The TV Writer's Workbook - by Ellen Sandler (Paperback)

About the Book

Here is the first hands-on how-to book for aspiring television writers, with in-depth exercises and substantive advice from an Emmy-nominated TV writer.

Book Synopsis

Why is TV writing different from any other kind of writing? How will writing a spec script open doors? What do I have to do to get a job writing for TV? Writing for television is a business. And, like any business, there are proven strategies for success. In this unique hands-on guide, television writer and producer Ellen Sandler shares the trade secrets she learned while writing for hit shows like Everybody Loves Raymond and Coach. She offers concrete advice on everything from finding a story to getting hired on a current series.

Filled with easy-to-implement exercises and practical wisdom, this ingenious how-to handbook outlines the steps for becoming a professional TV writer, starting with a winning script. Sandler explains the difference between "selling" and "telling," form and formula, theme and plot.
Discover:

- A technique for breaking down a show style so you're as close to being in the writing room as you can get without actually having a job there
- The 3 elements for that essential Concept Line that you must have
in order to create a story with passion and consequence
- Mining the 7 Deadly Sins for fresh and original story lines
- Sample scripts from hit shows
- In-depth graphs, script breakdown charts, vital checkpoints
along the way, and much, much more!

About the Author

Ellen Sandler has over twenty years of experience in the TV writing business. She was Co-Executive Producer and writer on the Emmy-winning hit series Everybody Loves Raymond, and has written for over 25 prime-time network television series, including Taxi, Kate and Allie, and Coach. She is a highly-regarded script consultant, and in addition to her Television Writing workshops in LA and NYC, is a frequent featured speaker at schools and universities across the country.