New! Third Edition
WRITE TO TV:
OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND ONTO THE SCREEN
about the book
In Write to TV (third edition) industry veteran Martie Cook offers practical advice on writing innovative television scripts that will allow you to finally get that big idea out of your head and onto the screen. You’ll learn to craft smart, original stories and scripts for a variety of television formats and genres, including comedy, drama, pilots, web series, and subscription video on demand. You’ll hear directly from studio and network executives, agents and managers on what they’re looking for in new writers and how to avoid common pitfalls. Plus, you’ll gain access to sample outlines, script pages, checklists, and countless other invaluable resources that will help you break into the industry and put you on the path to immediate success. This new edition has been updated to include:
Tips and techniques from industry vets Jay Leno, Norman Lear, Kristin Hahn, David McGee, Susan Rovner, Justin Spitzer, Raphael Bob-Waksberg, Jonathan Littman, Peter Jankowski, Stefani Robinson, Dan O’Shannon, Kelly Edwards, Henry Winkler, and Doug Herzog that you can immediately apply to your own projects
Enhanced coverage of writing pilots, pitching, writing webisodes, writing for tweens, writing for late night, and rewriting
Useful advice for navigating the confusing television hierarchy, including how to network, get an agent, land that first writing job, and even “do lunch”
More than 20 new interviews with writers and producers of hit shows such as Atlanta, BoJack Horseman, This is Us, Superstore, Sorry for Your Loss, The Morning Show, Modern Family, The Late Late Show With James Corden, and many more
The third edition has been updated with expanded coverage on writing for global audiences, content creation for streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, as well as writing the web series, podcasts and utilizing free platforms such as YouTube. It also features new chapters on writing for niche markets; breaking into the writers’ room; creating binge-worthy series and how to accompany pilot scripts with a series pitch document. Plus, expanded information on creating complex and compelling characters including writing anti-heroes and strong female protagonists and much, much more.
What People Are Saying
“Martie Cook’s Write to TV is an essential tool and resource in the screenwriting classroom. Students learn from excellent examples and a diverse array of writing topics that equip future writers into the dynamic and ever expanding world of writing for television and streaming media. Terrific book, my students love it!”
—Eric Swelstad, Professor/Chair, Media Arts Los Angeles Valley College
“Martie Cook’s Write to TV (3rd Edition) is a must read for anyone interested in exploring the world of writing for Television. From the basics of concept and scene work to best industry practices, this energized gem covers it all. Ms. Cook also quotes a extraordinary range of celebrated talent from Bob Weide to David McGee to Kristin Hahn in a journey through the world of the television writer. I cannot recommend it more highly.”
—Linda Reisman, Producer, Leave No Trace, The Danish Girl, and Distinguished Producer-in-Residence, Emerson College
“Martie Cook has one of the best minds out there when it comes to writing for television. Her experience and insight played a crucial role in shaping my writing career, and I’m thrilled for the aspiring writers who will surely benefit from the wisdom in these pages!”
—Jon Rineman, Writer, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon