Table of Contents
Book I - How to Write a Screenplay, A Primer
How stories work -- Situation, conflict, and resolution -- The flow of the story -- The low down on high concept -- Story layering, plot, and genre -- Ten keys to creating captivating characters -- Dialogue, subtext, and exposition -- How to make a scene -- Suspense and comedy - Television
Book II - 7 Steps to a Stunning Script, A Workbook
Step 1, Summon your Muse -- Step 2, Dream up your movie idea -- Step 3, Develop your core story -- Step 4, Create your movie people -- Step 5, Step out your story -- Step 6, Write your first draft -- Step 7, Make the necessary revisions -- The Character/Action Grid
Book III - Correct Format for Screenplays & TV Scripts, A Style Guide
How to use this guide and its unique cross-referencing tools -- Sample scenes -- The cover, title page, first page, and last page -- Headings (slug lines) -- Description -- Dialogue -- How to format TV scripts -- Glossary -- Complete formatting index
Book IV - Writing Your Breakthrough Spec Script, A Script Consultant's View
The spec script, your key to breaking in -- Exercises in revising scenes -- The first ten pages (a sample plus an analysis)
Book V - How to Sell Your Script, A Marketing Plan
How to protect your work -- What you must do before entering the market -- Your strategic marketing plan (with worksheets) -- How to find an agent -- The query letter (with sample letters) -- How to pitch without striking out -- How to sell your script without an agent -- Television -- Hollywood's back door -- How to break into Hollywood when you live in Peoria -- A personal challenge
Book VI - Resources and Index
Industry organizations and guilds -- Script consultants, seminars, and schools -- Internet sites -- Directories, periodicals, and writers organizations -- Bookstores -- Software -- Books for screenwriters and TV writers -- Contests -- General index
