Being a Playwright: A Career Guide for Writers

by Chris Foxon, George Turvey

Writing a good play is only a small part of making it as a successful playwright; understanding the business side of building a career is just as crucial. Yet most advice for budding writers focuses only on the craft of playwriting, ignoring the practicalities of the industry – which makes it harder for those without connections or know-how to get their work on stage. Being a Playwright sets out, transparently and honestly, all the factors besides writing that playwrights need to know about to succeed. It includes advice Drawing on Papatango's decade-long experience of discovering and launching successful new writers – who have gone on to win prizes such as BAFTA, OffWestEnd, Royal National Theatre Foundation and Alfred Fagon Awards – this straightforward and accessible book discusses the opportunities and pitfalls of life as a playwright. Whether you're an aspiring writer wondering how to break into the industry, or a working playwright looking to land bigger commissions, this is your insider road map to navigating the world of professional theatre.

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2019

Reviews

[Colin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pointless read as no one is interested in plays - either staging them or reading them - especially in the current situation with Covid-19. I'm 56 and have been writing for 36 years - poems, plays, short stories, novels - I've read countless "how to" books, been on countless courses and done correspondence courses and it is all a waste of time so save your money. No one is interested. Unless you write for pleasure then don't bother. I still write, for my own enjoyment, but I don't even try to get work published now.