I am currently working on trying to make my latest book, Stories From Maine, into a PBS TV series. Yup, I know. Sounds a little Pie-in-the-sky, right? Perhaps.

One of the biggest reasons I think more authors should go with self-publishing is to explore the sale of their film and television rights. In one sale you could make more money than you can in actual book sales. And, the film or tv program can help sell more books as well.

I am choosing to go with Maine PBS because this book is about Maine legends and odd tales from the state's history. Its right up their alley!

To get where I hope to go I have chosen to first get my on camera talent in order. I wont yet mention who this person is, but he is a household name in Maine and someone I know. I have begun talks with him and hope to get him attached to the project.

The second step I will be taking is to actually pitch the idea to Maine PBS (MPBN) and see where this leads. I don't know much about making a television series, but I know the man I have approached for the on-air talent does. I am hoping he will mentor me through this process.

Their is a lot I will have to do to make this project happen and the chance of failure is pretty good. But, nothing ventured equals nothing gained. So wish me luck.

Then, I hope to have my second book, The Quill & The Bayonet, made into a documentary. Again I will try to get this on MPBS and then see where it goes.

Yes, its PBS. But, money can be made at PBS. And, its a great place to begin. And, the contacts made can be greatly helpful in other pursuits, like getting my novel, Texas City, turned into a feature film.

Although book sales are slow, the worth of the rights to your book can be much more valuable. And, it can be a very fun effort.

So, I urge you all to give your rights a lot more thought. If you sign a publishing contract you will lose a lot of money, since the contract will ultimately give the majority of your rights to the publisher for the term of the contract.

So, think of your book in terms of rights and where you would like to see your book go. Do you want to see it become a feature film? Television series? Documentary? Radio broadcast? Stage play? Then, you need to have full control of all your books rights.

I do not know where my efforts will lead or if they prove fruitful. But, I do know that I am sitting on rights to my work and those rights are potentially profitable. And, thus, I am glad I didn't go with traditional publishing.

Lori-Suzanne Dell