Why am I passionate about this?

Julian Friedmann is co-owner of the Blake Friedmann Literary Agency and was the publisher of ScriptWriter magazine. At the agency, he has represented both book and scriptwriters for over 40 years and also acts as Executive Producer for and with clients. Julian is a TEDx speaker and is the author of the Make Money Screenwriting series, co-author of The Insider’s Guide to Writing for Television, and editor of two volumes on Writing Long-Running Television series. He has taught at universities and film schools all over the world. He designed the MA in Television Scriptwriting at De Montfort University, and PILOTS (for developing long-running television series) for the EU MEDIA Programme. 


I wrote

Creative Strategies

By Julian Friedmann ,

Book cover of Creative Strategies

What is my book about?

The first volume in the series Make Money Screenwriting, looks at creative strategies, the creative process: how to grab…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Writing for Television: Series, Serials and Soaps

Julian Friedmann Why I love this book

There are numerous books on writing for TV but Yvonne’s book is eminently practical covering the basics and also the more complex and nuanced aspects like the relationship between writers and script editors. Given the importance of the streamers writing for TV is more important than ever.

By Yvonne Grace ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Writing for Television as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A no-nonsense, direct down-the-lens look at the television industry written from the point of view of a television drama producer who's been there, done it, fought some battles and won the odd award. Written in an engaging, anecdotal tone, Writing for Television provides advice on:

Getting an agent

The type of writer television's looking for The tool kit a television writer needs The writer /script editor relationship How to structure a storyline How to write good treatments and outlines

Packed full of useful insights, links and information, the book includes interviews with successful television writers working today, pointers on how…


Book cover of The Science of Writing Characters: Using Psychology to Create Compelling Fictional Characters

Julian Friedmann Why I love this book

A wonderful book that looks at the psychological bases for the development of sophisticated characters in screenplays. Don’t be afraid of writing complex characters: they are more effective in engaging the audience and this book will help you achieve that.

By Kira-Anne Pelican ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Science of Writing Characters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Science of Writing Characters is a comprehensive handbook to help writers create compelling and psychologically-credible characters that come to life on the page. Drawing on the latest psychological theory and research, ranging from personality theory to evolutionary science, the book equips screenwriters and novelists with all the techniques they need to build complex, dimensional characters from the bottom up. Writers learn how to create rounded characters using the 'Big Five' dimensions of personality and then are shown how these personality traits shape action, relationships and dialogue.

Throughout The Science of Writing Characters, psychological theories and research are translated into…


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Book cover of The Bridge: Connecting The Powers of Linear and Circular Thinking

The Bridge by Kim Hudson,

The Bridge provides a compassionate and well researched window into the worlds of linear and circular thinking. A core pattern to the inner workings of these two thinking styles is revealed, and most importantly, insight into how to cross the distance between them. Some fascinating features emerged such as, circular…

Book cover of Writing & Selling Drama Screenplays

Julian Friedmann Why I love this book

Lucy is a screenwriter and script consultant and has created a whole eco-system around supporting writers, with frequent blogs, courses, newsletters, and consistently good advice. It is almost like having a writing partner.

By Lucy V. Hay ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Writing & Selling Drama Screenplays as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It may be drama features that win the most awards and kudos from critics, but in the current marketplace you're unlikely to sell a drama screenplay in the way you would a genre script.

Breaking down the nuts and bolts of what differentiates drama from genre, Writing and Selling Drama Screenplays will consider questions such as:

What is 'emotional truth'? What separates stereotypical and authentic characters? What are the different types of drama feature screenplay? How do we make these films, when there's 'no money'? What are the distribution opportunities for dramas?

Exploring the ways in which drama and authenticity…


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Book cover of The Curious Reader's Field Guide to Nonfiction

The Curious Reader's Field Guide to Nonfiction by Anne Janzer,

So many books, so little time! If you're a nonfiction fan, this field guide may help you make better choices about what to read.

Just like a field guide helps you identify plants or birds, this book helps you navigate the rich world of nonfiction. You’ll uncover how your favorite…

Book cover of Writing Screenplays That Sell, The Complete Guide to Turning Story Concepts into Movie and Television Deals

Julian Friedmann Why I love this book

No-nonsense book about what makes a good script. Writers find it particularly difficult avoiding flashbacks and voice-overs, and can’t always find ways of showing rather than telling. Michael demonstrates how to build the obstacles so your sympathetic character has increasing problems battling against the odds before they finally achieve their goal.

By Michael Hauge ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Writing Screenplays That Sell, The Complete Guide to Turning Story Concepts into Movie and Television Deals as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“No one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story.” —Will Smith

“Michael Hauge is a story master, and this book is an absolute must have for anyone serious about telling great stories for the screen.” —DeVon Franklin, Vice-President of Production, Columbia Pictures

Concise, authoritative, and comprehensive, Writing Screenplays that Sell is the most complete guide available on the art, craft, and business of screenwriting for movies and television. Renowned Hollywood story consultant Michael Hauge—considered “one of the most sought after lecturers and script consultants in the U.S.” by Scriptwriter magazine—covers…


Explore my book 😀

Creative Strategies

By Julian Friedmann ,

Book cover of Creative Strategies

What is my book about?

The first volume in the series Make Money Screenwriting, looks at creative strategies, the creative process: how to grab your audience; the physiology and emotion of being the audience; cinema or television - what format is right for you; SVODs, the streamers, and the new world order: writing treatments and step outlines that work; bibles: how TV shows are pitched; adaptation: pros and cons and more pros; writing prose, another string, another bow.

Written by an Agent with 40 years’ experience the book is a practical guide to navigating the creative aspects of developing a professional career. The focus of the series of books is on actually making money from writing.

Book cover of Writing for Television: Series, Serials and Soaps
Book cover of The Science of Writing Characters: Using Psychology to Create Compelling Fictional Characters
Book cover of Writing & Selling Drama Screenplays

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Interested in screenwriting, television, and screenplays?

Screenwriting 32 books
Television 58 books
Screenplays 31 books