The Shelf to Screen Fest welcomes submissions from:

• Self-published authors

• Unpublished authors

• Independent authors

• Traditionally published authors*

• Authors of completed novels, novellas, short stories, children’s books, graphic novels, memoirs, or other eligible written works

• Co-authors, provided all authors agree to the submission

• Authors of any age or experience

To be eligible, the person submitting must:

• Be the original author or authorized co-author of the work

• Own or control the film and adaptation rights to the work

• Have permission from all co-authors, illustrators, or other rights holders

• Confirm that the work is not currently optioned or licensed for film or television

• Be willing to grant limited, non-commercial permission for a participating team to create and screen a short adaptation

• Agree to the festival’s rules and Non-Commercial Use Agreement

*Traditionally Published Authors

Traditionally published books are generally not eligible unless the author can provide written confirmation that they personally retain the film and adaptation rights and have permission to participate.

Additional Eligibility Information

• There is no requirement for the book to have been professionally edited or previously published.

• Authors do not need to live in Vancouver, but they must be available to communicate with their assigned production team.

• Submission does not guarantee selection.

• The festival does not purchase film rights, pay option fees, royalties, or production fees.

• Participation is intended for non-commercial, community, educational, and promotional purposes only.

We welcome completed works including novels, novellas, short stories, children’s and young adult books, graphic novels, memoirs, narrative nonfiction, and other works suitable for short-film adaptation.

All genres and perspectives are welcome. We are proudly LGBTQ2S+ friendly and encourage stories that reflect diverse identities, cultures, relationships, faiths, and lived experiences. Religious, political, and socially focused stories may be submitted, provided they do not promote hatred, discrimination, harassment, or violence toward individuals or communities.

Authors must identify any sensitive or mature content, including:

• Violence, abuse, self-harm, sexual content, or substance use

• Strong language, discrimination, or hate speech

• Religious or political extremism

• Illness, pregnancy loss, animal harm, or other potentially distressing themes

A content note will not automatically disqualify a submission. It helps organizers, cast, and production teams make informed decisions.

We will not accept works that promote hatred, exploitation, sexualize minors, glorify non-consensual conduct, encourage dangerous or illegal activity, or use AI-generated content or copyrighted material without permission.

The festival may decline or request changes to any submission that cannot be adapted safely, respectfully, legally, or within the event’s production guidelines.

1. Pitch: Authors submit their book and adaptation idea.

2. Review: Our team reviews pitches for eligibility and film potential.

3. Select: Approved pitches are shared with filmmakers, who rank their favourites.

4. Match: Authors and film teams are matched based on rankings and production fit.

5. Create: Teams produce a film adaptation of five minutes or less.

6. Submit: Completed films and release forms are submitted by the deadline. Eligible films are shown at the festival.

Participation is $20 to submit your entry.

Please submit through e-transfer to Lowfamilyproductions@gmail.com.

Your name on your submission form will be matched to your e-transfer to confirm payment.