Skip Press: 1999-2000 Writer’s Guide to Hollywood Producers, Directors and Screenwriters’ Agents

Pima Publishing (Paperback), ISBN 0-7615-1484-8

Called “The Screenwriter’s Bible,” this reference work starts with “Maybe you should write a book” and proceeds, in a completely readable and entertaining manner, to explain the connection between books and screenplays that eventually become movies. Or might be optioned by a producer.

If you, as a published or aspiring writer with no ambitions to see a movie made from your book, think this work offers you nothing, you might be wrong. Press writes knowledgeably of an industry far removed from the daily lives of most writers but provides a valuable resource for everyone.

The book presents itself as “Everything you need to become a Hollywood player–no matter where you live.” And one cannot over-emphasize the importance of that idea. Few writers can pack up and move to California on the off chance their latest opus will become an Oscar-winning motion picture. Moreover, the book keeps the promise and gives clear directions for accomplishing that goal.

Not only does Press list producers, directors and screenwriter’s agents, he also tells something of their backgrounds, gives examples of their works and explains how to contact them if your book/screenplay seems to fit a need — or even if it doesn’t.

The glossary taught me much. Now I know what “attached, one-sheet,” and many more esoteric terms mean. In addition, Press appends a list of recommended resource books.

Press knows his subject thoroughly. He writes from the inside about what he knows, who he knows, and how he knows it. Forward looking for a publication released in 1998, the book embraces the electronic medium. Today another of Press’s books, How to Write What You Want and Sell What You Write, a finalist for the prestigious Eppie Award, can be found at Boson Books.

Patricia Lucas White

Patricia Lucas White’s latest historical novel, To Last a Lifetime, was an Eppie finalist for 2003. To Last a Lifetime and two of her fantasy romances, the Sapphire Award-winning A Wizard Scorned and The Godmother Sanction, can be ordered through Hard Shell Word Factory. Her recent contemporary, PS, I’ve Taken a Lover, is available from Lionhearted Books.