This is a sequel to Blake Snyder’s screenwriting classic Save the Cat! (also a website.) This is a classic framework about hitting all the necessary beats in a story, and when exactly to hit them so that the story feels like it moves at just the right pace. I think this is one of those foundational books that everyone needs to read — or at least skim through — to get a sense of the ideas and the terms used. You can also find free cheatsheet summaries online pretty much everywhere, such as this one.

Buy on Amazon.