Customer Reviews

Write to TV: Out of Your Head and onto the Screen

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book gives you what you need in order to make it in the TV world and it's a great, easy read. I kept wanting to turn the page, just like a TV script, to get to the next section. I've read many books about writing scripts, but this one is going on the reference shelf, right next to my copy of The Elements of Style. It's that special.

What is so perfect about this book, is not only is the information well organized, but it's from someone who has been there. She worked hard to break into the TV industry and her journey resembles the one I am currently going through. It's nice to know that I'm not alone and that someone from the East Coast, with no prior contacts, can make it as a TV writer. I always trust people who actually made it over "Gurus" who teach, but can't do.

If you're serious about being a TV writer, pick this book up. It's a "TV Writing Class" in book form.

I have read scores of books on screenwriting, but this one really stands out. With up-to-date savvy and down-to-earth clarity, Cook's book thoroughly covers all of the essentials you'd expect in a TV writing book: story, character, plot development, narrative structure, dialogue and formatting. What makes this book refreshingly different from the rest is that there is a wealth of advice and insight from TV writers on hugely successful shows such as "Grey's Anatomy" and "Desperate Housewives." So, you get lots of different viewpoints from creative pros at the top of their game. I also found Cook's guidance for breaking into the business, getting an agent, persevering, and eventually landing that first staff job to be immensely helpful, practical and encouraging. If you have any ambitions of writing for TV and doing it well, then the first step is to get this book now! One of the best investments I've ever made to put my TV writing career on a truly promising path.

If you want to write for television and get only one book, let this be the book! I feel that it is the best nuts and bolts book out there to help you on the right path. It is the place to start. Read this before writing anything and you will save yourself tremendous amounts of time and aggravation. Tips on writing for sitcoms, drama, miniseries, movies of the week, plus others are all included. Besides the author's own words, experiences and ideas, the book is peppered with pearls of wisdom from the industry greats. It is like having your own personal mentor at your elbow with suggestions and cautions every step of the way and well worth the price! You will be happy you purchased it. Good luck on your writing!

I bought this for a friend that's writing a pilot for an upcoming tv show. It's got some pretty good pointers, also check out the Screen Writer's Bible...

Don't look to this book for script-writing advice. It mostly relies on the business side of show-business, describing the inner workings of the TV industry and the steps that you can take in order to get your foot through the door (this is actually the title of one of the chapters) and what you need to do when you have two or more spec scripts in your writer's portfolio. There is some advice as to what topics and story lines to avoid when writing a spec, but aside from that, there is little in the book about screenwriting. It does, however, tell you how to deal with writer's block, what you need to do aside from writing each and every day, such as reading the newspaper, the daily trades and networking. A lot of good advice from industry insiders can be found on almost every page. As I've allready stated in the title, it's a good all-round book for beginning writers...

A comprehensive guide to anyone aspiring to become a TV writer. This book provides detailed informatin and indepth insight in all areas of the genre - from episodic to children's TV. This should be required reading for indiviuals seriously considering TV writing as a career.

"This book takes a "real world" approach to TV writing. If you want to be a TV writer, but don't know where to begin, Cook's book will take you through the whole process, and make it seem amazingly easy. She covers practical things like how to choose a spec script that's right for you, how to find the right story for your spec, and formatting. Additionally, there is a whole section on what to do with your script once you have written it - things like how to get an agent or land your first job in the business even if you don't know anybody. Also, throughout the book there are interviews with current TV writers who also give tips on how to get your script noticed."

This is one of the best books on TV writing I've seen. Cook walks us through an easy to follow step-by-step process of writing a professional television script. She also gives all kinds of tips on how to get your script into the hands of a producer and/or agent. I also found the advice from industry insiders like Jay Leno, Paul Haggis and writers from shows like The Simpsons and Grey's Anatomy extremely interesting and useful. If you want to be a television writer, this is one book you definitely want to read.

Marilyn Cummings
Member Director's Guild of America

As someone fairly knowledgeable about many aspects of the entertainment industry, I realized that I actually knew A LOT less than presumed! This is an invaluable tool that gives you all you need to know if you are serious about making a career out of writing for television! If that is the case, DON'T PROCEED WITHOUT IT!

Martie Cook should be commended. She has crafted a sterling volume of informative anecdotes. I fully enjoyed her on the money look at the television industry from a writer's standpoint. I highly recommend this book to any one with interest in the television industry, or anyone who wants to see what it takes to succeed in any field of endeavor. I plan to mention this book to all my friend's and relatives in the hopes that they get as much satisfaction out of reading it as I did.