The 10 Best Screenwriting Books

Updated February 22, 2018

We spent 28 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top options for this wiki. Every cinephile dreams of writing their own screenplay, and with the help of these books, it's possible to do so. Whether you fantasize about sipping martinis by a pool in Hollywood or imagine impressing the cool indie film crowd, or simply want to try transforming a story into a script, you can choose from a range of methods to find one that's right for your learning style and skill level. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work. Skip to the best screenwriting book on Amazon.

The Writer's Journey

★ ★ ★ ★

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Adventures in the Screen Trade

★ ★ ★

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Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting

★ ★ ★ ★

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10. Making a Good Script Great

Now in its third edition, Making a Good Script Great emphasizes rewriting as a necessary step towards finishing a feature-length screenplay. With worksheets and checklists at the end of each chapter, this is an excellent choice if you need an extra push to get started.

Concepts are easy to understand
Strong character development tips
Some may find the style too fluffy

Publisher	Linda Seger
Weight	11.4 ounces
Rating	3.8 / 5.0

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9. Adventures in the Screen Trade

Full of interesting anecdotes and personal experience, Adventures in the Screen Trade offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a screenwriter working in Hollywood. Though it's not exactly a writing how-to, it can help you decide if the film industry is right for you.

Collection of short narrative essays
Readers can buff up on film history
Style and advice can seem dated

Publisher	Goldman, William
Weight	1.3 pounds
Rating	3.8 / 5.0

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8. The Writer's Journey

Pick up The Writer's Journey to delve into the philosophy behind what makes some scripts truly enduring. Arguing that all great narratives contain mythic archetypes and are structured around a hero's journey, this book is for screenwriters who love to think deeply.

For more experienced writers
Applies to writing in every genre
Step-by-step guidance

Publisher	Michael Wiese Pr
Weight	1.7 pounds
Rating	4.2 / 5.0

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7. The Anatomy of Story

If you find the traditional three act dramatic structure too limiting, The Anatomy of Story can help you make your script flow more organically. John Truby's unique 22 step method of designing plot, characters, and moral conflicts accounts for higher-concept stories.

Author is a script consultant
Craft-oriented approach
Method is very complex

Publisher	John Truby
Weight	12.8 ounces
Rating	4.0 / 5.0

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6. The Art of Dramatic Writing

Before there were movies, there were plays -- that's why Lajos Egri's classic how-to book, The Art of Dramatic Writing, is still frequently used by screenwriters today. His insights on the psychological patterns of characters will inspire you to take your craft seriously.

Very logical approach
Advises you to start with a premise
Timeless dramatic writing lessons

Publisher	Simon & Schuster
Weight	10.6 ounces
Rating	4.3 / 5.0

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5. Your Screenplay Sucks!

If the tough love approach is what you seek, Your Screenplay Sucks! could be just the thing to whip your writing into shape. This book delivers concise tips and practical exercises suitable for anyone who is already working on a script, but struggling with writer's block.

Bite-sized tips and tricks
Emphasis on rethinking and rewriting
Information is well-organized

Publisher	William M Akers
Weight	1.1 pounds
Rating	4.3 / 5.0

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4. Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting

Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting teaches dramatic structure using the "paradigm worksheet," a diagramming method that readers can apply to their own work. Its discussions of the film industry and good writing habits make it great for beginners.

Focuses on the three-act structure
Uses examples from popular movies
Chapters are a bit repetitive

Publisher	Syd Field
Weight	8.8 ounces
Rating	4.8 / 5.0

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3. The Screenwriter's Bible

With instructions on proper script formatting and advice on selling your work, the updated, sixth edition of The Screenwriter's Bible is geared towards business-minded writers eager to see their words lifted off the page and onto the silver screen.

Marketing and pitching strategies
Covers tv spec scripts
Little focus on the craft of writing

Publisher	Trottier David
Weight	2.2 pounds
Rating	4.8 / 5.0

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2. Save the Cat

For writers who want a crash-course in story structure, Save the Cat is great. Authored by a big-budget Hollywood insider in a funny, accessible tone, this book breaks down the beats of a script into a formula that readers will either find revelatory or too simplistic.

Concise and straight to the point
Emphasis on overall plot outlining
Useful as a quick reference manual

Publisher	Michael Wiese Productio
Weight	14.9 ounces
Rating	4.8 / 5.0

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1. Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting

Remember that seminar scene in "Adaptation"? That was Robert McKee, author of Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting. His detailed book analyzes the arcs and dynamics at work within scenes, dialogue, and the overall narrative.

Extensive and in depth
Diagrams help illustrate concepts
References classic films

Publisher	Robert Mckee
Weight	1.5 pounds
Rating	4.6 / 5.0

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Last updated on February 22, 2018 by multiple members of the ezvid wiki editorial staff

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