The blacklist revolutionized the film industry. The publishing world will be next.
The founder of Black List, Franklin Leonard, expresses that he found it difficult to enter the publishing world. He notes that it's not well-received to show up and say, "I’m from Hollywood and I’m here to help you."
Since its launch in 2005, the Black List has proven to be an essential tool for the film industry, accumulating 54 Academy Awards and 267 nominations. This platform has become the preferred resource for Hollywood professionals to discover talented writers and outstanding scripts, with works like The Social Network and Selma standing out after being featured in its annual survey.
Its founder, Franklin Leonard, noted that he was aware that there were quality writers and scripts outside the traditional Hollywood ecosystem, and his intention was always to create a system that benefited everyone involved. Over time, the Black List firmly established itself as a brand and website in 2012, becoming a fundamental resource for agents, producers, and studios seeking new successes. Over nearly two decades, it has showcased thousands of scripts and television pilots, and currently counts approximately 7,000 entertainment professionals in its network.
Recently, in September, Leonard decided to take a new step by entering the literary realm by allowing the submission of fiction manuscripts on the platform. To guide this expansion into publishing, he brought on Randy Winston, former director of the writing programs at the New York Fiction Center.
This new initiative allows interested writers to create a profile for free, upload their novel manuscripts of any genre by paying a monthly fee ($30), and opt to receive feedback from literary professionals for an additional cost ($150). Just like with the film Black List, the best manuscripts will be featured in Leonard's subscriber newsletter, ensuring they reach the inboxes of influential figures in the publishing industry.
Interested in this expansion, an interview was conducted with Leonard to explore his vision on the subject. At one point in the conversation, he was asked about his confidence in being able to replicate the success he achieved earlier. Leonard admitted that it was challenging for him to embark on this new venture, being aware of the stigma that can come with being "Hollywood's savior." However, after several meetings with book agents, he realized that there was a genuine need in the sector, which led him to reflect on how he could adapt the model to ensure its effectiveness.
Regarding resistance to change in institutions like Hollywood and publishing, Leonard commented that one of the most significant obstacles is the overwhelming amount of material produced annually. There are more scripts and novels written than any individual or publishing group could possibly read, complicating these industries' ability to adapt and evolve.
