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

• This wonderful book changed my career

  
  By on 1998-07-13
  My agent told me to buy this book, and it has helped me tremendously in breaking in. As a working writer, I am pleased to find something that is helping my career. (I sold my script.) The book is endorsed by an academy-award winning writer (William Kelly), some top agents, and other Hollywood types. As for me, it's the best screenwriting book I've ever read--bar none.

  The writing primer section presents all of the sreenwriting fundamentals. It's perfect for novices and a good review for professionals. The workbook asks hundreds of questions that I use to keep me on track. I love the Character/Action Grid--an excellent revision tool. The formatting guide is easy to understand--I like it much better than Cole and Haag's classic. The marketing plan is what's helping me the most right now; it's very focused. Obviously the author knows the business. The resources section includes all the contests, script consultants, software, etc.

  It's not the last word on s! ! creenwriting, especially for old pros; but it guides you in every aspect of screenwriting in clear, concise language. And it covers the basics. The book is jam-packed with info you can use.
  
  

• An Invaluable Reference Tool for Screenwriters

  
  By AMDTEA9VXS3CN on 2001-11-06
  Want to know the difference between "O.S." (off-screen) and "V.O." (voiceover), and when to use each? How about that between "Intercut" and "Match Cut?" Then you want to buy "The Screenwriters Bible," script consultant David Trottier's encyclopedic reference on creating memorable characters, on storytelling, and especially on formatting. I am an optioned writer, who has written several scripts (and TV sitcoms), yet I find Trottier's work an invaluable reference.

  "The Screenwriter's Bible" is also useful as a marketing tool, especially his sample project plan and action plan, which all writers will find useful as a template. Remember, your great spec script is a business proposal as much as anything else, for a project which will run well into 8 figures, in most cases. Approach it with the same care and attention to detail that you would if you were trying to sell your garage software development firm to Microsoft.

  Unlike many "How-to" screenwriting books, Trottier's sample query letters are actually quite entertaining. If I were a Hollywood suit, I'd bite at the sample "Wizard of Oz" example.

  This book won't tell you how to write a great story (that's something that really can't be taught), but it will help you get the mechanics of the trade down. There are many terrible scripts which have been made into movies, but virtually all of them (even those starring Pauly Shore) get the details correct.

  In summation, if I had to pick just one screenwriting book, this would be my first choice.
  
  

• FINALLY!

  
  By A24H1ILO19K4T on 2000-02-21
  The only reason I gave this book 5 stars is because, frankly, I couldn't give it 6 stars. As a beginning screenwriter, I became very discouraged when I could not find any reference manuals on spec scripts. Many were formal production script manuals that gave you everything you didn't need to know for getting a spec script formated properly. I began thinking anyone interested in screen writing is already working for the production company who already buys scripts for production (There must be a "spec script fairly" out there somewhere). Before this book, there were actually times when I put my writing off for the simple fact that I would have a fear of getting stuck trying to figure out what to include and what not to format-wise and have it interfere with the creative process.

  But know thanks to this "Bible," it gives every answer to every to every question asked by a beginning screen writer trying to get his or her spec script in the proper format to get into the market. And that's just for formatting. I haven't even started to look at the last two books of the Screenwriter's Bible on marketing and references and if it's anything like the previous ones, I should be able to find every avenue available for getting my script at least read.

  The Screenwriter's Bible is sectioned off into different parts for the different processes of the getting your screenplay off the ground and does a great job doing it. Can't think of anything that was missed. Thank you David Trotteir! I only wish that Hollywood will be as fair as you are.
  
  

• A Lot to Digest

  
  By A2QK0CLGM4Q0R3 on 2000-06-05
  Trottier's hook for The Screenwriter's Bible is that it's actually six books in one. Not bad for less than $20. Pretty much, this book includes everything you need to know about the screenwriting business -- especially if you're a rookie.

  With six completely different books, it's easy to find the information you need to start on the road to screenwriting stardom. The sections cross-reference, so the book can be a tad bit repetitive at times, but this is useful as it grounds important facts into your brain.

  One of the things I appreciated about this book was the information on writing for TV as well as the Silver Screen. I also appreciated the detailed treatment of that oh-so-important detail, STRUCTURE of your script.

  Because of the price and the sheer amount of information included, I give this book five stars: good value, good information, pleasant writing -- a winner!
  
  

• Examples, no simplistic worksheets

  
  By on 2004-01-07
  I own this book, and it's terrible. Many of the so-called examples are extraordinarily simplistic. The likes of which I'd not seen since grade school. No joke!

  And, perhaps most remarkably, there are no real worksheets given to help write. A far better choice for beginners is The Screenplay Workbook: The Writing Before the Writing, by Jeremy Robinson and Tom Mungovan. It will give you a much stronger set of story creation tools, including some excellent worksheets on plot structure, and has plenty of worksheets to start your writing. But whatever you do, avoid The Screenwriter's Bible.
  
  

• Great place to start
  By A1POJLXT04IG0J on 2002-02-08
  I was already a writer before tackling screenplays, so I was not looking to this book for advice on how to write. I needed help with the dos and don'ts of the screenplay format and that's exactly what I got. "Elements of Style" it isn't, but there are many good tips about how to handle characters and story in the screenplay form. If you are a new writer or a slave to prose, this will help.

  The book helped me understand the differences between the scripts you read in script libraries and the spec script you want to write and sell. I found out that even my latest upgrade for Screenwriter 2000 software includes by default things that are not format-appropriate for spec scripts. How much time and trouble did that little tidbit save me? [price]bucks very well-spent.
  
  

• Tremendously useful but phenomenally disorganized!
  By A3JQZ9T9D0MR00 on 2005-12-23
  That's right, i took away 2 whole stars because of the author's lack of organization in the book. To be fair though, i also took some points away because his writing examples (using his own spec scripts) are so incredibly bad, they had me getting pissed off at the end of the book. So it's not just the organizational problem i'm upset about.
  
  The book is really pretty useful and filled with valuable information about how to structure your story (using many examples of movies past) how to format your script (this time using the author's own writing as a reference) and finally, how to land an agent or sell a script on your own. All of those are really very informative and the author's style works well in getting his point across. I didn't have any trouble understanding the concepts he was presenting from the first page to the last. That's very good.
  
  My problem was, like i've already said, with the lack of organization. Someone else mentionned this in another review but i'd like to say it again. The author has you constantly jumping from one page to the next and back. It's that way throughout the book! You start your read with the first few pages and already, you see things like "i suggest you jump ahead and take a look at this or that". Well, Mr. Trottier, maybe you should have prepared the book in such a way that i could just read it like any other book? Why the hell do i have to keep jumping back and forth because he refused to take the time to get the order right in the first place?? Maybe my next script should involve me indicating to the reader that they should jump to page 64 or they won't understand the plot. Or maybe not.
  
  Second, anyone who actually believes the examples of the author's own writing are good probably don't have a shred of hope of ever becoming a writer. I'm no genius but it doesn't take one to figure out that his script samples reek of crap. The only thing they do effectively is get his point across.
  
  I would suggest that those interested in starting to write buy this book, just don't make it your only book. Whatever you pick up from reading it will be incredibly hard to go back to because the whole thing is so disorganized. I've often found myself wanting to re-read something i knew he had written somewhere, but couldn't find it.
  
  
• You will need a lot more than this one book
  By A2SLJQAG557RDO on 2004-12-20
  In Russian there is an expression "ne myaso, ne ryba" - literally: neither meat not fish. It means it's not one thing or the other. The Screenwriter's Bible is such a book.
  
  It claims to be six books in one, whereas it is really one book divided into six sections, none of them thorough. That's not to say it is without merit. It's just if this is all you buy you will be woefully under prepared in any one of the six areas Trotter claims to have covered.
  
  The book will give you a fair outline of the geography, name the major towns, if you like. But you'll still need a decent local map or two when you get into the county.
  
  It says it is complete. It is not. What it is, is a well-thought through marketing campaign on the general subject of writing screenplays. I don't say avoid it. But get lots more books which are clearly either meat or fish.
  
  
• Fundamentals of writing, formatting, and selling a script
  By A2CR57GAJKNWVV on 2003-12-03
  Author David Trottier's monthly columns on screenplay format for Scr(i)pt Magazine are always a must-read, so I had high hopes for his book, which I probably should have read a long time ago. I wasn't disappointed.

  The Screenwriter's Bible presents everything a beginning or novice screenwriter needs to put together a professional script and market it. The information is concise and clearly presented so anybody can grasp it, using lots of concrete examples, some from classic movies and some from the author's own scripts.

  The Screenwriter's Bible is divided into six sub-books. Book I outlines story-telling basics, including information specific to movie-making. The second book is a step-by-step workbook putting the Book I knowledge to use. Book III is all about format--and this is, perhaps, the book's greatest strength and the reason most people buy it. The information is current and well-organized. Book IV is about how to make your spec script stand out from the crowd, from a script consultant's point of view, and offers sound advice for revising and polishing. Book V covers how to market a script (an art form in itself). The last book is a list of resources, such as consultants, books and websites, contests, conferences, etc.

  If I have one picky comment, it's the made-up script Trottier uses to illustrate the different elements of format. It's intended to be a joke, but it's so bad it's distracting. I would think someone who sets himself up as an expert would come up with a sample that better illustrates his talent and serves as an example to his students.
  
  

• General content is great, but format'd have been better
  By A689W8L78ZQR5 on 2000-05-31
  I love author's language and his way of explaining things to the reader. It really works. The overall content of the book is very useful. But, I can't say the same thing about its format. This book is big and not in an "easy-to-use" style. I think it should have had "easy-to-use" reference format, since it is a "Screenwrites's Bible". It really is one of those books, that you have to refer over and over again, while you are in a process of writing. Also, the author does not give much info about how to market/sell your work; he only points out quite obvious things and general directions in regard to the subject. Despite the flaws, this book can really help you to start out.
  
  
• The best book out there...and now I have an agent
  By on 1998-10-29
  I've read over 20 screenwriting books, and this one is clearly the best for at least two reasons: 1) It covers every possible topic including a selling plan (with worksheets), a list of writing contests, an explanation and examples of the new spec style (this really helped me), query and pitching examples--everything. 2). By applying the information, my script has come alive! What's more, I finally found an agent. You can't go wrong with this wonderful book.
  
  
• A Great Start
  By A268EEWUXYCA8Q on 2005-04-13
  I usually do not like "How To..." books when it comes to creativity. You can't learn from a book on how to write a great creative work. Sure, you can get tips on what not to do, or get ideas and concepts of what worked for current ideas. But, you need to have your own foundation to have creative ideas spring forth.
  
  Which is why I like this book. This book will not tell you how to write your antagonist and protagonist. It will give you the foundation of your trade. If you want to get into screenwriting, you must know how to present your material. If you don't know that, then there's no way you will even get noticed. It will show you how to open scenes, write action and dialogue, how to do the basic formating of your script.
  
  Not much else to say. If you are curious about the format for screenplays or how to turn your creative idea into a screenplay format, then this is a great place to start.
  
  
• An indespensible guide...
  By A1365M5OLN8UE7 on 2003-04-19
  I recommend this guide two levels. Firstly, it's an excellent guide for beginners. If you need to know formatting, etc, this is exactly what you're looking for. Secondly, it makes an excellent reference to have nearby while writing. It's only a matter of time before you get stuck on something, and this guide is sure to get you out.

  I bought 6 other how-to's on this subject before I found this one, and I sure wish I had found this first.
  
  

• A Valuable Resource
  By A1V51M8M216Y69 on 2004-08-18
  The Screenwriter's Bible is an excellent reference book for the aspiring screenwriter. There are two important things that this book teaches. First of all, it helps new writers with their approach to writing. There are a lot of probing questions which the writer can use to evaluate their story, characters, and dialog themselves. These reminders help to keep the beginning writer on track.
  
  The second point that this book teaches well is formatting. It teaches the beginning writer the best way to format a spec script. Also it helps the reader to tell the difference between a spec script and a shooting script. A beginning writer needs to write a spec script, so there is no need to worry about camera angles and so forth. That's the director's job. As a writer, your job is to tell a story, and that's what a spec script is all about.
  
  There is one weak point. This book doesn't do a good job with the section on selling the script, but I don't think that it's such a bid problem. Just consider this a guide for writing and the section on selling as an add-on. The writing section alone is worth the price of this book.
  
  
• Highly Recommended!
  By A1R1EQXT4BX2RY on 2000-02-20
  As the author of "Screen & Stage Marketing Secrets" I highly recommend screenwriters to read "The Screenwriter's Bible." This book solves many of the problems of properly formatting screenplays. The book solidly sets up the structure of the story you are writing in the proper script format -- precisely what agents and production companies need to submit a script to higher levels of management for a green light. If you follow the advice given in this book, you will have a screenplay with the major critical elements installed. This will satisfy story analysts. You'll be satisfied with the results, too! This book is of high value to the screenwriter, as a properly formatted script will be recognized as a professional submission in Hollywood. Professional submissions are a prime critical element that gets script's sold!
  
  
• Pretty darn good, considering...
  By on 2000-07-08
  This book truly helped me out. I was happy to finally find a book that covered all areas, instead of just focusing on format or selling. I would have given it five stars except it is a little bit choppy. It jumps around a lot. Although it does give tons of examples, at times it gives too many instead of providind straight forward tips and advice. Overall, though, it is a great book, since it is actually 5 books in one. I would definitely give it a chance.
  
  
• Outstanding Manual for Aspiring Screenwriters
  By A23VGBG17K5NJ3 on 2003-03-13
  Of the many "bibles" published on subjects from gardening to beer drinking, Trottier's Screenwriter's Bible is the most deserving of that lofty designation.

  In great detail, Trottier covers issues from story ideas to screenplay formatting. Of particular use is his breakdown of the typical screenplay story structure into definitive events, offering examples from modern movies most readers can easily identify with. My curse is that now every time I see a film I overlay his structure notes onto the film onscreen, picking out each plot checkpoint like some kind of giant formula--and when I find a movie that simply didn't seem to work for some reason or another, I am usually able to identify where it deviated from that structure and why!

  If you have aspirations of writing screenplays for the big screen or television, this book is of invaluable reference and educational merit. Even if you simply want to know more about why good movies "work" and bad ones fail, this book is a great resource. Give it a shot!
  
  

• The Most Practical Book on Screenwriting Basics
  By A2H3FVUJSJ1VM on 2008-05-19
  THE SCREENWRITER'S BIBLE, in one volume, comprises six substantial guidebooks:
  
  Book I: How to Write a Screenplay--A Primer;
  Book II: 7 Steps to a Stunning Script--A Workbook;
  Book III: Proper Formatting Technique--A Style Guide;
  Book IV: Writing & Revising Your Breakthrough--A Script Consultant's View;
  Book V: How to Sell Your Script--A Marketing Plan;
  Book VI: Resources and General Index.
  
  The book's large format 386 pages, eleven by eight-and-a-half inches, would equal at least 600 pages in the more common format of nine-by-six inches.
  
  Book I: How to Write a Screenplay. Aptly subtitled a primer, it presents a compact introduction to screenwriting. In particular, Trottier focuses on the three-act structure with six key turning or plot points: the catalyst; the big event; the pinch (or midpoint); the crisis (low point); the showdown; the realization. Throughout, the author includes examples from well-known films.
  
  Book II: 7 Steps to a Stunning Script. This workbook includes 25 checkpoint lists and a character/action grid.
  
  Book III: Proper Formatting Technique--A Style Guide. "The spec script is the selling script, sometimes called the writer's draft. You write it with the idea of selling it later or circulating it as a sample. Once it is sold and goes into pre-production, it will be transformed into a shooting script, also known as the production draft. The spec-script style avoids camera angles, editing directions, and technical intrusions" (page 114). To illustrate formatting a spec script, Trottier includes his humorous three-page script "The Perspicacious Professor." This book convinced me to use the author's software "Dr Format" instead of "Final Draft."
  
  Book IV: Writing & Revising Your Breakthrough--A Script Consultant's View. Trottier provides tips on "how to direct the camera without using camera directions" and exercises, based on his clients' scripts, to guide reader in revising to current spec-writing style.
  
  Book V: How to Sell Your Script--A Marketing Plan. In addition to numerous suggestions on marketing, Trottier cautions screenwriters to protect their works. "Registering one's copyright and displaying the copyright notice on the script's title page is no longer seen as something done by paranoid writers." Writers Guild of America will register one-page synopsis, longer treatments, as well as draft(s) of a screenplay.
  
  Book VI: Resources and General Index. This book includes several lists containing "carefully selected entries." I promptly looked up the first entry: "Updates to The Screenwriter's Bible" on the author's website... and found a useful tip on formatting as well as revisions on one of the exercises in Book IV. Presumably these changes will be included in the next edition.
  
  Five shining stars to this book.
  -- C J Singh
  
  
  
• Excellent choice for beginning screenwriters
  By A3H94SBSFIPOY5 on 2000-06-29
  This is a great book for beginning screenwriters. It covers more than just "how-to" and formatting. It also includes career advice and how to get your writing started. We recommend it highly.
  
  
• Good, but a little too flip and high-handed
  By A2U74G8IYOMZIY on 2003-06-24
  Along with his meat and potatoes, author gives an ambsolutely horrible "example" of a script. Meant to be funny, but commiting too many mistakes that novices will take to heart as models to follow. Samples of SUCCESSFUL scripts (not just the author's own "phone-it-in" examples) are absent. One "inside" trick that he fails to mention is that "reverse-adapting" a novel from your script (much easier to sell to a publisher) puts you on the fast track to getting (nay, DEMANDING) the right to do the first-draft screenplay adaptation. (Which, obviously, you already have ready to go!) For specific tips on adapting your idea into a highly commercial, salable novel, read "Seven Strategies in Every Best-Seller"--which also gives practical insights into creating compelling characters who appeal to an audience and whom A-list actors want to play.
  
  
• Easy For Beginners
  By A2XOHF27G0GXK5 on 2005-08-25
  I purchased this book from a seller here which came to me reeking of smoke and discolored.
  
  Getting through the smell,the book kept my interest. I've searched through many books looking for the right one to study and this one explains in more detail "how to". Trottier shows you how to set your margins,dialogue, character's front page and much more. Even if you don't have a Manager or an Agent the book will show you how to sell your manuscript without them. For beginners I would tell them this book has everything you need from start to finish.
  
  
• Practically indispensible formatting guide
  By ASKECFIDZOQJ7 on 2005-10-08
  I used this when writing my second screenplay, which as of this writing has been optioned by one of the coproducers of Demolition Man and given to Seth Green and Owen Wilson for consideration to star in. It has in it what every screenwriter really needs when getting into this game, and that is the formatting specifications. This tells you what kind and size font to use (12-point Courier), where to set the margins (one inch top and bottom, half an inch on the right, one and a half on the left to accomodate the binding brads), how wide the dialogue passages are supposed to be, all complete with examples you can see for yourself, all things that fool Syd Field never considered to be of value during his incessant ramblings about CHINATOWN. Any creative writing class can teach you about story structure, but this will give you that professional appearance you'll need to actually get the door open.
  
  
• everything you need in one
  By A1HY6XP33H6A6J on 2006-05-26
  there are a couple great screnwriting books out there, but they don't do anything other than dictate the craft to you. This book as a workbook section that propels questions back at you to help you get your story in gear. No other book I have read has done that. It has that, plus five other huge sections that cover everything you could possibly want to know about screenwriting. Except for maybe "Creating Unforgettable Characters" by Linda Seger, this could easily be the only book you'd ever need.
  
  
• New screenwriter? This is the book you should buy...
  By on 1999-11-16
  Look, you want to write a movie, right? Then there's no time to waste! Trottier's book tells you all you need to know about story, structure and formatting, and you can read it in an afternoon. When friends tell me they're interested in writing a screenplay, there's only one book I recommend: The Screenwriter's Bible. Stop reading and start writing! (Once you're finished with your first draft you can buy Linda Seger's "Making A Good Script Great").
  
  
• 3rd Edition only improves!
  By A1NYHCPIY9IRSM on 1998-08-24
  I recently read the 3rd edition of this book and must say that this book only improves if you can believe that. Over 120 pages have been added including an entire new book on the Spec Style that takes the reader through pages of one of Trottier's purchased screenplays. He now uses examples from many new movies like GOOD WILL HUNTING, TITANIC, THE TRUMAN SHOW, and many others. He even uses examples from movies that haven't actually been produced yet, only purchased, to show what he means by high-concept loglines. The single best book available on screenwriting!!
  
  
• Valuable
  By A2HQOYP2GJ6XIU on 2002-10-31
  I'm not a big fan of books that claim to teach people how to write. However, this book deals with formatting issues that many people who have never written a screenplay will be confronted with and it answers their inevitable questions succinctly.

  If you aren't new to screenplay format, this book will probably not be incredibly useful to you (though it might have the odd answer to the odd question); but if you are about to begin your first journey into the world of the screenplay, this book will prove to be very valuable.
  
  

• Easy to read. Makes a lot of sense and gives great examples
  By A3NQB0LTTBE50H on 2005-01-13
  My title says it all. This book is very easy to use. I highly reccomend it. It gives real examples of movies which is very beneficial. I am a beginner and it is very basic. Probaly not for experienced writers.
  
  
• Buy this one first
  By A3OOQZFMEFDD66 on 2006-02-21
  I've read over a dozen screen writing how-to books, and this is one of the best. As an aspiring screenwriter, you need to have firm grounding in the fundamentals of the trade. David Trottier gives you that.
  
  The best way to learn screenwriting is to read the scripts from movies you love. But if you're looking for more, like structure theory and the art of the logline, then this book is a great start.
  
  
• Why settle for less when you can have the best?!
  By A38QFTYN151I21 on 2007-04-07
  By far this is the best screenwriting book on the market. When I submitted my script to my agent he laughed and asked where I learned to write. I told him that I used a couple of Syd Fields books and he laughed even harder. Not really understanding what he was laughing at, he told me to buy the Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier.
  
  After reading it and using it as my reference tool, I realized the mistakes that Mr. Fields reference had caused and I rewrote the script I had.
  
  Now, after years of doing it "wrong" I have had three meetings with several bigwigs in the movie industry and sold two screenplays, a couple of treatments, and am currently having a script looked at by another industry staple.
  
  I'm not saying that it will work for everbody, but if you want people to take you seriously you have to buy this book and read it from cover to cover. Trottier shows the correct way to put everything together and thanks to him I'm making money doing what I love to do!
  
  
• Anyone considering screenwriting NEEDS this book.
  By AT7W1EXT0PF2Y on 2007-08-05
  Hey everyone, I've owned and read two editions of this book so far and it never fails to help inspire me or answer my questions. I highly recommend this book for the beginner. It starts with a primer on plot basically. It seeks to create a strong foundation because if you know nothing about plot structure and try to write a movie it will turn out either confusing or very boring. David really stresses the 3 act, 7 plot point structure that is the basic framework of creative writing. This can be repetitive, but he really wants to hammer it into your head.
  
  The book also have a whole section on format. I have screenwriting software to do the format for me so I don't look at this as much as I used to, but it still comes in handy. I wrote my first screenplay in Word so this chapter really taught me a lot. Also, software or not, you need to know the basic framework of a spec script.
  
  So, maybe this book doesn't have everything, but I have found this to be the only book I've ever used. Other books I've read on sreenwriting have had a lot of talking by the author. The author just keeps rambling on about things and not teaching me. David stays focused and keep you focused. This book's main purpose is to fill your head with facts. David also injects humor into his writing so you can stay entertained. In the formatting section he writes an amusing story of how he teaches a class in spec script format for example.
  
  When it comes to the more advanced writer, you probably don't need this book, but if you are looking for a refresher course then you need look nowhere else. But what is really good about his approach is that it is focused on you, the spec script writer. He doesn't want to cloud your head with unnecessary camera direction and specials effects- things that the spec writer has no control over. All this happens after the script is sold. It's your job to tell a story using as much detail and action as possible. Don't get caught in the dialog trap- movies are mostly visual.
  
  When you have finished your work and need help marketing it, there is a section of the book devoted to this difficult step. This is the only book on screenwriting I have found useful. Most self-help books I get no use out of. I dig this out whenever I start a new screenwriting project. I do hope to find a more advanced book written in a style like this however, as I have moved past the meat and potatoes stuff.
  
  

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