David Trottier - The Screenwriter’s Bible, 6th Edition: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script

A bible for those of all persuasions. Whether you are a rank beginner who needs instruction, or an old pro who needs reminding, you could not do better than Dave Trottiers book. A brilliant effort by a first-class, dedicated teacher. William Kelley, Academy AwardWinning Writer, Witness

Love your bookvery practical. Ive kept it near my desk since high school and I still go back to it. Travis Beacham, Screenwriter, Pacific Rim , Clash of the Titans , Dog Days of Summer

An invaluable resourcea treasure chest of useful informationnot only for new writers but also for seasoned veterans. Professor Richard Walter, UCLA Screenwriting Faculty Chairman

Whenever I am writing, I have The Screenwriters Bible close at hand for reference. Ellen Sandler, Emmy-Nominated Co-Executive Producer, Everybody Loves Raymond

Good, common sense. Sets up practical guidelines without encroaching on the writers creativity. Easy to followfeels like a workbook that will be used and not just read. The author is encouraging, but reminds the writer of the realities of the business.Candace Monteiro, Partner, Monteiro Rose Dravis Agency

Contains chapter and verse on all aspects of screenwriting, and addresses every key and fundamental principle from how far to indent dialogue to how to speak to the agents assistant. Script Magazine

Offers all the essential information in one neat, script-sized volume.... New screenwriters will find The Screenwriters Bible invaluable; experienced screenwriters will find it an excellent addition to their reference shelf. Hollywood Scriptwriter

If you have the gift, this book will show you how to use it. Victoria Wisdom, Producer-Manager and Former Literary Agent at ICM and Becsey Wisdom Kalajian

An excellent resource book and overall guide that can be of tremendous assistance to answering the many questions that screenwriters have. Linda Seger, Author, Making a Good Script Great

Delivers more in 400 pages than can be found in several screenwriting books. A true gem that measures up to its title. Writers Connection

The best screenwriting book available, and the book to buy if youre buying just one. Dov S-S Simens, Founder, Hollywood Film Institute

Easy to read and surprisingly broad in its coverage. New York Screenwriter

The formatter alone is worth the price of the book. Melissa Jones, Hollywood Story Analyst

Just what the script doctor ordered... a must have reference tool for new and experienced screenwriters. Straightforward, to the point, and accurate. Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum

So well written that, with its implementation, you should be well on your way to creating a formidable screenplay. Tom Griffith, The Screenwriters FORUM

The Bible Provides Clear Answers to Crucial Questions:

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How do I get discovered in todays difficult, crowded marketplace?

How do I sell my script if I dont have an agent? How do I find an agent?

How do I get in the game now, even if I dont live in L.A.?

How do I summon my muse and spark my creative energy?

What is the Character/Action Grid, and what makes it so fast and effective in evaluating and revising my work?

What common formatting mistakes turn off agents and readers?

What are the tricks to effective scene construction and transition?

What is the single most important key to writing great dialogue? And what are the seven deadly dialogue sins?

How do I write a query letter or one-sheet that will get my script read?

How do I build a winning, compelling pitch? What are the unwritten rules?

What breakthrough strategies can jump-start my screenwriting career?

What is meant by the heart of the story, and how do I get mine beating?

How do I break into television, the New Media, and other lesser-known markets?

What are the 10 keys to creating captivating characters?

What basic plot paradigms do virtually all stories utilize?

How do I find the high concept in my own script so that I can sell it?

Where can I find a clear writing process that will motivate me to finish my script?

How can I add dimension, depth, and emotion to virtually any story?

How do I bring my characters to life and fascinate readers?

What are the 10 tools every writer needs (and few have) before approaching the market?

Where do contests fit in my strategic marketing plan?

Where can a new writer get free feedback?

How does Hollywood really work?

How is a spec script different from a shooting script, and how do I write it?

What writing opportunities are often overlooked by screenwriters?

Its all in The Bible .

Heres what the sixth edition contains:

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The spec-formatting guide recommended by agents, readers, and producers.

A sensible plan to jump-start your writing career and get in the game now.

More on character development and dialogue writing that will help make your characters compelling and clear.

The latest in proper screenplay format. This section has been completely updated and expanded by Dr. Format himself, with additional examples of virtually every conceivable formatting situation. Shows correct format plus how to apply it.

Timely new advice on creating and delivering pitches, and writing one-sheets.

An updated marketing section that includes ways to get discovered in todays crowded marketplace.

More than 50 pages of sample scenes written in proper format, and a complete analysis of each.

Plenty of worksheets with detailed instructions that will guide you in creating a laser-sharp strategic marketing plan.

More tips, techniques, and pointers on writing a successful screenplay.

Specific up-to-date marketing advice. There are more effective ways to get read and get assignments than sending query letters to agentsfind out what these are.

Includes over a half-dozen writing and revising exercises with suggested revisions to help you excel in your writing craft.

Two sample treatments, a Hollywood coverage, and a sample release form.

Hundreds of examples and illustrations that you can apply right now to your own writing or script marketing project.

An extensive, easy-to-use index.

Completely up-to-date and completely reliable

EVERYTHING YOU NEED UNDER ONE COVER

The Screenwriters Bible your authoritative source

Copyright 1994, 1995, 1998, 2005, 2010, 2014 by David R. Trottier.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews.

Ethan Chodos, Excerpt from Two Dogs and a Fish , Ethan Chodos

Natalia Garcia, Excerpt from Personalities , Natalia Garcia

Chris Philpott, Excerpt from Undecided , Chris Philpott

George Mullen, Excerpt from Target Mona Lisa , George Mullen

Chris Wilson, Excerpt from Just My Luck , Chris Wilson

Deana Costner, Excerpt from Kissin Cousins , Deana Costner

Ryan Tremblay, Excerpt from Vicious Cycle , Ryan Tremblay

Lori Liddy and Sue Holzinger, Excerpt from Getting What We Want , Lori Liddy and Sue Holzinger

Denise Ann Wood, Excerpt from Quality of Life , Denise Ann Wood

Barbara Reitz, Excerpts from The Blue Lobster , Barbara Reitz

David S. Freeman, The It Girl , David S. Freeman