Playwriting: Top 10 Books

Playwriting: Top 10 Books

Exploring the Best Playwriting Books for Aspiring and Established Playwrights

Playwriting is an art form that combines storytelling, character development, and dialogue into a performance meant to captivate audiences. Whether you’re a seasoned playwright or just starting out, having the right resources can make all the difference. In this list, we explore the top 10 books that every playwright should consider adding to their collection. From classic scripts to guides on character development, these books offer invaluable insights into the craft of playwriting.

Bestseller No. 1
Playwriting: Structure, Character, How and What to Write
  • Jeffreys, Stephen (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 224 Pages – 03/10/2020 (Publication Date) – Theatre Communications Group (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 2
The 90-Day Play: The Process and Principles of Playwriting
  • Jenkins, Linda Walsh (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 302 Pages – 10/04/2017 (Publication Date) – 90-Day Novel Press, The (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 3
The Playwright’s Guidebook: An Insightful Primer on the Art of Dramatic Writing
  • Spencer, Stuart (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 400 Pages – 03/29/2002 (Publication Date) – Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 4
The Art and Craft of Playwriting
  • Used Book in Good Condition
  • Jeffrey Hatcher (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 224 Pages – 03/01/2000 (Publication Date) – Penguin Publishing Group (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 5
Playwriting: A Backstage Guide (National Theatre Backstage Guides)
  • Rebellato, Dan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 160 Pages – 02/23/2023 (Publication Date) – Methuen Drama (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 6
Invisible Ink: Building Stories from the Inside Out
  • McDonald, Brian (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 200 Pages – 07/24/2024 (Publication Date) – Talking Drum, LLC (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 7
Playwriting with Purpose
  • Goldfinger, Jacqueline (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 168 Pages – 08/17/2021 (Publication Date) – Routledge (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 8
Playwriting 101: A Quick Guide on Writing and Producing Your First Play Step by Step From A to Z
  • HowExpert (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 106 Pages – 05/16/2018 (Publication Date) – CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 9
Letters to a Young Playwright: Practical and Impractical Advice on the Art of Playwriting
  • Szymkowicz, Adam (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 194 Pages – 09/24/2024 (Publication Date) – Applause (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 10
Playwriting For Dummies
  • Parra, Angelo (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 400 Pages – 08/02/2011 (Publication Date) – For Dummies (Publisher)

Check out other Top 10 lists about Performing Arts!


Meta Description: Discover the top 10 playwriting books that every playwright should read. Enhance your skills with these essential resources. Perfect for aspiring and established playwrights.

Tags: playwriting, top playwriting books, best books for playwrights, playwriting resources, theater, drama, character development, storytelling, playwriting guides

Author: Alex Harper