The IP search engine Rightscenter published a report analyzing book-to-screen adaptation interest from 2019-2026, finding that backlist titles are drawing far more inquiries than new titles, writing that, “Hollywood has shifted its acquisition philosophy to proven readership.” The data is taken from every rights check submitted since 2019, which total 41,771. The study found that inquiries about pre-publication titles fell from 18.3 percent in 2021 (the peak of the streaming boom) to 5.5 percent in 2026, and backlist now accounts for two-thirds of checks. Additionally, 75 percent of titles are only inquired about by a single person. Just 3 percent […]
