I'm also curious what Pete makes of this.
Personally, I have NO idea. They may be perfectly legit. But number 13 of their terms and conditions worries me. A lot. The middle bit mainly, where they say they may be developping or producing seperate work which could resemble the entrant's yaddy yaddy ya ... (might be a simple disclaimer, and perfectly innocent.)
They also suggest you register your work with the Writer's Guild of America and some copyright whatsit in the USA. To me, suggesting this sounds weird. I don't know why but it does. Also, I'm not sure, but I thought that registering ones work means sod all? Besides, if they happen to be developping something similar, registering is pointless ... But like I said, I don't know. Maybe check that out as well. Either way, I suspect, registering won't be free.
Plus it's expensive to enter, but that's a seperate issue.
They say they will be circulating the winner's work to top companies. That doesn't mean a hec of a lot. These film companies get tons of subs. They're innundated to the point they have gate-keepers. It's Hollywood, Daaarling, and from what I know, they tend to take scripts from 'trusted' sources. There's too much money invloved for a punt. Just cos BookPipeline are pushing your work under the nose of someone in the industry doesn't mean they'll get anywhere, or that the expert is actually listening. Anyone can make a phone call. Maybe check out what exactly that means, and if they actually have any clout in the industry. You could go as far ringing one of those film companies and ask what they make of them. If they say 'Who?' you have your answer. But that might be a bit of an extreme idea.
On the up side, a $10 k win would be quite nice.
The winner also gets development assistance. Also nice. To adapt it into a script. Presumably with the author? It doesn't say.
I wonder though, are they an editing service or talent scouts who are running a comp? (There's an editing service in the UK who sais they will put your work forwards to agents then clobber you with a % fee.)
What are they gaining from this comp. Will they receive a handsome % if they find a home for your novel / script? Presumably your novel will be turned into a script with you, but if someone else co-writes / helps you, where does that leave you?
Like I say I have no clue, only questions, questions questions.
I shall keep my eye peeled on this thread. I'm curious.