Writing Screenplays That Sell

Required reading for all screenwriters, the most complete guide available on the art, craft, and business of screenwriting for movies and television.

No one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story. —Will Smith, actor

For more than twenty years, Writing Screenplays That Sell has been hailed as the most complete guide available on the art, craft, and business of writing for movies and television. Now fully revised and updated to reflect the latest trends and scripts, Hollywood story expert and script consultant Michael Hauge walks readers through every step of writing and selling successful screenplays. If you read only one book on the screenwriter's craft, this must be the one.

Michael Hauge is a story master, and this book is an absolute must-have for anyone serious about telling great stories for the screen. —Devon Franklin, vice president of production, Columbia Pictures

In a field choked with alleged "script doctors," Michael Hauge remains the surest, most sensible alternative. When I pick up the phone for help, he's the call I make. —Shane Black, screenwriter: Lethal Weapon one & two; The Last Boy Scout; The Long Kiss Goodnight; screenwriter/director: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

There are five essential books that every person who wants to write screenplays should read. One of them is Writing Screenplays That Sell, and the other four don't matter. —Terry Rossio, cowriter: Pirates of the Caribbean one, two, three & four; Shrek