Full Breakdown
Joy Gorman Partners with Rise Literary to Launch New Publishing Imprint
2/5/2026, 12:42:22 AM
Strategic Partnership for Book-to-Screen Adaptations
Television producer Joy Gorman, known for her work on projects such as *13 Reasons Why* and the upcoming Netflix adaptation of *Little House on the Prairie*, has entered into a partnership with Rise Literary to enhance book-to-screen adaptations. This collaboration will see Gorman's Joy Coalition working closely with Rise Literary CEO Kristen McGuiness and her team to develop creative strategies for the publisher's slate of books. The partnership aims to leverage opportunities for adaptation even before publication and to source stories originally conceived for the screen.
As part of this initiative, Gorman and Rise Literary will launch a new publishing imprint through Simon & Schuster. This imprint will focus on connecting television and film intellectual property (IP) with trade publication, ebook, and audiobook opportunities, providing national and international distribution. The first project under this collaboration is the suspense novel *The Revenge Party* by Emily Paulson, set to be released in May 2026.
Background on Rise Literary and Joy Gorman
Rise Literary, founded by Kristen McGuiness, aims to support emerging writers by providing coaching and pathways to publication. The company has established a distribution deal with Simon & Schuster, enabling it to elevate authors to bestseller status. Gorman's extensive experience in adaptation and production is expected to enhance Rise Literary's capabilities in maximizing the book-to-screen pipeline.
Gorman expressed her admiration for Rise Literary, stating, “It’s an innovative publishing entity that allows authors, especially women, to champion their own stories, many who may have otherwise been overlooked.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend in the industry, where there is a growing emphasis on diverse storytelling and the need for new pathways in response to the evolving Hollywood business model.
Official Statements & Responses
Kristen McGuiness highlighted the significance of this partnership, noting, “As Rise continues to elevate our authors to best sellers and changemakers, we are working to create real momentum for books across all media.” She emphasized that few publishers have successfully navigated the book-to-screen adaptation process, making Gorman's expertise particularly valuable.
Criticism & Opposition
While the partnership has been largely well-received, some industry observers have raised concerns about the sustainability of the book-to-screen model, especially given the recent contraction in traditional Hollywood business practices. Critics argue that while cross-pollination strategies can be beneficial, they may also lead to oversaturation in the market, potentially diluting the quality of both books and adaptations.
What's Next
The collaboration between Joy Gorman and Rise Literary marks a significant step in the evolving landscape of book adaptations. As the first project, *The Revenge Party* prepares for its release, the industry will be watching closely to see how this partnership influences future adaptations and the broader publishing landscape.
