Screenwriting Book - Philip Shelley, Script Consultant

SCREENWRITING The Craft and the Career

I’m delighted to be able to share with you that I have written a book about screenwriting which will be published by Nick Hern Books on 23rd January, 2025 and is now available for pre-order.

The book was motivated by all of the work I’ve done with so many wonderful writers over decades of work as script editor and producer. Thinking about it recently, I’d be surprised if anyone in the UK has read more scripts than me in the last 25 years – what with the thousands we receive every year for the Channel 4 screenwriting course (and now the Greenlight Screenwriting Lab in Ireland) and the work I have been doing through my script consultancy over the last 15+ years.

Reading this many scripts, working with so many outstanding writers and watching so much film & TV, I have become obsessed with story on screen and thinking about how it works – also about the other side of writing – building and sustaining a career.

I feel indebted and grateful to the subscribers to my newsletter, for signing up in the first place and not unsubscribing. Knowing that I have to think of something (hopefully!) worthwhile to say every 2nd Friday has been a great galvanising factor in my thinking and writing about screenwriting and storytelling – a fantastic creative motivator.

Having said that, I have made sure the book is almost entirely (I’d say 95%) new material. There are a few references to newsletters I (and others) have written in the past. But the vast majority of the book is new. One of the things I discuss in the book is that there are no hard-and-fast “rules” – we all never stop learning and discovering new thoughts and ideas.

If you would like to buy the book, I encourage you to buy it from Nick Hern Books (via the link below) – as a small, admirable, specialist independent publisher as opposed to the vast behemoth of Amazon! You’ll also get a 25% discount if purchased before 31st December. However (!) if you DO buy it from Amazon, once you’ve read it and if you feel so inclined, please can I encourage you to write a positive review on the book’s web page – it will encourage other potential buyers.

Save 25% on my new book Screenwriting and get it for £12.74 (RRP £16.99) plus delivery, when you pre-order it this month* direct from my publisher Nick Hern Books using code PHILIP25 at checkout.

*This discount is live until 31 December 2024.

"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)

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.

Pre-launch feedback...

"Thorough, insightful, inspiring. Very few people know as much about screenwriting as Philip."

DAVID NICHOLLS

(One Day, Us, Starter For Ten)

“This brilliant, highly informative guide to screenwriting demonstrates, step-by-step, how to create a dramatic story from scratch as well as the key components that are needed to then make a script both original and compelling. Drawing on his own vast experience of working with writers, Philip Shelley illustrates in real detail how to radically improve screenwriting craft and build a successful career in the industry. I wish it had been published when I was starting out.”

ANNA SYMON

(Joan, The Essex Serpent, Mrs Wilson)

"Getting a place on Philip Shelley’s 4Screenwriting course was one of the most important things to ever happen to me. It taught me so much, and gave me a great start in the industry. Phil’s knowledge and guidance is unparalleled: this book is wise, practical, and brilliantly helpful."

CHARLIE COVELL

(Kaos, The End of The F***ing World)

"For writers and script editors looking for help and guidance, there is no better resource than Philip Shelley and this book!"

NATHANIEL PRICE

(Mr Loverman)

"This brilliantly executed, comprehensive book is the definitive guide to screenwriting. Packed with invaluable information, personal insights, practical tasks, and references from across the TV landscape, it is essential reading for newcomers to the art-form, as well as anyone who wants to work with screenwriters."

GRACE OFORI-ATTAH

(Malpractice)

"This is an indispensable book for anyone who writes TV, who’s thinking of writing TV, or is simply interested in how creativity works. Philip writes with passion, knowledge and sensitivity. Buy It"

LAURENCE BOWEN

CEO Dancing Ledge Productions.

Save 25% on my new book Screenwriting and get it for £12.74 (RRP £16.99) plus delivery, when you pre-order it this month* direct from my publisher Nick Hern Books using code PHILIP25 at checkout.

*This discount is live until 31 December 2024.