The Non-User-Friendly Guide For Aspiring TV Writers


Book Description

Steven L. Sears has had a successful career in film and television encompassing over thirty years of involvement at all levels. From his beginnings as a staff writer on the hit NBC show THE A-TEAM, to Co-Executive Producer on the hit series XENA-WARRIOR PRINCESS for MCA/Universal, creator and Executive Producer of SHEENA for Sony/TriStar Television, and many pilot and development deals with the major studios and production companies, he has amassed a huge amount of experience and knowledge about the inner workings of the entertainment industry. In THE NON-USER-FRIENDLY GUIDE FOR ASPIRING TELEVISION WRITERS, he shares that experience and gives advice for those considering a career in television writing. Instead of the traditional academic and sterile approach, Steven answers questions from a personal, first person perspective. The questions have been culled from the real world, people seeking out his advice and looking for the experience that most books don’t have. Some of what he writes about are hard and difficult facts to accept about the business. Other times it’s his opinion based on his vast experience. But all of it is unsweetened and direct. Even if you don’t like his answers, he will certainly make you think hard about your approach and choices when pursuing a career in an extremely difficult Industry. As a result, you will be better prepared to achieve the success that he has had. His style is accessible, personable and relaxed. "It's like having lunch with Steven and asking him questions about the business. Without having to watch him eat."




Jeff Sturgeon's Last Cities of Earth


Book Description

2091—The Year the Earth Changed As Yellowstone erupts, sending humankind into an extinction-level event, countries, cities, and enclaves of the elites create desperate, innovative ways to survive the coming ice age. Some scientists uplift entire cities into the sky above the disaster, others build undersea colonies, while some look to space. A few delve into the darkness of genetic modification and try to evolve a new species of humanity. Now, over two centuries have passed since the day that changed the world. Many global trade routes have resumed, and it is an age of discovery ... and danger. Brave airship crews explore the sky wilderness between the aerial metropolises, connecting more of the floating cities. Threats lurk in the skies as well as the ruins scattered around the world like half-forgotten memories. These are the last cities of Earth.




Starting Your Television Writing Career


Book Description

In this essential guide, Abby Finer and Deborah Pearlman of the Warner Bros. Television Writers Workshop reveal insider tips and tricks aimed at paving the way to better scripts by new writers. The book focuses on all aspects of writing for television, from the definition and importance of sample material to what it takes to be a successful TV writer. In particular, the authors provide instruction on troubleshooting scripts—with a do and don't list. For the novice scriptwriter, they include advice on how to research, brainstorm ideas, choose the right show, as well as write a beat sheet and outline in order to achieve a polished draft. Filled with practical advice and up-to-elate industry information, each chapter provides strategies and insights that will jump-start a fledgling writing career toward success.




The Bare Bones Book of Screenwriting


Book Description

Written in a simple, straight-forward, witty style by a professional in the field, "The Bare Bones Book of Screenwriting" is a treasure chest for anyone interested in the screenwriting trade.




Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008


Book Description

The Resource Guide to Getting Published A unique guide to publishing for Christian readers, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide 2008 offers the most proven and comprehensive collection of ideas, resources, and contact information to the industry. For more than twenty years, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has delivered indispensable help to Christian writers, from a CD-ROM of the full text of the book so you can easily search for topics, publishers, and other specific names; to up-to-date listings of more than 1,200 markets for books, articles, stories, poetry, and greeting cards, including forty-three new book publishers, fifty-one new periodicals, and fifteen new literary agencies. Perfect for writers in every phase, this is the resource you need to get noticed–and published. “An indispensable tool. The reference you have to buy.” Writers’ Journal “Essential for anyone seeking to be published in the Christian community.” The Midwest Book Review “Stands out from the rest with its wealth of information and helpful hints.” Book Reviews for Church Librarians Completely updated and revised the Guide features more than… 1,200 markets for the written word * 675 periodicals * 405 book publishers * 240 poetry markets * 114 card and specialty markets * 37 e-book publishers * 120 literary agents * 332 photography markets * 98 foreign markets * 98 newspapers * 53 print-on-demand publishers * writers’ conferences and groups * pay rates and submission guidelines * more resources and tools for all types of writing and related topics.




The Aspiring Screenwriter's Dirty Lowdown Guide to Fame and Fortune


Book Description

A humorous and pithy guide to the craft of writing a screenplay and the business of being a screenwriter. Seeing your name on the silver screen beneath the words "Written By" is a moment most writers only dream of. But for those daring and talented few, brave enough to take their hopes to Hollywood, there are clear and tangible steps to achieve that goal if one knows the path. The Aspiring Screenwriter's Dirty Lowdown Guide to Fame and Fortune provides that path. And Andy Rose has walked it. With years of experience with every major film studio and network, and dozens of successful screenplays, Andy knows the business. He’s here to debunk the big screen and teach you how to write a blockbuster screenplay and equally important, how to sell it. Andy has worked with the best: Ron Howard, Tom Hanks, David Geffen, and Jeff Katzenberg to name a few. He has filled this book with real life examples to learn from including contracts, screenplays, treatments, press, and more. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of writing a screenplay, for anyone who’s wondered how to sell one, this is a must read.




Could it be a Movie?


Book Description

Before you stock your shelves with books on how to write a film, this is the roadmap you need to determine if cinema is the best destination for your creative ideas.




The TV Writer's Workbook


Book Description

Why is TV writing different from any other kind of writing? How will writing a spec script open doors? What do I have to do to get a job writing for TV? Writing for television is a business. And, like any business, there are proven strategies for success. In this unique hands-on guide, television writer and producer Ellen Sandler shares the trade secrets she learned while writing for hit shows like Everybody Loves Raymond and Coach. She offers concrete advice on everything from finding a story to getting hired on a current series. Filled with easy-to-implement exercises and practical wisdom, this ingenious how-to handbook outlines the steps for becoming a professional TV writer, starting with a winning script. Sandler explains the difference between “selling” and “telling,” form and formula, theme and plot. Discover: • A technique for breaking down a show style so you’re as close to being in the writing room as you can get without actually having a job there • The 3 elements for that essential Concept Line that you must have in order to create a story with passion and consequence • Mining the 7 Deadly Sins for fresh and original story lines • Sample scripts from hit shows • In-depth graphs, script breakdown charts, vital checkpoints along the way, and much, much more!




How to Manage Your Agent


Book Description

First published in 2013. Have you written the script for the next box office blockbuster or hit TV show and just need the right agent to sell it? Not sure whether to accept an if-come deal or a script commitment? Debating which manager is the right choice to steer your career? Well, worry no more...How to Manage Your Agent is a fun, friendly guide to the world of literary representation. Enter the inner sanctums of Hollywood's power-brokers and learn how they influence what pitches get bought, what projects get sold, and which writers get hired. Find tips from top-level executives, agents, managers, producers, and writers to help you maximize your own representation and kick your career into overdrive! You'll learn: How agents prioritize their client list... and ways to guarantee you're at the top; When to approach new representation... and what you need to capture their interest; Hollywood's secret buying schedule... and how to ensure you're on it; The truth about packaging... where it helps and when it hurts; Which agents are best for you... and where to find them; Advice on acing your first agent meeting... and why so many writers blow it; Managers' tricks for creating buzz... and when to use them yourself; How to fire your agent... without killing your career; When you don't need representation... and how to succeed without it. The value of good representation is undeniable-especially in a world where agents and managers control which projects (and careers) live or die. How to Manage Your Agent puts you on the inside track to get your work the attention it deserves!




Writing the Nonfiction Book


Book Description

Methods outlined in this book are easy-to-follow steps for formatting, completing, and marketing a nonfiction book. The most popular subjects for nonfiction books are covered, along with writing instructions and painless tips for self-publishing. Included is information on finding an agent and book publisher.