are a different experience. If the story is that good, do the work to flesh it out.

[Ellexie]

It really does depend on the topic of the story and if the plot is complicated or not. it isn't common to see read screenplay but if you do it properly then it will be an interesting and refreshing experience in my opinion

[Violet]

Ellexie wrote: "It really does depend on the topic of the story and if the plot is complicated or not. it isn't common to see read screenplay but if you do it properly then it will be an interesting and refreshing..."
Yes, I agree.

[Penelope]

Few readers of novels are interested in reading scripts or screenplays. Submit scripts to theaters; particularly in your own neighborhood. Get involved with the theaters near you. Submit your screenplays directly to producers. Take a look at "Silverwind." They hold options on several of my works. They are at this time shooting a script so might be slow to respond but they are easy to work with.

[Gwen]

It wouldn't alienate me. I've read many plays, and most of them are readable as is. I didn't feel that I was missing a lot by not seeing them staged. Additionally, most people have the reading of plays in their English class past, so they can deal with it.

[[deleted user]]

Thanks all.

[Wmba]

Phil wrote: "So basically my fiction writing so far has been in the format of a screenplay or script. The dialogue mimics the format of screenplay dialogue. I am wondering now if such a format will turn off rea..."

No.

You might sell it as a script. But not a novel.

So if you want a novel then use that script to guide your writing.
A complete script will have the action and prompts you need to describe what the movie would show on the screen. So the novel writing would be essentially trivia as you have done the hard work to get it organized and flowing properly. And you wont have any wasted effort like pantsers always do. Organizing first is the only way to be successful as a writer.

[Diane]

You can always adapt the script, but no, I'd shy away from trying to sell it as a novel in script format.

[[deleted user]]

I acknowledge that the formatting of my book will likely be very detrimental. For now...I like it that way, *smirk. Thx.

[Ann]

I believe there is a market for script formatted books (??). I used to go to this little shop called, Samuel French, Theatre & Film Bookshop over in W Sunset Blvd (not sure if they are still around. Liked that place). They had a wonderful stock of script formatted books. Not sure how to go about pitching to these script book publishers (perhaps the books were self-published?? Not sure. I know many of them were based on old movies or famous theater plays)...in any case, people in theater and acting classes need script formatted books. Not sure if that is the market you wish for your work...