This authoritative, practical guide lays out everything you need to be a successful screenwriter for film and television.



Written by one of the UK's leading script editors, consultants and producers with over thirty years' experience – including founding and running Channel 4's acclaimed 4Screenwriting course – it provides essential tips and insider advice on:





Generating compelling story ideas – and finding your own voice as a writer
Understanding the fundamental principles and elements of good storytelling for the screen – and how to apply them in your script
Creating engaging characters – and why they need to drive your story
Crafting distinctive and memorable dialogue – and how less can be more
Presenting your script on the page effectively – with tips on both formatting and language
Building and sustaining your career – including how to break into the industry and successfully promote yourself and your work
Collaborating with key people – including producers, agents and script editors


There are detailed analyses of scenes from a wide range of screen dramas, hands-on exercises to help you put it all into practice, and case studies of key contemporary writers such as Russell T Davies, Sally Wainwright, Jimmy McGovern, Abi Morgan, James Graham and Jed Mercurio.



Ideal for all aspiring and emerging screenwriters, this inspiring book will equip you with the tools you need to write the scripts that only you can write, and turn your talent and passion into a professional career.



'Inspiring and insightful. Very few people know as much about screenwriting as Philip Shelley' David Nicholls (One Day, Starter for 10)



'A practical and empowering cut-to-the-chase overview from someone who's given countless British screenwriters (including me!) their break' Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch, Doctor Who)



'Philip Shelley's knowledge and guidance is unparalleled: this book is wise, practical, and brilliantly helpful' Charlie Covell (The End of the F***ing World, Kaos)



'A brilliant, highly informative guide… I wish it had been published when I was starting out' Anna Symon (The Essex Serpent, Joan)