TV producer Joy Gorman (Eyes on the Prize III, 13 Reasons Why) is partnering with Rise Literary to both launch a publishing imprint and advise on adapting books for other media.
The partnership will see Gorman’s Joy Coalition consult with Rise Literary CEO Kristen McGuiness and her team on book-to-screen adaptations. The two companies will also launch a publishing imprint with Simon & Schuster that will focus on connecting TV and film IP with publishing opportunities.
“I’m so impressed by what Kristen and the team at Rise have built,” Gorman said in a statement. “It’s an innovative publishing entity that allows authors, especially women, to champion their own stories, many who may have otherwise been overlooked. This is an opportunity to place Rise IP with career producers who get projects made with the care they deserve, as well as provide new pathways for storytellers in response to the contraction in the traditional Hollywood business model.”
Rise Literary was founded by McGuiness — author of Live Through This and 51/50: The Magical Adventures of a Single Life — to offer emerging writers coaching and a path to getting their work published. The company has a distribution deal with Simon & Schuster.
“As Rise continues to elevate our authors to best sellers and changemakers, we are working to create real momentum for books across all media,” said McGuiness. “Few publishers have figured out how to maximize the book to screen pipeline, but Joy’s incredible track record as an adaptation expert makes her the perfect guide to navigating new ways to develop material for the screen and from the screen.”
In addition to 13 Reasons Why and Eyes on the Prize III, Gorman is an executive producer of Netflix’s upcoming Little House on the Prairie reboot. Her producing credits also include Hulu’s Unprisoned and Apple’s Home Before Dark.