The 10 Best Screenwriting Books
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.
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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 |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 11.4 ounces |
| Rating | 3.8 / 5.0 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Rating | 3.8 / 5.0 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 1.7 pounds |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5.0 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 12.8 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 10.6 ounces |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5.0 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5.0 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 8.8 ounces |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5.0 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5.0 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 14.9 ounces |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5.0 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5.0 |
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