Best Screenwriting Books

Discover the ultimate insider's guide to screenwriting secrets in this must-read book by a show biz veteran. If you want to sell your script, you need to "save the cat" - and this book will show you how!

Learn the ins and outs of successful screenwriting with this guide from a celebrated producer and bestselling author. From concept to character, structure to dialogue, this comprehensive technique offers easily understood guidelines for aspiring screenwriters of all levels. Newly updated with personal anecdotes, marketing insights, and analyses of recent films, this book presents the essential foundation for writing a screenplay that will succeed in Hollywood. Discover why the first ten pages are crucial, how to visually grab the reader's attention, and tips for overcoming writer's block and getting an agent. A must-read for anyone with aspirations in the film industry.

Discover how to use the principles of myth to craft powerful and engaging stories with "The Writer's Journey". Based on Joseph Campbell's work, this insider's guide provides step-by-step guidelines for structuring plots and creating realistic characters. With 30% new material, both fiction and non-fiction writers can learn to create masterful stories that are not only entertaining, but also psychologically true.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in screenwriting! Robert McKee, a renowned screenwriting guru, presents his comprehensive and integrated approach to writing for the screen. With celebrity alumni like Quincy Jones, Julia Roberts, and David Bowie, McKee's lectures are revered by writers, producers, development executives, and agents worldwide. In this book, he shares the secrets of story construction and the crucial relationship between structure and character. A mesmerizing and intense learning experience, Story will refine your work and put you back on track to success.

Explore Hollywood's inner sanctums with a two-time Academy Award-winning screenwriter as he takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey of iconic films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President's Men. Go beyond the glitz and glamour to discover the working lives of acting greats like Redford, Olivier, Newman, and Hoffman. Learn about the creative thought processes behind crafting a screenplay and what makes a film successful. This fascinating insider's account is a must-read for any film buff.

Learn the essential elements of successful storytelling with The Nutshell Technique. Veteran script consultant Jill Chamberlain provides a unique method to help first-time screenwriters transform a situation into an engaging story. Using easy-to-follow diagrams, Chamberlain explains the eight dynamic elements required to make or break a film script. Drawing on examples from films such as Casablanca, Pulp Fiction, and Argo, Chamberlain takes writers through the process step-by-step. Crack the secret of successful screenwriting and create a compelling screenplay with The Nutshell Technique.

Learn from one of the bestselling authors of all time in this revealing and practical master class. Part memoir, part guide, On Writing shares Stephen King’s experiences, habits, and convictions that shaped his work. With advice grounded in vivid memories from childhood to near-fatal accident, this book is perfect for any aspiring writer or fan of a great story.

Master the art of screenwriting with this concise and practical guide. Learn the correct formats for screenplays and teleplays and discover the step-by-step process for writing and marketing your script. This book is the ultimate resource for any aspiring screenwriter.

Learn how to improve your screenplay with the expert advice of a lifetime member of the Writer's Guild of America. Akers shares his experience in getting three feature films produced from his own screenplays, and provides valuable tips and tools for aspiring writers to get their work noticed.

In "Into The Woods," John Yorke, creator of the BBC Writers' Academy, takes readers on a journey to the heart of storytelling. Exploring the ancient myths and big-budget blockbusters we all love, Yorke reveals the unifying shape that echoes the fairytale journey into the woods. Uncover the secrets behind why we tell stories and why they all function in a similar way.