Successful Television Writing [Paperback]

Lee Goldberg (Author), William Rabkin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471431680 | ISBN-13: 978-0471431688 | Publication Date: June 24, 2003 | Edition: 1

Do you dream of a job as a successful television writer on a hit show? Lee Goldberg and William Rabkin give you practical but essential advice to help make your dreams a reality. They teach you how to discover the "Franchise" or structure of a television show in order to write a successful and eye catching spec script. The four-act structure is covered, along with the elements that go into telling a good story. After you've blown them away with your spec script, learn how to pitch confidently and concisely. You'll also find invaluable information on how to work with producers, how to handle your first writing assignment, and tackle revisions. Also included are Writer's Guidelines, and beat sheets, from several television shows to help you familiarize yourself with the way writer's work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fantastic, fun, informative guide to breaking into-and more importantly, staying in-the TV writing game from the guys who taught me how to play it." --Terence Winter, Exec Producer,Boardwalk Empire 

Should be required reading for all aspiring television writers --Howard Gordon, Exec Producer, "24" 

"Reading this book is like having a good, long lunch with your two best friends in the TV business." --Janet Evanovich, New York Times bestselling author

Here is a must-read for new writers and established practitioners whose imagination could use a booster shot --Professor Richard Walter, Screenwriting Chairman, UCLA Department of Film and TV

"...Never dull, Successful Television Writing is a pleasure to read. This one goes to the top of my pile..." (The Write Stuff, February 2004)

Review

"Where was this book when I was starting out?! A fantastic, fun, informative guide to breaking in - and more importantly, staying in the TV writing game - from the guys who taught me how to play it." —Terence Winter, Co-Executive Producer, The Sopranos

"Goldberg and Rabkin write not only with clarity and wit but also with the authority gleaned through their years of experience slogging through Hollywood's trenches. Here is a must-read not only for new writers but also for established practitioners whose spirit and imagination could use a booster shot." —Prof. Richard Walter, Screenwriting Chairman, UCLA Dept. Film and TV

"Not since William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade has there been a book this revealing, funny, and informative about The Industry. Reading this book is like having a good, long lunch with your two best friends in the TV business." —Janet Evanovich

"With sharp wit and painful honesty, Goldberg & Rabkin offer the truest account yet of working in the TV business. Accept no substitutes!" —Jeffrey B. Hodes & Nastaran Dibai, Executive Producers, "Third Rock from The Sun"

"Should be required reading for all aspiring television writers." —Howard Gordon, Executive Producer, 24 and X-Files

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (June 24, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471431680
• ISBN-13: 978-0471431688
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #127,529 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More involved than you realize, August 2, 2003

By 

Victor Gischler (the wilds of oklahoma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Successful Television Writing (Paperback)

This book on writing for television is simply a must read if you plan on breaking into the business. But even if you never plan to write a single script, it's simply a very interesting and insightful glimpse into the world of television. The authors convey useful information with wit and style. Writing for TV isn't as simple as you might think. I was surprised and intrigued by all the intricacies of the industry.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Revealing Knowledge, May 10, 2009

By 

Kimberly E. Lightfoot "Kim-E" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Successful Television Writing (Paperback)

This book was purported to be an overall guide on how to write for the TV industry. What to expect on the inside and how to get there. It was exactly that from the writer's perspective. He wrote a spec script with a couple of friends it was chosen from the stack and he was a TV writer from then on.

He explains who to curtsy to, who to fear, and who to shrug off and when. Hints at how to make friends and how to get the job done right all make for a well-rounded, excellently plotted and planned book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are planning on ever working in television, read this book., January 28, 2006

By 

Celeste M. Purdy (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Successful Television Writing (Paperback)

I read this book to help prepare me for what I would never know going into a writers room , or pitching to the showrunners. This helped me get to that point and to know how and what to expect when I get there, which I believe is soon. Thanks Lee.