3 Amazing Books You Need to Add to Your Screenplay Writing Book Collection
by Noi Sabal • August 8, 2022
There are soooo many screenplay writing books out there. Books that talk about formatting. Books that talk about structure. Books that talk about characters. A screenwriter could go broke buying the hundreds and hundreds of books written on movie writing. And the majority of these screenwriting resources? Well, most are not worth much.
Sure, there are a handful of classic books, like Syd Fields’ screenwriting series (“Screenplay,” “Screenwriter’s Workbook,” and “Screenwriter’s Problem Solver”), and Blake Snyder’s “Save the Cat” series. And all of the super-popular screenwriting gurus, like Robert McKee and Linda Segar, have some good books on movie writing. And depending on which school you subscribe to, these can be excellent sources of screenwriting exercises, inspiration and learning.
But if you’re looking for a bit more in-depth or off-the-beaten-path kind of script writing help, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
Here are three lesser-known, super-helpful screenwriting books you need to add to your screenplay writing book library — right now! They’re full of amazingly helpful information. Everyone at Writing Ninja owns each one of these books (some, multiple copies!) So without further ado… here are three new additions for your Screenplay Writing Book Collection!
Screenplay Writing Book List — Book #1:
“Invisible Ink”
Invisible Ink: A Practical Guide to Building Stories that Resonate — by Brian McDonald
If you only buy one screenplay writing book, get this one. Seriously.
“Invisible Ink” is written by Brian McDonald, a teacher, story consultant, and lecturer. He’s taught his story seminar at Pixar, Disney Feature Animation, and LucasFilm/ILM. This is an amazing book, full of a unique perspective on how great stories are crafted. Once you read it, you’ll know why people that know Story, like Andrew Staton from Pixar and Academy Award winner Jim Taylor (writer of “Sideways” & “Election”), sing his praises.
Have you ever seen “Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling?” Well, that list came from a series of Tweets by a former Pixar Storyboard Artist, Emma Coats, back in 2011. And while these tips are ah-MAZE-ing, there was one rule — #4 — that was incomplete. (see our article on Pixar’s 22 Screenwriting Tips.) Rule #4 is about “Story Spine” guidelines – which came from this book.
With insight and humor, this master of Story has crafted a short (153 pages), yet powerful book about the nuance of writing a well-structured screenplay and how you can create a story that resonates with audiences.
Brian McDonald’s book “Invisible Ink” should be read by every screenwriter, new and experienced.
Screenplay Writing Book List — Book #2
“Your Screenplay Sucks!”
Your Screenplay Sucks!: 100 Ways to Make It Great — by William M. Akers
Back in 2016, I was lucky enough to meet Will at an event hosted by my screenwriting group, Harvard Square Script Writers. Several years before, I’d read his book and was excited to meet him and hear what he had to say in person. He was wonderfully warm, funny, and down to earth — and, of course, super knowledgable.
Will spent several hours with our group, sharing wonderful stories, tips, and tricks with us. Many of these stories and tips were in the book, but some were not. (Hum… I should see if I have my notes from that meeting – yes, I’m that geek who’s typing away the whole meeting, just in case I need the info later… like now! 😉 If I can find those notes, I’ll make a post about ’em here later. )
Anyway. “Your Screenplay Sucks” is a wonderfully easy book to read, full of very helpful ideas that every screenwriter who wants to break in (or stay in!) the business needs. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s interested in going beyond the classic screenwriting books. I highly recommend this book — and not just because Will was a nice guy.
Screenplay Writing Book List — Book #3
“Cut to the Chase”
Cut to the Chase: Writing Feature Films with the Pros at UCLA Extension Writers’ Program — edited by Linda Venis
Not everyone can go to film school and take screenwriting courses. Or… CAN they?
This book is basically a screenwriting course in and of itself, taught by professional writers who teach in the UCLA Extension Program. Reading this book is like getting a world-class education in Story. Each chapter is written by a different UCLA professor and covers a different topic in only the way a truly seasoned teacher – who’s also a writer – can explain.
While this movie writing book is full of great information, make sure you don’t miss “The Universal Principles of Hollywood Storytelling” (pages 6 – 23). This section is written by Billy Mernit, whose book, “Writing the Romantic Comedy,” is also worth a look, if that’s your genre). This one “Universal Principles” section is crammed so full of invaluable advice, it might seem like you don’t need to read more. But you should — oh, you should. There are so many screenwriting exercises and nuggets of film script advice in this screenplay writing book, that we’d have to practically reproduce it to name every of worth that’s included.
Just do yourself a favor: get this book — and read it cover to cover!
Screenplay Writing Book List — BONUS:
“500 Ways to Beat the Hollywood Script Reader”
500 Ways to Beat the Hollywood Script Reader: Writing the Screenplay the Reader Will Recommend –– by Jennifer Lerch
The reason this is “only” a bonus book? Because it’s a great book… but it’s old.
Originally published in 1999, there are some outdated things you have to wade through — mostly when technology is mentioned. Other than that, there are tons of story tips, tricks, and, most importantly, ways to avoid throwing that dreaded “Amateur!” Red Flag to a reader.
Storytelling will always be about Story. And this is where this list shines. It’s basically 400 quick ways to look like a professional screenwriter. And since you can find it used online, dollar for dollar this book gives you the most film script writing help bang for the buck on this list.
So what are you waiting for? Head to your library, favorite bookstore, or wherever you get your screenwriting resources (okay, who are we kidding… head to Amazon) and grab your copies of these new-to-you movie writing books! Before you know it, you’ll be using your newly improved, more comprehensive Screenplay Writing Book Library to become a newly improved screenwriter. 🙂
If you want to watch more videos, take a look at some great screenwriting tips on Variety.
Or! If you’d like to try some screenplay writing software instead of reading books, check out our super helpful article about screenplay software.