About the Book:

In this revised and updated guide for every student of the small screen and every scriptwriter dreaming of breaking into the business, writer-producer Madeline DiMaggio hands you the tools of the trade.

With dozens of examples from today's hit shows, as well as perennial classics, Madeline DiMaggio walks you through the scriptwriting process, from learning how to watch TV like a writer to developing your script, pitching it, and eventually sealing the deal.

Accomplished screenwriter Madeline DiMaggio answers the questions on every aspiring television writer's mind, with chapters on:
• The tools of scriptwriting;
• Hooks that sell;
• Creating the pilot;
• Developing the episode, step by step;
• How to create riveting characters;
• Writing long form and cable movies;
• Adaptations and collaborations;
• Marketing your script;
• and much, much more.

Madeline DiMaggio combines her own experience with advice to writers from others in the trade, including agents, producers, animators, and more. This readable, reliable book has been a trusted reference for nearly two decades and is now revised to include the most up-to-date information from today's television climate, from writing for cable, reality, and TV-movie formats to the ever-evolving face of the sitcom.

A must-read for anyone aiming to write for TV, How to Write for Television will continue to help budding writers reach their small-screen goals and will prepare them for working in the rapidly changing world of TV.

What people say:

"An informative, fun read from a woman who earns her paycheck as a writing teacher because she earned it first as a writer. A must-read book for writers wanting to break into the highly competitive TV business and a great refresher for the professional who wants to hang in...." — Kevin Falls, four-time Emmy winning producer of The West Wing

About the Author:

Madeline DiMaggio began her career writing TV dramas and sitcoms, which led to a contract at Paramount Studios in pilot development. Her work includes over forty-five hours of produced scripts for successful sitcoms, one-hour dramas and TV pilots.