There are countless screenwriter booklists out there, and a lot of them aren’t even compiled by screenwriters themselves. They are pretty dire, and I’ve been cutting my own path with reading for a while now. I want to share the books that I’ve personally learned a lot from and know have worked for me. This is what I believe is the most powerful collection of screenwriting books you can read over the next 12 months.

Of course, you'd be doing me and Script Revolution a huge favour by purchasing the book version of this guide, published by Bennion Kearny, which contains three times the content and the sales of which go back into keeping the site running and free for everyone. This can be an excellent way for you to give back to the next aspiring screenwriter searching for guidance. 

This list is also about the bigger picture than screenwriting itself; it covers the areas of writing, artistry, and industry, for which I’ve picked my favourites within each. I’ve read a hell of a lot more. It's essential that you understand film history, know what a career in the business entails, and respect the medium as an art form.

Personally, I feel this is essential reading. I see a great deal of ignorance within screenwriting communities regarding the reality behind how famous films are developed, how popular screenwriters build careers, and even the advice various authors offer. That’s before even getting into a discussion over craft.

There is a wealth of information here that you can arm yourself with. Information that will give you craft tips, creative direction, business advice, and historical knowledge.

None of these books is a one-shot solution. You have to take a little from each and be prepared to throw some advice away if it doesn’t align with your needs. Many people read one book and become overly invested in it, arguing points to death because they don’t want to sit down and consider new information. That’s just beating yourself up in the long run.

Some obvious, well-known books I’m not going to list. By all means, read 'Save the Cat' if you want to know what it covers and be able to discuss it with understanding.

Screenwriting

If you look these authors up, you’re probably going to be disappointed by the lack of IMDB credits, but that doesn’t invalidate them. Some people are exceptionally skilled at analyzing things. That said, there’s stuff in each book that contradicts itself or is just plain wrong. For example, do not pay any attention to William M. Akers’ 7 Deadly Sins of Screenwriting. It’s garbage. There’s still a lot of gold within all of these, though.

The intention here is to take the bits that work for you. That you take in the arguments behind certain points. You may also find that a concept you can’t get your head around in one book becomes obvious to you in another.

Artistry & Creativity

A topic seldom discussed but essential to the development of writers is artistry. As screenwriters, we often go through a lot of emotional turmoil alone, and the attitude within many communities dismisses the artistic side of our art form. Many people believe screenwriters should be like worker bees. That’s a one-way ticket to a miserable life.

When you read these books, a lot of feelings you thought you struggled with alone will make an appearance. You will learn ways to overcome your inner demons and unlock your full potential. Ultimately, you need to build yourself into a happy, fulfilled artist who loves the process of creating.

Industry

How would you feel if you found out every great film you know of was hated at some point? That what’s regarded as the best screenplay ever written was rejected by the film’s director? How some of the people behind some of the most highly rated films in history had no faith in them? That some of the greatest screenwriters in history found themselves unwanted and ridiculed when they first approached Hollywood.

Legendary films have struggled to get made since the inception of filmmaking. The stories are incredible and unlike the tales often told by screenwriting communities. The deals that have been done, the tricks that have been pulled, and the gambles that have been made are stories you need to read.