100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Auckland Bookstore open 8:30am-5pm on Sat & Sun

Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a YA Bestseller
4.63 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 543 ratings, 104 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel by Jessica Brody is a guidebook that adapts the renowned "Save the Cat!" story structure specifically for young adult novels. It offers practical advice on crafting engaging, relatable narratives for young readers and provides insights into creating compelling characters and plots. The book is rich with examples and exercises to help aspiring writers develop their creative storytelling skills.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3200
Elsewhere:
$3500
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're aspiring to write compelling young adult novels and want to understand the fundamentals of storytelling tailored specifically to that genre. Written by a successful author with extensive experience in crafting YA narratives, it offers practical advice and insights into character development, plot structure, and creating stories that resonate with young readers.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

"An indispensable guide in the bestselling Save the Cat! story structure series that reveals the 15 essential plot points needed to make any young adult novel a success, from an accomplished novelist and the author of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel"--

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An indispensable guide in the bestselling Save the Cat! story structure series that reveals the 15 essential plot points needed to make any young adult novel a success, from an accomplished novelist and the author of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel.

In Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel, prolific author and story coach Jessica Brody presents a comprehensive story structure guide for anyone who wants to write a young adult novel by applying the famed Save the Cat! screenwriting methodology to the world of YA fiction. In this book, you will learn:

  • The fifteen "beats" (or plot points) that are necessary for crafting a successful story with a compelling character arcβ€”including the Opening Image, Catalyst, Fun and Games, Bad Guys Close In, Dark Night of the Soul, and Finale.
  • The ten universal story genres that will help you drill into what makes your type of story work, including those most commonly found in young adult novels like Rites of Passage, Superhero, Buddy Love, Institutionalized, and Golden Fleece.
  • Quirky, original insights and writing tips like "Save the Cat," the "Shard of Glass," and the "Dark Night Epiphany," that help you craft a story that will thrill and captivate teen readers.

Filled with practical advice, easy-to-follow templates, and "beat sheets" analysing the structure of popular young adult novels such as Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows, John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, and Lois Lowry's The Giver, this book is the ultimate reference for anyone who's ever dreamed of writing their own young adult bestseller.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel by Jessica Brody is praised for its practical guidance tailored to aspiring young adult authors. Reviewers highlight its step-by-step approach to crafting compelling stories, using a unique structure that resonates with readers. Many appreciate the clear examples and relatable advice, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned writers in the young adult genre.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781984859235

Publisher: Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 July 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Ten Speed Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Jessica Brody is the author of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and an internationally bestselling author of more than twenty novels for teens, tweens, and adults, including The Chaos of Standing Still, The Geography of Last Things, 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, I Speak Boy, A Week of Mondays, the Unremembered trilogy, and the System Divine trilogy. Her books have been translated and published in over twenty countries and several are in development as movies and TV shows. Previously, she worked for MGM Studios as manager of acquisitions and business development, and she now the founder of the Writing Mastery Academy. She lives near Portland, Oregon, with her husband and dogs.

Also by Jessica Brody

View all
  • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
    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. Novelist Jessica Brody presents a comprehensive story-structure guide for novelists that applies the famed Save the Cat! screenwriting methodology to the world of novel writing. Revealing the 15 "beats" (plot points) that comprise a...
    Paperback
    $3300
    Elsewhere:
    $3600
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Sky Without Stars
    β€œNot to be missed!” β€”Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles β€œAn explosion of emotion, intrigue, romance, and revolution.” β€”Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series In the tradition of The Lunar Chronicles, this sweeping reimagining of Les MisΓ©rables tells the story of three teens from very different backgrounds who...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $2899
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Page One to Done
    Finally finish the first draft of your novel with a method that maximises efficiency, speed, and joyβ€”from the author of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel. After months (or years) of writing, are you left with nothing but a folder full of false starts? Do you have a novel you were once excited to write but abandoned after only a...
    Paperback
    $4500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Suns Will Rise
    Les MisΓ©rables meets The Lunar Chronicles in this thrilling conclusion to the System Divine trilogy that’s an β€œexplosion of emotion, intrigue, romance, and revolution” (Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series). An heir. A renegade.A convict. A cyborg.A dΓ©fecteur.Five rebels. One revolution. It’s been three months since the Patriarche was beheaded, leaving behind no known...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Between Burning Worlds
    Les MisΓ©rables meets The Lunar Chronicles in the out-of-this-world sequel to Sky Without Stars that’s an β€œexplosion of emotion, intrigue, romance, and revolution” (Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series). A traitor. A prisoner. A fugitive. Wanted by the Regime. Destined to save the planet. Laterre is on the brink of war. The Third Estate...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Better You Than Me
    It's Freaky Friday meets Hannah Montana when two twelve-year-old girlsβ€”one a famous TV star, the other an obsessive fanβ€”switch bodies with hilarious and disastrous results. It began with a wish... Ruby Rivera is a twelve-year-old superstar with millions of followers. Skylar Welshman is a seventh grader who wants to be coolβ€”and she's Ruby's biggest fan. When Skylar and Ruby meet...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Education & Reference

View all
  • Revenge of the Tipping Point
    Twenty-five years after the publication of his groundbreaking first book, Malcolm Gladwell returns with a brand new volume that reframes the lessons of The Tipping Point in a startling and revealing light. What does the heartbreaking fate of the cheetah tell us about the way we raise our children? Why do elite universities care so much about sports? What is...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Body Keeps the Score
    The Body Keeps the Score by Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a compelling and compassionate exploration of the deep-seated impact of trauma on the human body and mind. This groundbreaking work delves into the complex causes of trauma and paints a vivid picture of the revolutionary treatments that are enabling countless individuals to reclaim their lives filled with purpose...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    The Age Code
    What if the food you eat could rewind your biological clock? 'Clear and compelling' β€” Chris van Tulleken 'Really interesting and insightful' β€” Joe Wicks 'Fascinating' β€” Tim Spector From the rising incidence of cancer in the under-50s to increased infertility rates, there are signs everywhere that growing numbers of us are ageing too quickly. Why? Many believe there’s one...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Signed Copy
    New Release
    "What Were You Thinking!?"
    Everything parents need to know about their baby, child or teen's developing brain to raise resilient, emotional intelligent kids, by globally renowned neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis. 'What were you thinking!?'If you've ever asked this in despair while watching a toddler melt down, a tween push boundaries or a teenager make a truly terrible decision, this book is for you.InΒ "What Were...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    One Last Question, Prime Minister
    From Muldoon to Luxon, untold stories from the House of Parliament Barry Soper has spent close to five decades questioning New Zealand's prime ministers.From the imposing, larger-than-life characters of Rob Muldoon and David Lange, to the golden age of Helen Clark and John Key, and the post-Covid era of Jacinda Ardern and the 'Chrises', Soper's insight and nose for a...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (6)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Regime Change
    From the two reporters who have covered him more closely than perhaps anyone else over the past decade comes this definitive portrait of Donald Trump in the White House and the first year of his second presidency. Based on hundreds of interviews and unprecedented reporting from deep within the administration’s most closely guarded rooms, Regime Change takes the reader into...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $4299
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Signed Copy
    Go Hard or Go Home
    From the front bench to rock bottom:Β Go Hard or Go HomeΒ is Kiri Allan's fearless memoir of ambition, disruption and survival in NZ politics and beyond. Kiri Allan's six-year political career spanned some of the most challenging times in recent history. Events a government might encounter once in a generation stacked up: a terrorist attack, a volcanic eruption, destructive and deadly...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    Pre-order
    Out 4 Aug 2026
  • Roadmap to Property Success
    Ready to ditch the 9-to-5 and build lasting wealth through property? In Roadmap to Property Success, seasoned investor and coach Steve Goodey shares the exact strategies that helped him – and thousands of Kiwis – build sustainable property portfolios from scratch. With real-life lessons, hard-won wisdom, and zero sugar-coating, this is your no-BS guide to property investing in New Zealand....
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Maori Made Easy Workbook 1/Kete 1
    Maori Made Easy Workbook 1/Kete 1 by Scotty Morrison is the ultimate companion for anyone eager to learn the beautiful and complex Maori language. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to brush up on your skills, this workbook offers a structured and engaging way to immerse yourself in te reo Maori. Designed to be accessible regardless of your starting...
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Suicidal Empathy
    The bestselling author of The Parasitic Mind shows why empathy in politics leads to civilizational collapse. What happens when a society elevates victimhood to a virtue and decides that punishment is cruel? You get the disease Dr. Gad Saad calls suicidal empathy. And the West may be terminally infected. In his new book, Suicidal Empathy, Saad unleashes a blistering critique...
    Paperback
    $3099
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Man's Search For Meaning
    Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is a profound, thought-provoking memoir and psychological exploration that delves into the harrowing experiences of life in Nazi concentration camps, intertwined with the author’s groundbreaking theories on existential psychology. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering a beacon of hope and a roadmap for finding purpose...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.