The Black List Helped Reshape Hollywood. Can It Change Publishing?

In the world of entertainment, there is perhaps no more powerful tool than The Black List. Initially created in 2005 by Franklin Leonard, a former film development executive, The Black List is an annual survey of the most liked unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. Since its inception, The Black List has helped launch the careers of numerous writers and filmmakers, as well as bring attention to important stories that may have otherwise gone untold.

The impact of The Black List on the film industry cannot be overstated. Many of the screenplays featured on the annual list have gone on to be produced into critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. For example, films such as “Juno,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” and “The Social Network” all started as scripts on The Black List. Additionally, the exposure and recognition that comes with being featured on The Black List can help writers land representation and secure funding for their projects.

But can The Black List have the same transformative effect on the world of publishing as it has had on Hollywood? While the publishing industry operates differently than the film industry, there are certainly parallels that can be drawn. Like Hollywood, the publishing world can often be insular and resistant to change, with established authors and genres dominating the market. The Black List could potentially disrupt this status quo by bringing attention to new voices and diverse stories that may otherwise struggle to find a platform.

One way in which The Black List could impact publishing is by creating a similar platform for unproduced manuscripts. By highlighting the most promising unpublished works, The Black List could help writers secure literary representation and attract the attention of publishers. This could be especially beneficial for marginalized voices and underrepresented communities who may face additional barriers to getting their work published.

Additionally, The Black List could also serve as a valuable resource for publishers and literary agents looking for fresh and innovative stories. By curating a list of the most promising manuscripts, The Black List could help industry professionals discover new talent and expand their rosters of authors.

Of course, there are challenges and limitations to applying The Black List model to the publishing industry. Unlike in Hollywood, where the process of making a film involves a significant financial investment, publishing a book is a less costly endeavor. This means that there may be less incentive for publishers to take risks on unproven authors or unconventional stories.

Despite these challenges, The Black List has already made some inroads into the publishing world. In 2016, Franklin Leonard launched The Black List Book Club, a monthly subscription service that features a curated selection of books by Black List writers. This initiative has helped bring attention to new authors and showcase a diverse range of voices in literature.

As the publishing industry continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of storytelling, The Black List could play a valuable role in shaping the future of literature. By championing new voices and innovative stories, The Black List has the potential to change the face of publishing and bring fresh perspectives to readers around the world. It may not have the same level of influence as it does in Hollywood, but The Black List could certainly help reshape the world of publishing for the better.