14 best screenwriting books that’ll help kickstart your career in 2024.
We’ve all read the so-called “best” screenwriting books like Story by Bob McKee and Screenplay by Syd Field. But what about the hidden gems? The ones that get overlooked by professionals and amateurs alike?
This list is a comprehensive guide to those lesser-known books that every screenwriter should read. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these screenwriting books offer fresh perspectives and valuable insights to unlock your inner screenwriter.
The books on this list:
• Explain the craft of screenwriting in a clear, practical, no BS manner (much like our own style)
• Might be underrated or not well-known
• Will transform your understanding of any given area of screenwriting
So, let’s get into the best screenwriting books to add to your reading list. (Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you buy a book we’ll get a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
#1: Your Screenplay Sucks! by William M. Akers.
Akers is a Lifetime Member of the Writers’ Guild of America and writer of several produced screenplays. In other words, he knows what he’s talking about. This book is great for helping writers get a handle on the essentials of the craft.
Akers provides a checklist of 100 “fatal errors” commonly made by beginners, along with concrete steps to fix them. The chapters on editing sentences are particularly helpful, especially if you’re one of the many writers who suffer from overwriting-itis.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? Its no-nonsense approach that will make you see your writing style in a whole new light.
A typical review:
#2. The Coffee Break Screenwriter by Pilar Alessandra.
Pilar Alessandra, host of the top-rated screenwriting podcast “On The Page,” understands the struggle of a busy schedule. Her book, “The Coffee Break Screenwriter,” is designed specifically for people with 9-to-5 jobs and families who find it hard to carve out time for writing.
Alessandra’s approach is friendly and practical, making screenwriting feel accessible to everyone, no matter how busy they are. The book is packed with bite-sized, ten-minute exercises and tools that can be incorporated into even the busiest day. As the subtitle says, it’s all about “writing ten minutes at a time.”
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? The book is full of practical tools and exercises that will get you thinking about your story in a whole new light.
A typical review:
#3. The 21st Century Screenplay by Linda Aronson.
The 21st Century Screenplay is your one-stop shop for mastering the craft of screenwriting. Linda Aronson provides a comprehensive guide, covering everything from structure and character development to writing natural-sounding dialogue.
She even gets into the business side of the industry, offering insight into how to get your script produced. And for those who struggle to write under pressure, Aronson’s tips are a goldmine of practical advice. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran, this is one of the best screenwriting books available and is an essential read for anyone who really wants to learn how to write.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? The book features a range of insider survival tips on time-effective writing, creativity under pressure and rising to the challenge of international competition.
A typical review:
#4. The Idea by Erik Bork.
“The #1 mistake aspiring screenwriters make is digging into writing the script before they’ve had someone review the initial idea.” The Idea tackles this problem head-on. Bork gives us a full arsenal of tools to road-test any initial concept and turn it into a bulletproof screenplay.
Yes, many screenwriting books cover how to come up with an idea that’s good enough to turn into a TV series or feature film, but this one devotes 200 pages to it. And for good reason.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? Your script is dead in the water without a solid idea behind it. Read this book first to avoid that fate for your script.
A typical review:
#5. The Nutshell Technique by Jill Chamberlain.
While many aspiring screenwriters can write snappy dialogue or create interesting characters, many fail to craft a compelling story. In The Nutshell Technique, sought-after script doctor Jill Chamberlain is determined to change this.
Her “nutshell technique” shows you how to take an interesting situation and turn it into an actual story. It’s very hands-on (which we love) and uses a ton of examples from well-known, up-to-date movies. Her step-by-step approach and use of helpful diagrams make this one of the most practical guides to narrative storytelling. It’s one of those books on screenwriting you don’t want to miss out on.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? It’ll give you so many “a-ha!” moments. Such as how your protagonist’s “want” expressed at the beginning of Act 1 should be granted at the end of Act 1, but not in the way they expected…
A typical review:
#6. Getting It Write by Lee Jessup.
Out of all the screenwriting books on the market, very few address the problem many writers face once they’ve completed a great script: What the heck do I do with it now? That’s what Jessup tackles in this fantastic book for screenwriters: how to market your screenplay (and yourself) in the industry.
While there’s no sure-fire formula to success, follow the pragmatic advice laid out in this book and you’ll be far ahead of the majority of other aspiring writers when it comes to starting a screenwriting career.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? Jessup is a highly sought-after authority in the industry who knows exactly how it works and what the best approaches are to break in and achieve your goals.
A typical review:
#7. On Writing by Stephen King.
Don’t let the fact that Stephen King writes novels rather than screenplays put you off. This book is universally recognized as a classic text on the art of writing, regardless of medium.
The first half is a memoir detailing King’s journey from unknown writer to best-selling author. The second lays out his tips on how to write—95 percent of which are just as applicable to screenplays as they are to novels.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? King is a master of the craft of writing and packs this book with his very best advice on crafting characters, stories, dialogue, pacing, editing and much more.
A typical review:
#8. Inside Story by Dara Marks.
Theme is such an important (but overlooked) element of writing a successful screenplay. Dana Marks wants us to stop overlooking it. If you’re struggling to track your protagonist’s arc, Inside Story is definitely the book for you.
In it, Marks reveals how the internal development of the protagonist informs the overall story and theme. Essential reading if you want to learn how to make your theme resonate via the hero’s journey.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? While other screenwriting books often include a chapter or section on theme, Inside Story is an entire book on the topic. It’s detailed, easy to read, and full of helpful advice. One hundred percent worth purchasing.
A typical review:
#9. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.
“Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands resistance.” So begins The War of Art—a modern classic on how to overcome that inner voice within all writers that says we’re not good enough and are probably wasting our time.
If you know you need a kick up the ass to get writing, this is the book for you. It’s the best screenwriting book out there that’s not actually a screenwriting book.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? We love this book because it speaks directly to our own philosophy here at Script Reader Pro about fulfilling your destiny as a writer. Not because of money or fame, but because you’re a creative.
A typical review:
#10. My Story Can Beat Up Your Story by Jeffrey Alan Schecter.
A hidden gem and one of the best screenwriting books about how to set up the core conflict in your script. In My Story Can Beat Up Your Story, Schechter reveals powerful story-telling techniques that Hollywood screenwriters have been using for decades.
Many screenwriting books rehash the same information on how to write in slightly different ways. This one, however, contains information you won’t find anywhere else.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? the tone is irreverent (as you can probably tell by the title) and it’s just fun to read. You’ll keep on coming back to it again and again.
A typical review:
#11. Save the Cat Strikes Back! by Blake Snyder.
Much like the original Save the Cat book, this one is pretty inspiring and will show you how to find the greatness in any story. Even though it’s the second in a series, Save The Cat Strikes Back! is just as good, if not better than the first one. It’s by far the best screenwriting book to read if you’re having trouble understanding concepts and loglines.
The section on how to come up with a rocking logline is exceptionally helpful. The rest of the book also includes gems such as “the difference between structure and formula” and “the 5-Point Finale.” Snyder’s content is exactly what you need to get your screenplay off the ground.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? Much like the original Save the Cat book, this one is pretty inspiring and will show you how to find the greatness in any story.
A typical review:
#12. The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr.
This isn’t a straightforward how-to screenwriting book, but one that focuses on the neuroscience behind why we respond to some stories and characters and not to others. While this may sound a little boring, the book is far from it. In fact, it’s quite simply one of the best screenwriting books you could buy.
The book includes many great examples of how to significantly elevate your story by tapping into what psychologically resonates with an audience. Especially via the role of the protagonist’s development.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? From how to write a sentence: “Jane gave her dad a kitten” rather than “Jane gave a kitten to her dad,” to the exact steps you need to take to create a flaw for your protagonist, this book is packed full of advice that will make you a better writer, practically overnight.
A typical review:
#13. The Anatomy of Story by John Truby.
Perhaps most famous for penning one of the more traditional best screenwriting books of all time, The Anatomy of Story, Truby knocks it out of the park once again with this follow-up, The Anatomy of Genre.
Each chapter focuses on a different genre—Horror, Action, Myth, Coming of Age, Sci-Fi, Crime, Comedy, Western, Gangster, Fantasy, Thriller, Love Story—and goes into a deep-dive on how the work, relate to the world we live in, and how to transcend them too, in order to write truly original screenplays.
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? While the book’s not exactly the lightest read on our list, and comes in at 700 pages long, you don’t even need to read the whole thing. Just pick the genre(s) related to your script and absorb Truby’s wisdom on how to elevate it above the rest by adhering to its genre conventions.
A typical review:
#14. Into the Woods by John Yorke.
This book is by a British screenwriter so there are quite a few references to UK movies and TV shows you may not have heard of. Nevertheless, it is definitely one of the best screenwriting books to have come out in recent years.
Its focus is on story structure and storytelling as an art form and will send you back to your script with a newfound sense of enthusiasm. If you want to feel inspired, this is the book to buy!
Why is it one of the best screenwriting books to read this year? As opposed to being a purely craft-based screenwriting book, this one takes the reader on a philosophical and psychological journey deep into the heart of storytelling.
A typical review:
Other helpful books for screenwriters.
These are just a few of the books every screenwriter should have on their shelf. If you really want to make it in this industry, you should be immersed in the world of cinema 24/7.
Learn as much as you can through reading, not just the best scriptwriting books, but books about directing, editing, and producing as well. It all helps. Check out these titles for even more insight into the industry we all love.
Best screenwriting books: The classics.
And for the record, here’s a quick list of those classics and “best screenwriting books for beginners” lists, which are also worth checking out if you haven’t already:
• The Art Of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri
• Screenplay by Syd Field
• Writing Screenplays That Sell by Michael Hague
• The Sequence Approach by Paul Joseph Gulino
• Story by Robert McKee
• Making A Good Script Great by Linda Seger
• Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
• The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler
Best screenwriting books on filmmaking.
We would also highly recommend reading more general books on the film industry and theory such as:
• Down and Dirty Pictures by Peter Biskind
• Independent Ed by Edward Burns
• Like Brothers by Jay & Mark Duplass
• Breakfast With Sharks by Michael Lent
• Adventures in the Screen Trade by William Goldman
• Rebel Without a Crew by Robert Rodriguez
• Hitchcock by Francois Truffaut
• Cinematic Storytelling by Jennifer Van Stijll
In other words, you need to pretty much immerse yourself in the world of cinema, 24/7. Learn as much as you can through reading, not just the best scriptwriting books, but books about directing, editing and producing as well. It all helps.
Free screenwriting books.
On a budget? Here are some links to free screenwriting books that you can download right now without paying a dime.
• 12 free screenwriting eBooks from Go Into the Story. While they’re not exactly screenwriting books, they are free. And they are pretty informative. Download here >>
• Creative Genius 101. This website has links to 18 downloadable free screenwriting books. We haven’t read them all and can’t vouch for the quality of all of them, but they’re worth checking out. Download here >>
And you should also be reading screenplays…
Just as important as reading the best screenwriting books on this list is reading actual screenplays—both professional and amateur ones.
Here’s a list of the best screenplays in various genres to get you started:
• 50 Best Screenplays to Read and Download in Every Genre
• 50 Best TV Scripts to Read and Download in Every Genre
• Read Screenplays Online for Free Using These 5 Websites
Frequently asked questions on the best screenwriting books.
Q1. Should screenwriters read books?
A. There’s a lot of debate about this, naturally. Some professional and aspiring writers alike say it’s a waste of time and money: “All you need to do is write, write, write.” Others say the best screenwriting books on the market contain some valuable information that’s worth absorbing. We’re obviously in the latter camp as we don’t see the point of avoiding information that could help you achieve your goals. Some writers break in without ever having read a single screenwriting book and so call them all trash. Others have read all the best screenwriting books and say they wouldn’t have broken in without them. Ultimately, it’s your call.
Q2. What is the best book for writing a script?
A. There is no one screenwriting book that’s actually “the best.” They all offer different perspectives and helpful knowledge about writing that you can learn from. You should read a ton of them, starting with the lists above. And even then, what’s the “best” for one writer, might not be the “best” for another. Like everything in this game, it’s all subjective. Take the info that helps you the most and leave the rest behind.
Q3. Is it better to write a book or a screenplay?
A. It depends on the story you want to tell. Some stories are naturally suited to the internal and psychological dynamics of the novel, while others work better visually on the screen. On the other hand, a story can often work perfectly well in both mediums. Many novelists adapt their novels into screenplays. If you have a novel you’d like to adapt, you can read how to do it here: How to Adapt a Novel Into a Screenplay in 10 Steps.
Q4. Who is the greatest script writer of all time?
A. Again, like a night at the Oscars, this is purely subjective, but some of the most acclaimed script writers of all time include Woody Allen, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Robert Towne, William Goldman and Billy Wilder. Some more recent additions might be Quentin Tarantino, Nora Ephron, Greta Gerwig, Charlie Kaufman, Sofia Coppola, and the Coen brothers. But you should take a look at their scripts and judge for yourself.
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What are the best screenwriting books you’ve ever read? Let us know in the comments section below. And also if you think we’ve made any glaring omissions.
Enjoyed this post? Check out more of the best screenwriting books to read…
The 3 Best Screenwriting Books for Beginners You Should Own
Screenwriting Books That’ll Revolutionize Your Writing
50 Best Screenplays to Read and Download in Every Genre
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