How to Evaluate Stories eBook

An executive for a major broadcaster was transitioning into a creative position in that company. The executive, one of my long time corporate clients, asked me for a recommendation of a book on story evaluation.

I did a search on Amazon and in the bookstore and found nothing that would suit her need for a quick but comprehensive primer on the crucial elements that go into evaluating a project. I decided to write such a primer myself.

Here’s what the executive said in response to the material I prepared: “I’m speechless. This is incredible. Thank you so much.” This primer is still in use in the company today. I decided to put this information an eBook for everyone who must evaluate a story

What I’ve learned is good storytelling is good storytelling regardless of project size, budget, or genre. Whether your project is a novel or a screenplay, if the story you are working on doesn’t have the crucial elements discussed here it won’t have the compelling narrative drive that captures and holds an audience’s interest.

Here’s what others have to say about this eBook:

“This little book is so packed with story wisdom it is mind boggling. Each concise suggestion is so clear and — easy —and yet as you apply them to your work, they will continue to open up and deepen in your understanding. These are the great film story tenets that the best storytellers—and executives!—know and work from. Read it, learn it, use it, because these checklists are packed with a story punch that will get you way ahead of the pack.”
– Meg LeFauve, screenwriter, Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Captain Marvel, former President of Jodie Foster’s Egg Pictures

“Laurie’s storytelling techniques have shaved HOURS off of my work day and off of the script development process. I’ve been able to apply her lessons to film, television and even advertising projects. I wish every writer, director and ad industry professional would buy this book.”
– Bernadette Rivero, President of The Cortez Brothers production and multi-platform content company

“This is an excellent guide for any new and existing writer or producer to have by their side as they embark on a project. It gives a really clear reminder of what is vital for success”.
– Naomi Joseph, Former Executive Director of International Scripted Programming, Endemol Group, London

“It’s a great little guide, very useful and dripping with truth. The creative process can be messy, murky and bewildering, but Laurie’s short, precise story guide shines enough light for all to see.”
– Nick Malmholt, screenwriter and former Head of Drama, FremantleMedia Worldwide Drama

“This is the most comprehensive overview of screenwriting I’ve read. Why read 100 pages of some other writer’s journey when you get what you need in just a few pages? This is a quick amazing read. Don’t spend your time reading while you are trying to write.”
– Jamison Reeves, actor, writer, director