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The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script, 7th Edition

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Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

20 people are currently reading
106 people want to read

About the author

David Trottier

12 books18 followers

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5 stars
32 (69%)
4 stars
7 (15%)
3 stars
6 (13%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for AHCuteArt.
1,178 reviews27 followers
August 14, 2023
Why did you read this book?
I am interested in learning how to write screenplays to help me when making comics. This book was suggested.

What format did you read this book in?
Read a printed copy of the book.

Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
This book was an educational read.

What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Art, Humor and Comedy, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Self Help

What was your favorite part in the book?
I can’t say I had a favorite part, but I did like that the book was easy to understand. The author also provided worksheets to help with a writer'ss development in the back of the book.

Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone interested in Screenplay writing.

What is your general opinion/ rating of this book?
I thought it was an excellent guide on Screenplay writing. This is truly a complete guide, from coming up with a story idea to selling your screenplay. I read the book all the way through and found a wealth of information. There is so much that goes into the formatting of a screenplay that I was completely ignorant of this subject before reading this book. I am not going to lie; I am probably going to buy screenplay software than format my writings by hand. (Although I am glad he covers how to format it if you don’t want to buy anything.) He makes the material fun and interesting to read about. This is a great reference guide, and I highly recommend it if you are interested in screenplay writing.

1 review
February 1, 2025
I can't recommend The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier enough! This book is an absolute game-changer for anyone serious about screenwriting. After reading it twice, I can confidently say it’s one of the most comprehensive, practical, and accessible resources out there. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned writer, Trottier’s insights are invaluable.

What sets this book apart is its clarity and structure. It covers everything—from formatting and crafting compelling characters to developing airtight plots and navigating the business side of screenwriting. The examples are clear, the advice is actionable, and the tone is encouraging without being overly fluffy. It’s like having a mentor in book form.

I especially appreciate how Trottier breaks down complex concepts into digestible steps. The section on formatting alone is worth the price of the book—it’s saved me so much time and frustration. Plus, the included exercises and checklists are fantastic for refining your work and staying on track.

What’s even better is that this isn’t just a one-time read. It’s a reference I’ll keep coming back to throughout my screenwriting journey. It’s already earned a permanent spot on my desk, dog-eared and filled with notes.

If you’re serious about screenwriting, do yourself a favor and get The Screenwriter’s Bible. It’s a masterclass in storytelling and an essential tool for anyone looking to write, polish, and sell their scripts.
Profile Image for Michael Ignatius.
Author 8 books
November 30, 2025
This really is the bible for all things screenwriting. Just as the title says, it is a COMPLETE guide, especially with all the real-life examples it includes. I found myself using the guide as a coach. While I had the actual project on my screen, this book was open to the appropriate guide pages. It made my formatting go quite smoothly. I am now following the "selling" aspect of the guide, and that is getting results as well. If you are looking to get into this aspect of writing, this book is a must! Recommended without any reservations.
Profile Image for Raymond.
29 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2024
This is a great read. I would own it. If you ever thought about writing a script or just learning the process, well this book is for you.
Profile Image for meg (the.hidden.colophon).
553 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2023
I read this for my Writing for Feature Films course in the Summer of ‘23 and my Writing for Series Television course in the Fall of ‘23.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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