As storytellers, we must always strive to expand our knowledge and explore new ways of crafting compelling narratives.
One of the best ways to do this is through reading. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best screenwriting books that have made an impact on us.
So, what are the best screenwriting books out there?
This is perhaps the most insightful book on screenwriting you’ll ever find. Field breaks down the key elements that make a screenplay successful, including structure, plot points, and character development, while still allowing room for creativity.
William Goldman, the screenwriter behind classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President's Men, shares his personal Hollywood experiences. More of a memoir than a "how-to" book, this read offers valuable insights into the screenwriting business.
Kaplan demystifies comedy by explaining its core elements. If you're a comedy writer or just curious about what makes something funny, this book offers practical examples and tools to help turn a funny script into a truly hilarious one.
Iglesias focuses on the one single “rule” that matters in screenwriting — creating emotion. This book teaches you how to evoke emotions in your audience by weaving all screenplay elements together effectively.
Gary Goldstein, producer of Pretty Woman, provides a step-by-step guide on how to break into Hollywood and navigate the business side of screenwriting, from networking to pitching and landing your first script. The greatest book we know on how to get a career out of screenwriting.
Perhaps the most well-known book on screenwriting, Save the Cat introduces the idea of tight beat sheets, offering a blueprint for writing successful screenplays.
This a controversial book, and we don’t believe that there’s a unique formula that every script must follow. That being said, if you’re just starting in the world of screenwriting, Save the Cat can be eye-opening in regards to what structure is in a screenplay.
IN CONCLUSION
For us, these are the best screenwriting books out there. They offer invaluable guidance for both beginner and seasoned screenwriters.
Whether you're looking to refine your understanding of story structure, explore the emotional core of your scripts, or learn the business side of Hollywood, these reads are excellent resources to elevate your craft and advance your screenwriting career.
How to tell if your script is going on the right track?
A great way for aspiring screenwriters to gauge if they're going on the right track is to participate in screenwriting competitions. This way, they can see whether their script places and, if they win, they might even get a prize!
We host our own screenwriting competition, SPARK, where we offer a cash prize for the winner. Want to know more? Click here.
Happy writing!