The ultimate insider's guide to writing and pitching winning television scripts

Written by two TV veterans who have written and produced some of the most popular programs of the last ten years, Successful Television Writing is the ultimate insider's guide for anyone who's ever watched television and thought, "I could do that!" While their narrative is breezy and conversational and liberally spiced with telling anecdotes about life in the television industry, Goldberg and Rabkin never lose sight of what aspiring writers need to know. Readers get a gold mine of advice and guidance on all aspects of writing for television. Among other things, they learn the crucial elements of good television script writing, including the teaser, the four-act breakdown, episode-ending tags, and others that keep viewers tuned in week after week. They also get insider tips on what producers are really looking for and how to pitch ideas to them, as well as tips on how to sell a proposal, deal with last-minute revisions, and even land a full-time writing gig.

Lee Goldberg and William Rabkin (both of Los Angeles, CA) have written and produced a number of hit shows, including Baywatch, Spencer: For Hire, A&E's Nero Wolfe movies, Sliders, and others. Their executive producing credits include the long-running Diagnosis Murder and Martial Law.