This is six books in one. Book 1 - A screenwriting primer that provides a concise presentation of screenwriting basics. Book 2 - A workbook that walks the writer through the writing process, from nascent ideas through revisions. Book 3 - A formatting guide that presents correct formats for both screenplays and TV scripts. Book 4 - A spec writing guide that demonstrates today's spec style through sample scenes and analysis. Book 5 - A sales and marketing guide that presents proven strategies to help you create a laser-sharp marketing plan. Book 6 - A resource guide that provides addresses and contacts for industry organisations, schools, publications, support groups, services, contests, etc. Among its wealth of practical information are sample query letters, useful worksheets and checklists, hundreds of examples, sample scenes, and straightforward explanations of screenwriting fundamentals.
Dave Trottier has sold, optioned, or developed numerous screenplays and stories for The Walt Disney Company, Jim Henson Pictures, York Entertainment, On the Bus Productions, Hill Fields (for ABC television) and New Century Pictures.
As a teacher and writing coach, he has helped hundreds of writers sell their work, break into the biz, and win contests (including two Nicholl Fellowship winners and a National Play Award winner). Recently, Dave rated in the top 6% of the "Cream of the Crop" category of Creative Screenwriting's report "The Best Movie and TV Script Analysts and Consultants as Rated by Screenwriters."
He has taught at the major screenwriting expos and conferences, has lectured or led writing and screenwriting seminars at dozens of American universities, and teaches occasional writing classes at the University of Phoenix where he was honored with a Distinguished Teaching Award in 2005. He also conducts his own online courses, workshops, and retreats, including his popular Sundance Retreat. He hosts the popular web site keepwriting.com.
His major work, "The Screenwriter's Bible," is now in its fifth edition. He has also published several other books, including "The Freelance Writer's Bible," based on his popular national seminar 17 Ways to Make a Living as a Writer. He has written a column for Script magazine since 1989, and has published hundreds of articles and stories in national publications.
With his B.A. in business administration (from Cal-State, Fullerton), Dave has a strong business and marketing background. He served for five years as the marketing manager and then executive vice president for a distributor of memorabilia and precious metals (about 100 employees). Prior to that, he was in middle management for a large corporation. As a marketing consultant and business writer, his past clients include The Walt Disney Company, Honda Acura, American Premiere, Lucasfilm, Nutrex, Mitsubishi Materials, Ivy Communications, and Citizen America. He edited the quarterly newsletter "Precious Metals Today" for four years.
Dave has an M.A. from Goddard College and is a graduate of both the Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute and the Hollywood Film Institute. He served on the board of the Arts & Humanities Department of Cal-State, Long Beach, before moving to his present home near Sundance, Utah, where he married Virginia artist and educator Marsha Sawyer. They have two children, which is why he currently spends less time on the road.
