Bad news: book sales aren’t enough.
Not if you want to build a thriving writing career.
For that, readers need to finish—and love—and your book.
If you’re a screenwriter, the scenario looks a little different, but the principle remains the same.
Your screenplay has to be so good that studio readers and executives not only finish it, but also rave about it when they’re done.
Therein lies the big flaw of the marketing strategies you may be relying on to get you sales (e.g. commissioning a gorgeous cover for your novel; networking like crazy to get your script in the hands of the right person).
While these strategies may convince readers to give your story a chance…
…they can’t make readers finish your novel or screenplay.
To accomplish that, you can’t rely on traditional sales tactics.
No.
For that, you must rely on your writing skills.
You must craft a plot that’s so gripping, readers won’t be able to put it down.
Good news: if you master story stakes, writing a gripping plot becomes far easier.
Indeed, studying stakes is one of the fastest ways to level up your writing.
In my guest post on Jane Friedman’s publishing blog, I’ll explain:
- what story stakes are
- how they prevent reader disengagement
- 5 ways to use story stakes to create the emotional intensity that keeps readers glued to your pages
Click here to get the full scoop on story stakes and plotting tricks on JaneFriedman.com
PS: Although the article doesn’t specifically reference screenwriting, all five plotting tricks are suitable for screenplays.
Woman reading a gripping novel by Nicole Wolf
