Screenwriter Nabs Near-Million-Dollar Deal for Debut Novel

 by Andy Lewis - The Hollywood Reporter

 Courtesy of Subject

'Lily and the Octopus' had a very unusual journey from conception to the final deal.

Screenwriter Steven Rowley’s debut novel, Lily and the Octopus, has been acquired by Simon & Schuster.
A source confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the advance was nearly $1 million. The project is now being shown to select filmmakers and international rights to the book are being sold. 
The book and the deal have an interesting backstory. S&S got an early peek at the manuscript via a recommendation from freelance editor Molly Lindley, whom Rowley had hired to help him. The publisher then bought the book during a whirlwind exclusive 48-hour negotiation.
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