reviews
“Write to TV is a must read for anyone even thinking of becoming a TV Writer.”
—Walter Klenhardt Writer, Garage Sale Mystery and countless other TV movies
“Martie Cook’s Write to TV is required reading for anyone considering a career in TV writing. More than any other single thing, I owe my success to following her teachings.”
—Matt Fusfeld, Writer/Producer, New Girl, Community, American Dad
"Martie has done an amazing job at explaining real-world script writing information. Beginner writers get it right away. The book is direct, honest, and authentic.”
—Bill Lancaster, Communication’s Professor Northeastern University and Television Producer
”Martie has done a terrific job in laying out a practical, nuts-and-bolts approach to TV writing. She got it exactly right. Any aspiring writer should read this book before diving into the cold, show business waters. As an added bonus it can also be used as a flotation device.”
—Marc Warren, Writer/Producer, Full House, That’s So Raven, Cory in the House, Even Stevens, Jonas
Write to TV is an invaluable resource not just for writers but for anyone interested in getting the inside scoop about the way the industry works and how to break in. It gives an extensive overview of the current world of TV and a step-by-step guide for the new writer in town. It’s anecdotal yet informational, entertaining yet insightful. Because the author has lived this experience, she can give a firsthand step-by-step account of how you get from that first pitch to the on-screen credit.”
—Libby Beers, Executive Producer, The Christmas Ornament, Bringing Ashley Home
more praise
“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
“I think this is about the best book on writing for television out there. I hope it sells like crazy because television will be better for it.”
—Peter Dunn, Emmy and Peabody Award-Winning Writer/Producer, CSI, Melrose Place, Dallas, Knots Landing, Author, Emotional Structure
“Martie Cook imparts a tremendous amount of knowledge in a way that is both easy to understand and entertaining. It is like having a mentor in book form.”
—Christopher Crowe, Writer, The Last of the Mohicans, Fear
“Martie Cook’s Write to TV is the best book I’ve found on the subject in 20 years as a prime time writer/producer and 15 years as a college professor teaching the subject. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of writing TV comedy and drama.”
—Ross Brown, Writer/Producer, Step By Step, Who’s The Boss?, The Facts of Life and Author of Create Your Own TV Series for the Internet and Director of the MFA in low-residency Screenwriting Program, Antioch University Santa Barbara
“Write to TV takes you inside the minds of writers, producers, and network suits in this brutally honest book. A ‘must read’ for anyone who has the dream of making it in Hollywood. I wish I had read this book 20 years ago!”
—Glenn Meehan, Producer, 44 Blue Productions
“Martie Cook’s Write to TV is a smart, ‘How It Is’ book. It’s an inspiring and edifying insider’s first-hand experience and knowledge imparted lovingly and entertainingly. It’s a book you can’t set down once you begin and when you are done, you’ll know what it takes to be successful in breaking into the business – the rest is up to you.”
—Hassan Ildari, Writer/Director, The Face of the Enemy and professor at Emerson 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’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
“At last, someone who has ‘been there & done that’ has written a serious and informed guide about the world of television writing. Martie Cook’s Write to TV is a nuts and bolts guide that is absorbing, lively and concise. Offering everything from behind the scenes basics, to writing for different television formats, to how to get an agent, this truly great book accomplishes the triple task of being informative, entertaining and well-written.”
—Jean Stawarz, Writer, Powwow Highway and Professor of Film and Television Writing, Emerson College
“In her new book Write to TV, Martie Cook gives the fledgling writer an insider’s view of the TV industry and breaking into the writing game. Using her wit, candor and years of hard-won experience, Martie reports back from the TV trenches and breaks down everything it takes to make it as a writer. We learn the secrets of a winning spec, how to find an agent and what to expect when you do finally land that first big job. It’s all here. She even covers what your script cover should look like. And it’s all in a fun, personal, practical guide. Where was this book when I was starting out?”
—Manny Basanese, Writer/Producer, The Steve Harvey Show, The Wayans Bros., Family Matters and Professor of Film and Television Writing, Emerson College