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

Rating:
Summary: A Valuable Resource
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Exellent. Very practical and useful
Review: This book has been more helpful than any writing book I've read. The marketing section is terrific and it helped me find an agent. Everything is explained in understandable terms. It inspired me to get off my duff and write. I feel empowered. I'm always referring to the formatting section and resource directory. At last, a book that delivers on what it promises.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful for the beginner
Review: This book is the only resource I used to write my first script - one good enough to get me into the UCLA film school, I might add. AND, I've gone back and re-read the basics of structure just as a reminder for every subsequent script. If you're really interested in writing a script that will sell, don't stop with this book, but do buy it and keep it handy as a wonderful reference.

Rating:
Summary: The only Bible that matters
Review: This book should be required reading in every English/Writing class in every High School/University in the country. The Bible is not only a great read in its own right, but a resource that you can take with you your entire career. Dave Trottier offers sound advice for new writers and reminders for the seasoned proffessional. The tag line "Six Books in One" is an understatement.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty darn good, considering...
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Everything you need to know in one book!
Review: This book was awesome! For someone like me, who knows nothing about how to write a script, this is the perfect book. I bought several others, but found I didn't need them because the same information was already in "The Bible". Don't waste your money on anything else, Mr. Trottier tells all here!

Rating:
Summary: Very good, but not comprehensive
Review: This is a great all-purpose screenwriting book, especially in terms of formatting. It is the only one I know of that is the proper size to truly demonstrate correct margins and layout. Unfortunately, screenwriting is a lot more than just format. There is a history to writing stories for the big-screen that this book neglects. Yes, it does have a lot of tips and answers to questions for beginning screenwriters. But don't fool yourself into thinking you know everything there is to know about screenwriting if you read cover to cover.

Not quite reference, not quite workbook, The Screenwriter's Bible could save you buying two (or more) books. In that way it's a value. But do yourself a favor and also get the skinny from someone in the industry.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent choice for beginning screenwriters
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: This is a great read for anyone looking to get into the world of screenwriting.

Rating:
Summary: If You Are A Screenwriter, You Need This Book
Review: This is a must for all screenwriters. The only thing bad about this informative book is that is doesn't fit on your shelf!!! It is HUGE and well worth the money you pay for it.