The Screenwriter's Bible
1-879505-84-3 • 386 pgs.
Genre: Reference
Author: David Trottier
Cover Design: Heidi Frieder

$22.95 retail (Amazon, $15.61)
Publisher: Silman-James Press
Available from Amazon.com

Breaking into the screenwriting business represents one of the biggest challenges any writer can face. Major studios are inclined to deal only with veteran writers (i.e., writers with a track record). Independent production companies are far more inclined to look at new material, but most of them have little money for actual production.

Just getting someone in the film business to look at your script is difficult, so when you get that chance you want to be sure they're looking at a script that's in exactly the format they're accustomed to reading. If the first page or two of your script reveals your inexperience with the film business, you're pretty much toast.

Proper formatting, of course, is just part of the equation. The script has to be a well-written work that captures the interest of that preliminary reader, or it will immediately go into their round file.

The Screenwriter's Bible (fourth edition) covers literally everything you need to know about script formatting conventions, and Dave Trottier has also packed the book with a wealth of need-to-know information. Learn from this veteran writer's experience and give yourself a fighting chance to break into this exciting business. With the abundance of outlets these days (cable, the Internet, etc.), studios and networks are gobbling up new material at a record pace.—Reviewed by Ray Hoy.

Dave Trottier has made his living as a freelance writer and writing teacher since 1988, publishing hundreds of magazine articles in such national publications as Writer's Digest and Road & Track. He is the author of several books, including The Freelance Writer's Bible. A scriptwriter who has sold several feature film scripts, Trottier also writes a column for Scr(i)pt Magazine. He has also worked as a business writer, copywriter, and newsletter editor, with past clients that include the Walt Disney Company, Honda Acura, Mitsubishi, and Nutrex. Dozens of Trottier's writing and screenwriting students have gone on to successful writing careers. Author's photo courtesy Dave Trottier.