To survive and thrive in the fantasyland that is show business, you need to know the realities of writing and selling.

J. Michael Straczynski learned these realities the hard way.With his help, you'll learn them the easy way.

Here the writer/producer of Murder, She Wrote and creator of Babylon 5 tells you how it really is--and how you can really succeed in writing scripts.

Straczynski shows you the importance of distinguishing yourself, through professionalism and discipline, from the wannabes. He helps you strengthen your writing technique while urging you to bring your own vision to your work, avoid formula, and create from passion.

And he takes you in for a close look at every entertainment medium hungry for good scriptwriters. Television, Motion Pictures, Animation, Radio, The Stage.

You'll learn about script format; how to secure the services of an agent; how to avoid the trickiest traps. Straczynski reveals facts, tells stories, and offers observation from the vantage point of a career in the business. You'll like his straight talk. You'll like his humor. You'll love his book. Use what it teaches and make your scriptwriting dream come true.Praise for The Complete Book of Scriptwriting"The Complete Book of Scriptwriting is just that: all the information a fledging writer needs to organize and sell his ideas--how to write synopses and treatments, formats for scripts, stylistic requirements, a listing of agents, contracts and the available markets--plus a valuable glossary of film and TV visual terminology. The author explores each medium's requirements with an entertaining and informative text that is both fun and factual. Pick this one up before taking your dream to Hollywood--with a lot of work and a little luck, maybe it'll take you."--Prevue Magazine"The Complete Book of Scriptwriting is rich in information for the embryo writer."--Donald Freeman, Radio/Television Editor, The San Diego Union"The book sits very close to my typewriter and is referred to several times a day. The information is awesome, the diagrams invaluable. It has become a handbook, a textbook, a bible."--Letter from Theodore E. Tillotson, Chula Vista, CA"Here is experienced advice for finding a profitable outlet for your work."--Busyman's Bookshelf, The Family Business Report"At last, a book on scriptwriting, written with humor and insight, which answers all questions and explains all facets of scriptwriting in a logical and highly readable manner. Now next to my typewriter are the Thesaurus, Webster's, Harbrace, and Strczynski."--Lyn Hollis - Camden, TN