Beyond Screenwriting: Insider Tips and Career Advice from a Successful TV and Film Writer

by Sterling Anderson, Andrea Goss Knaub (Contributor)

Beyond Screenwriting is an accomplished Hollywood screenwriter's insider look at the real ins and outs of the Hollywood screenwriting trenches. This book gives details of how to write screenplays and goes further into the tricks of the trade of the movie and television industry. Sterling Anderson shares his triumphs and mistakes and how to deal with studio and movie producers. Beyond Screenwriting gives easy-to-follow tips, from how to get your screenplay read, to how to deal with show runners, line producers, and producers once you've gotten the job. The discerning difference between most screenwriting books and Beyond Screenwriting is that Sterling Anderson consistently tells aspiring screenwriters that they can do it, and here's how. Take a candid insider's look at how to write screenplays and get a job writing screenplays from a screenwriter with actual credits. Beyond Screenwriting generously answers almost every question that aspiring screenwriters have in the pursuit of a career as a Hollywood screenwriter.

216 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not a screenwriter per se, I was the president of the Creative Writing club in college. I can certainly appreciate the tips of the trade that were discussed in this book. It is full of sage advice for anyone looking to break into a career as a screenwriter. It mentions the good, the bad, and the ugly of this particular profession. The author writes in a way that I feel is relatable, which made this book easy to read. A helpful resource for an aspiring screenwriter.

[Sami Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years ago - I had visited with my favorite uncle about doing a screenplay. Since he does a lot of video work, and I have always been a writer (especially loving feature stories throughout my journalism program and freelance writing experience), my uncle suggested I think about screenwriting.

I have the original book he gave me in my closet... it hasn't moved - I just couldn't grab onto the lessons. When I heard about Sterling's book "Beyond Screenwriting" - I wanted to give it another try - and am so glad I did.

This book is a WEALTH of knowledge - and SO SO SO valuable to those out there looking to break into the business. You know how they always say the best learning comes from experience? Well that's true... unless you're handed a book of this magnitude that is written by someone who knows every in and out of the business. Sterling is spot on with all of his tips - and this book has really motivated me to dive back in to a screenwriting venture.

[ILoveBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about screenwriting. The reader will be able to tell this book is written from an expert's point of view, very well-researched.

It is hard to sum up this book, there are many different parts; however, the book is as promised. The reader will find plenty of tips and hints as well as stories and blunders that will make the reader laugh and inevitably enjoy the book more.

This book is highly recommended to readers interested in this subject.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very mercenary. It's not so much about how to write as it is about how to get hired and get paid as a screenwriter. It does include tips, examples and a few anecdotes. It doesn't have an index.

It is interesting and explains why the writing on most tv shows is so horrible. It's all about the money and no one cares about the quality or continuity, only about getting paid.

I won this from the goodreads first-reads program.

[Marissa DeCuir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a trained journalist and a big fan of any book on writing. I've got my favorite, and this is certainly one of them! I am so curious about forms of writing, and to see how screenwriting is done, from a professional, seasoned screenwriter, was really a joy. I learned so much and had fun learning about all the behind the scenes work of the big screen!