Reread the novel for its general outlines and main themes to convert to a screenplay, a completely different literary genre. The screenplay must convey the same story in the novel by action and dialogue, meaning all descriptions of characters’ backgrounds and thoughts and settings must disappear, leaving the critical scenes that advance the plot, the main characters and dialogue. Screenplay software exists to help with formatting.
Search for a professional screenwriter in “Writer’s Digest University,” online screenwriters’ workshops or college and university writing programs. After checking the writing credentials, hire a professional screenwriter to convert your novel into a screenplay if you do not want to do it yourself.
Select a literary agent who will approach film producers with your novel. Consult reference books, such as “Writer’s Digest University”, for lists of literary agents or search online. Some literary agencies have departments dedicated to converting novels into screenplays. The literary agency will “option” the film rights or oversee the acquisition of film rights for the novel.
Mail a query letter with your novel’s synopsis directly to Hollywood directors, producer and agents listed in “The Hollywood Creative Directory.” The query letter should explain that you do not have a screenplay and that you need the producer or director to find the screenwriter to adapt the novel to film.