The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script

I just finished my first screenplay (14 pages) and found SWB to be the quickest and best help of any book on my self.I didn't need a book to tell me what to say, but to get it out of my brain and onto paper quickly.I had picked up 5 books over the years but this one did the trick.I read it every night and revised my script as I went through it.My suggestions for a first time writer:1) First, write out your plot, ideas, thoughts and key concepts in a free flow style in a separate text file.2) Second, let the last page of your screenplay be the "cutting room floor". That way you won't have to regret deletions and in the end you will see the evolution of your thinking and script as that last page grows. It can also contain those directorial notes that you shouldn't put in the main script, but may figure out how to include later!Now where are those chocolate snacks?

I am a writer. My current project has so many visuals that I was considering writing it as a movie script. Knowing absolutely nothing about writing a script I was looking for A-Z information on everything. After much research, this is the book I bought. It is well written in an understandable and logical manner. I don't know how to say this other than to say that the author comes through as being a real human being. There seems to be a "personal" feel to the book. I am still reading it, but so far I love it. My pre-purchase research for books includes reading other people's reviews. This book has many favorable reviews but my decision to buy this book was, in part, made by the comment of the person who gave this book one star. It seemed like he was looking for "how to WRITE a great story". I actually did post a reply comment to his post. Knowing the effort that goes into writing a great book I was taken back by his rather harsh comments. I really think that you can give a personal opinion without slaughtering the author.So, in summary, I don't know that script writing is the direction that I want to take, but I am finding this to be an excellent resource for what I wanted to learn. I would recommend this book.

I had an early edition of The Screenwriter's Bible that I purchased about 10 years ago. It taught me absolutely everything about the craft of screenwriting. It gave me every detail I needed for screenwriting and answered every silly question I had. I've had some of my screenplays looked at professionally and formatting has never been an issue, thanks to the this guide.Now, fast forward 10 years...I've been asked to write a treatment for one of my screenplays. Oh oh! How do I write a treatment? I searched high and low for my previous edition of The Screenwriter's Bible, but couldn't lay my hands on it. I needed it right away, so I downloaded this version onto my Kindle and it did not disappoint! There was the treatment information I needed, along with a sample! This is the definite go-to guide for screenwriting.

The Screenwriter's Bible is an excellent book for every script writer to have. Unlike most other books about writing this one takes you through all the steps you need to know, from forming the perfect story to selling your breakthrough script. It does, however, skim over certain aspects of writing that other books may go into much greater detail of. Never the less, if you truly wish to improve your writing skills you will find yourself coming back to this book again and again to find the answers you are looking for. This is a one stop dictionary for your script writing needs.More advanced writers may not find as much use out of this book but I argue that they too should on this if they don't already.

For the aspiring screenwriter, for anyone new to the concept of writing a script of any kind, this is a comprehensive, intense, and deeply educational volume. Containing six guidebooks in one volume, the "Bible" covers the spectrum from idea through realization. A genuine eye-opener for anyone who imagines he or she already has the whole screenplay-thing figured out. With practical, realistic steps to success, it promises exactly what a seasoned professor in any field would promise, to wit, "Do exactly as I say, and you'll pass with flying colors." The best part is, the author's writing style makes it easy to read, easy to follow, easy to implement. The only ingredient to be added is the reader's own commitment to success. Regardless of what a buyer pays for it, the book more than pays for itself in terms of quality and its wealth of information. Buy and enjoy!

Bible is an apt term as it covers all areas related to writing a screenplay. It touts itself as six books in one and it is that. It covers 1) a primer on how to write a screenplay, 2) a workbook with seven steps to writing the screenplay, 3) proper formatting a screenplay, 4) writing and revising the screenplay from a consultant's angle 5)a marketing plan on how to sell the script, and 6) resources and an index.Further, the book is updated frequently to stay current. And, certainly fits as a main book for referencing later on after you're well into your screenwriting efforts. A terrific book!

As a person who didn't know where to begin when it came to scripts, I can say now, that after reading this book, I know exactly how to format and write a script. This book is great because it doesn't just tell you information in a boring way; it presents it in a creative and inviting voice that really feels like the author is sitting beside you and helping you in person. You'll learn a boat load of things like plot development, character design, and, of course, structure. When the title says "complete guide," it really means it! If you give this a read and take your time, you'll undoubtedly learn everything you need to know to get you started on writing your very own scripts!

This is a truly wonderful book for those new to screenwriting. It's laid out in a logical way and takes you step by step through the process from the original idea right to the finished article including the rewrites. It has helpful tips to make your script stand out from the rest and lots of examples. It also has useful background about the way the industry works. I highly recommend it.

I bought many books on screenplays. but this one is the best and for real the only one that you will ever need for screenwriting :)

Very good ,useful

super!

Purchased this book for my boyfriend. He liked it. I was helping him write a script in proper format, etc.Although, the author says some things that don't apply and sounds a little full of himself (No offense).The formatting is almost All there but missing some important things.All things said and done; this book was very helpful and I do recommend it!