How to Sell Your Screenplay: A Realistic Guide to Getting a Television or Film Deal

I sent the following e-mail to a friend that was looking for advice on how to sell his screenplay:I just finished writing my second screenplay and I'm researching how to market it. I bought an EXCELLENT book that walks you through not only the script format (which was invaluable because I thought I knew the stuff and learned a lot) but also the marketing and research you need to do to sell the script. It's called 'How to Sell your Screenplay' by Lydia and Joan Wilen.In addition to chapters on finding people to read your script, how to pitch your ideas, how to organize your search, how to word and format correspondence, this book is full of great insider stories about the screenplay trade and I highly recommend it as a starting point. Even if the guy doesn't find the book especially enlightening, the back is full of other resources (an annotated bibliography, web resources, etc) that will help him learn the business.So, in a word, I recommend this book. I give it five stars and I've only read half of it. I found so may tips and interesting anecdotal stories in the first half, it's worth every penny.

The Wilen sisters have written a fabulous book on selling your screenplay. Each section is extremely well-thought out and planned. They explain in detail the correct format for a screenplay, the legal terms with sample contracts. They also provide examples of coverage sheets, and clearly outline the steps you need to take to approach possible buyers of your screenplay, teaching you how to deal with agents and production companies with courtesy and professionalism.Also, throughout the book are sidenotes from respected screenwriters and other members of the industry, as well as stories of the voyage from script to screen, on many well known movies including 'Men of Honor', 'Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'Sleepless in Seattle', once again reinforcing the idea of how long it could possibly take for your script to be sold.They never deviate from giving encouragement to the new screenwriter, but offer doses of reality in a gentle way.A priceless resource for anyone trying to break into the screenwriting business, this should be the first book you purchase.

This book is a MUST for anyone thinking of entering the world of screenwriting. Very clear, very easy to understand, very organized, and EXTREMELY useful tips on how to make it big in the business. It's become my own personal Bible for screenwriting!

This rocks! This tells you everything--I mean, everything--you need to know about breaking into the crazy profession of screenwriting. The Wilen sisters pull no punches. Besides the practical need-to-know stuff, the book is filled with the realities of the business. The numerous anecdotes from produced screenwriters are enlightening, entertaining and sometimes harrowing. I teach Screenwriting at New York University's Tisch School of the Arets. This book is going immediately onto my required reading list.

I am a professional screenwriter, have worked at every studio, had three films made, with one Oscar nomination. I was sent this book as a courtesy, and even though most of the writing-related books I read are craft-based and not about how to break in, this has to be the most comprehensive, detailed, reader-friendly and writer-sensitive book I can imagine. It is like being told everything you need to know and having your hand held and your back patted and your existence affirmed all at the same time. The case histories, mostly by "made" writers themselves, are supportive and informative. No one can write your script for you. But if I had to break in all over again, I would be grateful as heck that this book were out there. My only problem with it is that there wasn't something like this around for me when I was starting out. In every other way, this book is great news for the emerging screenwriter who is serious about making this a career and a business, and not just some pipe dream.