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The TV Writer's Workbook: A Creative Approach To Television Scripts
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.
• 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!
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.
• 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!
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 8, 2017
NOTE: Grab a pen and journal before you start this one. It’s called a workbook for a reason. The author Ellen Sandler boasts three decades in the TV writing biz. She shares her expertise in this workbook with wit and firm suggestion. She pulls no punches about what is expected of a baby writer and I more than appreciated the realness.
Best takeaway from this is the Script Breakdown Chart. One of the key exercises in the workbook asks you to select & dissect three scripts from shows similar to the proposed tone of your future show. I created my own template and plan to use it moving forward with any script I read for education.
Great easy read about the TV writing dos and don’ts!
Best takeaway from this is the Script Breakdown Chart. One of the key exercises in the workbook asks you to select & dissect three scripts from shows similar to the proposed tone of your future show. I created my own template and plan to use it moving forward with any script I read for education.
Great easy read about the TV writing dos and don’ts!
July 15, 2022
There is no other form of writing that has an expected format where little deviation can occur that writing for a move or television show. If a person expects to be successful in screenwriting and teleplays the writer must follow the correct format or they will not be considered for production. That's why it feels that most script writing books give the same advice over and over again. Ellen Sandler’s book is no exception, except we get her perspective on the process, her tips on how she uses the process, and a reinforcement of how important it is to follow what is expected if one wants to be a successful script writer. In her book she focuses on how to create a spec script that will get noticed by producers. She spends a great deal of time on the need for the story to follow the central character including how they must have an emotional conflict, how the character drives the action, and, of course, this central character solves the problem. This is how most television shows operate and 100% how a spec script needs to go. She gives an overview of each step of the process from log lines to treatments, to outlines and the final the last step, the dialogue. One big tip that she offers is how she is always answering the question: how is tonight unlike the night before? After going through each step the script must undergo she talks more about pitching, getting agents and managers, and entering script contests Which is where the book deviates from most other script writing books that don't always offer such information and stick to format only information.
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September 19, 2022for class!
March 30, 2023
I am going to go a whole 5⭐️s For Ellen Sandler's writing book!
This book is HIGHLY informative. It gives straight forward, practical advice for writing commercial television. (I am positive this advice would translate into other scripts as well.) She back up her words with solid examples that can still be pulled up and streamed today.
Nothing in the book is sugarcoated. She walks the reader though her steps for creating a pilot, writing a script for a show on the air. It's almost like a step-by-step guide, except it's not. It's more: This is how I have done this and had some success. I don't feel like I'm being talked at as I read. Her stories of instances in writing are human and relatable, even if I am not in that industry (as of yet).
For example, she shows pages of her own drafts from first to final with a deep dive explanation of why it changed. This is something invaluable, especially for someone who is not in LA and who can't afford script writing classes, especially when writing groups are scarce.
This book has really blown my mind, because most books like this just tells a story or ten about the script writing process and doesn't really do a deep dive. An invaluable book. I'm so happy I found it when I did.
This is a HIGHLY RECOMMEND for anyone looking to get started in writing Television...or screenwriting of any kind, because I do think this information could be applied to a movie script, or any other type of writing.
This book is HIGHLY informative. It gives straight forward, practical advice for writing commercial television. (I am positive this advice would translate into other scripts as well.) She back up her words with solid examples that can still be pulled up and streamed today.
Nothing in the book is sugarcoated. She walks the reader though her steps for creating a pilot, writing a script for a show on the air. It's almost like a step-by-step guide, except it's not. It's more: This is how I have done this and had some success. I don't feel like I'm being talked at as I read. Her stories of instances in writing are human and relatable, even if I am not in that industry (as of yet).
For example, she shows pages of her own drafts from first to final with a deep dive explanation of why it changed. This is something invaluable, especially for someone who is not in LA and who can't afford script writing classes, especially when writing groups are scarce.
This book has really blown my mind, because most books like this just tells a story or ten about the script writing process and doesn't really do a deep dive. An invaluable book. I'm so happy I found it when I did.
This is a HIGHLY RECOMMEND for anyone looking to get started in writing Television...or screenwriting of any kind, because I do think this information could be applied to a movie script, or any other type of writing.
September 15, 2016
I recommend this to people who are not writers but are interested in how television writing works. And you know that nearly endless list of producers in TV credits? She explains who all those people are. It's worth the day spent reading it just for that information. ( I always wondered what the heck they were all producing. As it ends up...usually words.)
But I think it's pretty good at what it aims to do, too, for its intended audience. I read craft books from time to time and ones not in my own interest area because I think there is always something to learn. I learned a couple things from this. She quotes Steven Cannell who said "write your second act from the antagonist's perspective ". Hmm.... And she also talks about how if your treatment/ outline has verbs like "ask " or "tell, " you are making a mistake, fairly easily remedied. There are half a dozen gems in here for me, a narrative prose writer, and I can only assume that for someone who actually wanted to write a TV comedy spec script that it would be invaluable. Perhaps it's a little less useful for drama writers.
It also reminded me why I am not cut out to be a writer in Hollywood. All that nattering and back-and-forth and social stuff and everybody but the janitor (and maybe him too) having his say in your script. Yikes!
But I think it's pretty good at what it aims to do, too, for its intended audience. I read craft books from time to time and ones not in my own interest area because I think there is always something to learn. I learned a couple things from this. She quotes Steven Cannell who said "write your second act from the antagonist's perspective ". Hmm.... And she also talks about how if your treatment/ outline has verbs like "ask " or "tell, " you are making a mistake, fairly easily remedied. There are half a dozen gems in here for me, a narrative prose writer, and I can only assume that for someone who actually wanted to write a TV comedy spec script that it would be invaluable. Perhaps it's a little less useful for drama writers.
It also reminded me why I am not cut out to be a writer in Hollywood. All that nattering and back-and-forth and social stuff and everybody but the janitor (and maybe him too) having his say in your script. Yikes!
February 26, 2016
I bought this book on the advice of another screenwriter, when I mentioned wanting to write a spec script for the first time. I had written features, shorts, and my own pilot, but to round out my portfolio, I needed a spec script. I approach books about writing with some caution. There was a time in my life when I would have been grateful for tips on how to garner ideas, how to think about your audience, how to motivate yourself to write. Those years are long over, though, and I find myself losing patience when the writing books I spend my hard earned money on are full of hippy-dippy "How to grow as an artist and not get torn down by this cruel, cruel profession." I have writer's groups and my own blog in which to marvel at the written word. If I'm reading a book on writing, I need something practical.
This book is EXACTLY the kind of book I was hoping for. It does start from scratch, assuming you know nothing about screenwriting, or how it works, which is a mixed bag. I've been out of the game for about six years, so it was good to catch up, but the stuff I already knew, like how to get ideas, what the various terms were, how to format, were EASY to skim over, thanks to the carefully labeled sections. It's also got great exercises sprinkled throughout that are not the least bit condescending. It offers great tips, resources, insights and examples whether you're just starting out, or you've been writing for a while, and just hoping to move to TV.
The only real problem with the book is it can be very... LA. It's very much geared toward an American market, so I'm not surprised, but there's a lot of, "you must come to LA, or you cannot succeed." There's also a lot of namedropping, and a lot of the author plugging her own wares. "Try my website. Check out more information @ my website. Email me for..." Less than I expected, honestly, but still a lot more than I would have liked. Still. It's TV. It's all about the schmooze, right?
I learned a lot reading this book, and I personally like that it spends less time on the basics then other writing books. If you've written film or TV before, or are wondering how to get started? This is a great book on spec scripts. Note there's very little or no mention of writing an original pilot, so if that's what you're aiming to do, skip this one.
This book is EXACTLY the kind of book I was hoping for. It does start from scratch, assuming you know nothing about screenwriting, or how it works, which is a mixed bag. I've been out of the game for about six years, so it was good to catch up, but the stuff I already knew, like how to get ideas, what the various terms were, how to format, were EASY to skim over, thanks to the carefully labeled sections. It's also got great exercises sprinkled throughout that are not the least bit condescending. It offers great tips, resources, insights and examples whether you're just starting out, or you've been writing for a while, and just hoping to move to TV.
The only real problem with the book is it can be very... LA. It's very much geared toward an American market, so I'm not surprised, but there's a lot of, "you must come to LA, or you cannot succeed." There's also a lot of namedropping, and a lot of the author plugging her own wares. "Try my website. Check out more information @ my website. Email me for..." Less than I expected, honestly, but still a lot more than I would have liked. Still. It's TV. It's all about the schmooze, right?
I learned a lot reading this book, and I personally like that it spends less time on the basics then other writing books. If you've written film or TV before, or are wondering how to get started? This is a great book on spec scripts. Note there's very little or no mention of writing an original pilot, so if that's what you're aiming to do, skip this one.
March 18, 2021
I don't generally love books on writing that claim to be how-to manuals or provide the reader with "proven strategies for breaking into TV" as this book does. I still read them from time to time because I'm always curious if they'll offer me some new insight, but I usually find them lacking. (The very premise of there being "proven strategies" to success irks me to be quite honest.) However, this book stood out as being better than most of its kind.
What I like most about this book is that it's written by someone who's had a successful TV writing career and has credits that we've actually heard of. Sandler knows what she's talking about and there's some good practical advice in here. The parts I enjoyed most were when she gets extremely specific in her advice, like when she offers concrete suggestions for how to fix on-the-nose dialogue or exposition dumps. I also found the suggested writing exercises useful, something which I so rarely find to be the case in other books on writing. I didn't find her explanation of story structure to be the most coherent or helpful, but it was still interesting to read her take on it.
Personally, the only parts of the book that were relevant to me were in "Part II: What You Need To Do." I skimmed the third and final part on the business of Hollywood itself because it was all either information I already knew or advice that was slightly outdated. Still, if you know nothing about the TV writing industry, I do think this book would serve you well as Sandler does give a realistic overview of what a career in TV writing entails and what will be expected of you in that industry.
If you're interested in TV writing (and especially if you're trying to write a spec of a TV show), I'd suggest giving this book a try. Then heed the writing advice that is helpful or feels true to you and forget about the rest.
What I like most about this book is that it's written by someone who's had a successful TV writing career and has credits that we've actually heard of. Sandler knows what she's talking about and there's some good practical advice in here. The parts I enjoyed most were when she gets extremely specific in her advice, like when she offers concrete suggestions for how to fix on-the-nose dialogue or exposition dumps. I also found the suggested writing exercises useful, something which I so rarely find to be the case in other books on writing. I didn't find her explanation of story structure to be the most coherent or helpful, but it was still interesting to read her take on it.
Personally, the only parts of the book that were relevant to me were in "Part II: What You Need To Do." I skimmed the third and final part on the business of Hollywood itself because it was all either information I already knew or advice that was slightly outdated. Still, if you know nothing about the TV writing industry, I do think this book would serve you well as Sandler does give a realistic overview of what a career in TV writing entails and what will be expected of you in that industry.
If you're interested in TV writing (and especially if you're trying to write a spec of a TV show), I'd suggest giving this book a try. Then heed the writing advice that is helpful or feels true to you and forget about the rest.
June 20, 2023
Glad I Bought & Read This
The TV Writer's Workbook is recommended in David Trottier's, The Screenwriter's Bible. I wasn't sure of I should buy it or not because it's an older book and TV may have changed some since then. But I'm happy to say that I was wrong. After one read- through I feel I've been thunked on the head with helpful inside information about "the business." Now, I'm going through it again to prepare my lists, checklists and notes so I can get my portfolio together faster, properly prepared, with some realistic hope on the side. I was unsure about writing for TV, instead of features, but after reading Ellen Sandler's sound advice, I'm excited about the possibility of being at "The Table" in "The Room." Of course writers would use the simplest terms to describe the place where many different imaginations come together and magically create new worlds & adventures. If you want to know more about the business of TV writing and getting your career going, definitely make this one of the books you read. Highly recommended.
The TV Writer's Workbook is recommended in David Trottier's, The Screenwriter's Bible. I wasn't sure of I should buy it or not because it's an older book and TV may have changed some since then. But I'm happy to say that I was wrong. After one read- through I feel I've been thunked on the head with helpful inside information about "the business." Now, I'm going through it again to prepare my lists, checklists and notes so I can get my portfolio together faster, properly prepared, with some realistic hope on the side. I was unsure about writing for TV, instead of features, but after reading Ellen Sandler's sound advice, I'm excited about the possibility of being at "The Table" in "The Room." Of course writers would use the simplest terms to describe the place where many different imaginations come together and magically create new worlds & adventures. If you want to know more about the business of TV writing and getting your career going, definitely make this one of the books you read. Highly recommended.
May 26, 2021
This is extremely basic. Only buy it if you truly know nothing about TV writing. Despite calling itself a “workbook” and a “creative approach” there are only a couple creative exercises in this entire book, most of it is the same basic info as all other TV writing books.
June 18, 2018
This book is Legit! Helped me finish a pilot and provided me with sound advice.
March 11, 2019
So good. I love that she takes you through the process with one of her own scripts.
March 4, 2021
A unique take on a screen writing book. Creative exercises and practical advice. I was surprised!
May 18, 2021
I am just studying how it all works. Ellen Sandler has a good grip on it and explains well.
January 21, 2022
the best book to help you learn how to write TV
I love Ellen’s book. Straight; no nonsense, like being in a writer’s room and going right for the jugular. Practical and useful.
I love Ellen’s book. Straight; no nonsense, like being in a writer’s room and going right for the jugular. Practical and useful.
February 25, 2017
A very honest and blunt guide to jumping into the Television writing pool. I found this book enlightening and humbling. Sandler is completely honest about what a writer should expect and how to respond to everything from rejection to criticism to acceptance. An important guide to all aspiring television writers.
July 8, 2015
I'm not really out to write for TV or film specifically. I can't really speak to the effectiveness of the book, which is clearly laid out to help you get hired.
But I love the clear and honest premise that only great writing will get you hired, and that writing takes a lot of work.
She takes you through a step-by-step process that gives plenty of practical tips without reducing it to a formula. There are particular exercises peppered throughout. At each stage she gives you things to look for to make sure you're on track. You know why she suggests each thing. Your storytelling will be complete, clear and original at each stage.
Then she also guides you through navigating the industry in a similarly practical way (although again, that wasn't really the draw for me).
As a rank amateur, I found it quite informative, accessible, and actionable.
But I love the clear and honest premise that only great writing will get you hired, and that writing takes a lot of work.
She takes you through a step-by-step process that gives plenty of practical tips without reducing it to a formula. There are particular exercises peppered throughout. At each stage she gives you things to look for to make sure you're on track. You know why she suggests each thing. Your storytelling will be complete, clear and original at each stage.
Then she also guides you through navigating the industry in a similarly practical way (although again, that wasn't really the draw for me).
As a rank amateur, I found it quite informative, accessible, and actionable.
April 6, 2014
Unlike some books on TV writing, this is a very practical step-by-step approach written by someone with years of experience in the industry. Focusing mostly on the sit-com, Ellen Sandler provides a method for developing your first spec script, presented with a large does of humor and without any pretension. If you're interested in putting in the hard work to write a great first script to launch your television writing career, this book is an excellent place to start your journey. Highly recommended.
August 7, 2010
I loved this book. It's so rare to find a writing guide that's both fun and conversationally candid, yet actually has useful information that goes beyond writing workshop 101. (i.e. "show, don't tell!")
I even looked on her website to find out about script consulting, but she costs a fortune. Oh, well. The book is totally worth it.
I even looked on her website to find out about script consulting, but she costs a fortune. Oh, well. The book is totally worth it.
August 7, 2012
Pretty excellent on how to write a TV spec script for an existing show. Lot's of general good information about TV too. Sandler says writing a spec pilot for an original idea would be a whole other book, but I think there's lot's of useful guidance that could apply if you are doing your own thing and not writing a fake episode of "The Office". The best book on the topic thatI've read so far.
April 7, 2009
You don't have to be a TV writer to benefit from this book. This has inspired new ideas for my book-in-progress as well as the TV show idea I'm cooking up. Ms. Sandler's practical approach to the craft is a gift from the beyond.
November 17, 2011
One of the best books on writing I've ever read. Sandler gives very practical advice and does not try to make her prose too cutesy. Worth it for her script breakdown worksheet alone. IF you are interested in writing for TV, this is the book to read.
January 21, 2016
كتاب تاني من اللي بيتكلموا عن كتابة المسلسلات والست كومز خصوصا. بالمقارنة بelephant bucks فهو كتاب معقول. في شوية insights بسيطة في الكتابة شوية مختلفة عن كتاب شيلدون بول. بس في الآخر شيلدون بول كتابه وطريقته أسهل وأصيع وعملية أكتر.
February 10, 2017
This book taught me a lot about screenwriting and the production process of television shows. Most of this book felt geared towards writing sitcoms, but it was a fun and interesting read and I feel like I have a much better idea of what being a screenwriter entails.
October 25, 2016
Dated. These days an original pilot is needed, so I hear. A book I found really informative is Daniel P. Calvisi's STORY MAPS: TV DRAMA. Gives you the skinny and the book is slim, so instead of spending your time reading, you write.
March 5, 2009
Hands down the best book for aspiring TV writers. And I've read a bunch.
May 17, 2011
Full of jargon but solid advice.
September 10, 2015
I wrote a television series for my Masters in college and this book was a great tool to help me write it.
October 23, 2013
This book was wonderfully insightful, helpful and, at times, funny. I'd recommend it (as well as The Comedy Bible) for anyone interested in writing television screenplays.
November 27, 2013
Excellent, pragmatic recommendations on how to generate good ideas for TV scripts and see them through to polished drafts. One of the best books I've read on the subject.
April 11, 2014
A great, modern guide to TV writing
It was an easy read and jam packed with tips and techniques. A must read if you are writing scripts of any sort.
It was an easy read and jam packed with tips and techniques. A must read if you are writing scripts of any sort.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews