While short story rights continue to sell competitively in Hollywood, there’s no real system for discovering them. Traditional publishing could not care less about these kinds of stories. Hollywood is largely closed to unsolicited work. Online platforms are run by algorithms, overwhelmed by AI slop, with little to no human curation.

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This is a small experiment from a small production company with a real-life track record of selling short stories to studios and streamers. We’re trying something more human and more intentional: creating a clear, defined opportunity for short fiction writers to reach the film and TV world.

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• Substack writers only, submission via Substack link​

• 100 submissions maximum, one story per writer

• Strict length, genre, and eligibility requirements

• A detailed submission process designed around screen potential

• Up to four stories selected

• Selected stories promoted on the Max Winter Substack

• Authors of selected stories will receive development and rights-strategy guidance from Winterlight including a private Zoom meeting to discuss the story's adaptation potential and possible next steps

• Authors retain all publishing, film, and TV rights

• Winterlight may consider attaching as producer to selected stories, but there is no automatic attachment or obligation. Any producing relationship would require a separate conversation and written agreement

• We will keep submitters updated by email and aim to announce selections by October 31, 2026.

• No individual feedback is promised for submissions that are not selected

 

Given the reading and administrative work required, there is a $25 fee for submissions.

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Interested? Continue to the guidelines page.