Cover to Coverage
writing book coverage for film and TV adaptation: a virtual course by an industry insider
Looking to break into the world of book-to-screen adaptation but don’t know where to start, who to speak to, or how it even works? This flexible one-week course takes you through the process from beginning to end, lifting the veil on the industry, working with you on coverage samples, and granting you ongoing access to a network of working professionals, all via someone who’s been exactly where you are.
“I have worked with Alex for over five years, and in my 15-year career she is by far one of the best - if not the best - reader I've ever worked with… She is also a wonderful, patient teacher and I've watched her help countless external readers rapidly improve on their reporting skills. I couldn't recommend her more highly.”
Cecilia Campbell-Westlind, Forage Literary
“When I first spoke to Alex, she was hugely informative and encouraging, unveiling so much of the fog around the film/TV scouting industry that I had struggled to understand for months. Her advice led me to the opportunity to read for a lead scouting company, which gave me invaluable experience across the industry.”
Olivia Brass, Milk Publicity
“Alex was an invaluable mentor to me at the beginning of my book scouting career: encouraging, communicative, and deeply knowledgeable (and so generous with this knowledge)! She has a sharp editorial eye, and a distinctly comprehensive, logical approach to coverage that has massively informed — and improved — all my reports since.”
Martha French, MTLS Literary Scouts
“Alex is always a joy to talk to or work with, I couldn’t recommend her more highly to teach this course. She has the very rare ability to communicate both what a book is on the page and what it could potentially become in adaptation.”
Kate Myers, Ridley Scott Associates
“I have known Alex since 2021, her knowledge and insight into the publishing industry have been invaluable. I trust her judgment implicitly - she also has fantastic taste.”
Caryl Benee, Two Cities Television
Alexandra Chaney
Despite having studied film and TV at university, I had no idea the world of book scouting existed until around seven years ago, when it was introduced to me during an internship. Slowly but surely (and with a rabid desire to prove reading for a living was possible), I built up a portfolio of contacts and samples, before being asked to come aboard a scouting agency full-time. As well as being fortunate enough to now have my own writing projects in the offing, I still work as Head Reader at Forage Literary, where I’ve operated in various guises for the last five years, building relationships with some of the world’s top film and TV production companies, and now, helping a new generation of readers find their feet.
one week
three zooms
two professional-grade pieces of coverage
ongoing industry intel & encouragement
Example Week*
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zoom one: monday morning
In the first of three relaxed 90-minute video calls, you’ll be introduced to the world of book-to-screen, where we can answer any immediate queries you may have about the course and the industry at large. With pointers and examples from me, we’ll then set you up with a book, so you can get to work on your first piece of coverage.
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deadline one: wednesday morning
You’ll send me your first piece of finished book coverage.
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zoom two: wednesday afternoon
We’ll meet again to discuss my edits, then make sure you have what you need to begin shortening your coverage from long format to short.
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deadline two: friday morning
You’ll send me your second piece of finished book coverage.
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zoom three: friday afternoon
We’ll discuss my edits on your second piece of coverage, and also treat this as a wrap-up call for any more questions, concerns or ideas you may have.
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aftercare
After completing the course, you’ll be able to email me any time with questions, or for advice and references, and I will always let you know about any reading or job opportunities that come my way.
*room for flexibility according to your schedule