Plotsy signs C. Gockel for next vBook title

Plotsy said it has signed USA Today bestselling author C. Gockel to adapt “Wolves,” the first book in her “I Bring the Fire” series, into its Plotsy vBook format. Part One is slated to stream later this year, as the company pushes a screen-based version of books that stays faithful to the original text.

Why it matters: - Plotsy is expanding its Plotsy vBook format with a recognizable fantasy author and an established series. - The move gives the company another title to showcase its pitch that readers can watch books unfold on screen without changing the story. - The announcement could help Plotsy attract both viewers and authors interested in adapting their work.

What happened: - Plotsy announced it has signed USA Today bestselling author C. Gockel for its next Plotsy vBook title. - “Wolves,” the first installment in Gockel’s “I Bring the Fire” series, is set for translation from book to screen on Plotsy.tv. - Part One of the Plotsy vBook is expected to be available for streaming in the Plotsy app later this year. - Authors interested in the format can learn more at Plotsy’s author page.

The details: - The Plotsy vBook translates a novel to the screen and releases it in Parts, similar to how a printed book unfolds in chapters. - Plotsy says the story and the storyteller stay the same, with only the medium changing from words on a page to a visual experience. - The company positions the vBook as another format alongside print, ebook and audiobook. - C. Gockel is the author of the USA Today bestselling “I Bring the Fire” series, which readers have compared to “The Dresden Files” and “American Gods.” - Gockel started with fanfiction before publishing professionally and has built a following around Norse mythology mixed with modern life. - Gockel also writes the “Archangel Project” series and other science fiction and urban fantasy works. - “Wolves” follows Amy Lewis, a Midwestern veterinary student driving cross-country with her dog, Fenrir. - The story also follows Loki, who wakes in a prison cell with no hangover and no memory of what he has done. - The plot pulls Amy and Loki into a fight against gods, elves and ancient evils. - Amy must decide whether she can trust Loki, who calls himself a God of Chaos. - Michael Gorton, founder and CEO of Plotsy, said the story is clever, engaging and often funny, and said the characters and world are highly visual. - Gockel said she has heard for years from readers who wanted to see Amy, Loki and the Nine Realms on screen. - Gockel said Plotsy has made her part of the team and wants her input to keep the vBook faithful to the series. - Plotsy said the platform is available on Smart TVs, Roku, iPhone, Android, tablets and web browsers. - The company says readers can discover stories brought to the screen at plotsy.tv. - Plotsy also directs authors to its site for more information about bringing work into the vBook format.

Between the lines: - Plotsy is leaning on a known author and a familiar franchise to make its format easier to understand. - The company is also signaling that creative control and faithfulness to the source material are part of the sales pitch to authors. - The emphasis on Norse mythology, visual storytelling and platform availability suggests Plotsy is trying to position vBooks as both a consumer product and a publishing tool.

What's next: - Plotsy plans to release Part One of “Wolves” in the Plotsy app later this year. - The company says it will share exclusive production updates for fans who sign up at plotsy.tv. - Plotsy is also looking for more authors to bring their work into the vBook format.