The first novel-writing guide from the best-selling Save the Cat! story-structure series, which reveals the 15 essential plot points needed to make any novel a success.

Originally created for screenwriters, the Save the Cat! story-structure method provides compelling tips and tricks to make your novel as riveting as a movie—because whether you’re writing a fantasy series, a romance, or the next Great American Novel, every captivating story throughout time (from Jane Austen to Agatha Christie) has the same 15 essential plot points, or “beats.”

In this revolutionary novel-writing guide from the best-selling Save the Cat! series, novelist Jessica Brody demystifies each beat, making it simple to craft your own best seller with easy-to-follow templates. It also reveals the 10 universal story genres to help you drill down into what makes your type of story work.

Featuring sample “beat sheets” for hits from the likes of J. K. Rowling, Khaled Hosseini, and Stephen King, this practical guide also includes real-world advice on pitching your novel, plus the quirky, original insights (like the eponymous tip to “Save the Cat”) that make this series unique. By the end of this book, your own imaginative beats will combine to create a story that thrills readers from start to finish.