It's Not Just the Little Guys

Most of us tend to think that the "big guys" get priority when it comes to publishing. A well-known author or person gets picked up, while the rest of the world doesn't even get a "don't ever query me again" response. Well, Bart Barker, the subject of a column in the Huffington Post proves otherwise.

In this case, the "name" may be one you've never heard of: Bart Baker. But if you're in Hollywood, you would have. He's "written a few feature films, including one that starred Pierce Brosnan, as well as seven made-for-TV movies, and worked on such TV series as The Outer Limits and Dirt, starring Courtney Cox. He's produced many of his films, too."

He decided to write a novel. New Line Cinema liked the rough draft so much, they bought the movie rights. Vince Vaughn signed on to star in the movie.

Then everything went into what's called Development Hell. The director quit. Vaughn left. Then his publisher decided to wait until there was a movie. Then more big names signed on. And left. Still no book. Then Bradley Cooper was interested. And Warner Brothers. Then…poof, they're gone.

Nine years have gone by. Everything's still in development hell. Except for the book. It's now out, thanks to the author, Bart Baker.  It may still be a movie someday, supposedly by New Line/Warner Brothers. But I bet Bart Baker isn't holding his breath.