After a lot of work I'm finally preparing my Series Bible. Has anyone here prepared one, and if so, do you have any tips for me? I'm pretty certain I know what to put in but still it helps to have good advice. Thanks!
Screenwriting : Series Bible by Ilanna Mandel
Screenwriter Seeking Connections and Projects at Mandel Creative ♦ Author, Editor, Screenwriter, Musician, Researcher, Script Consultant, Singer
3 months ago
Series Bible
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I've made series bibles, Ilanna Mandel. I like to make the series bible match the genre of the show.
I also put images in the series bible to help the reader picture the show. Don't put pictures that you don't own the copyright to in your series bible. The U.S. Copyright Office will reject your series bible when you try to register it. I made that mistake. I didn't get the registration fee back. I make two series bibles for a show. One series bible without pictures that I register with the Copyright Office, and one series bible with pictures that I use to pitch the show with.
Check out this Stage 32 blog and webinar:
"TV Series Bibles That Every Television Writer Should Download & Read!" www.stage32.com/blog/tv-series-bibles-that-every-television-writer-shoul...
"How to Write a TV Series Bible" www.stage32.com/webinars/How-To-Write-a-TV-Series-Bible
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Ilanna Mandel
Congrats on getting to the series bible stage — that’s a big step.
A few things that really help:
• Start with a strong concept statement not just what happens, but what the show is about emotionally and thematically.
• Define the engine why does this series generate story week after week? What keeps it moving?
• Character arcs > character descriptions — focus on internal conflict and long-term transformation, not just traits.
• World rules especially if it’s genre. Be clear about tone, boundaries, and stakes.
• Season overview map the arc of Season 1 clearly, including midpoint shift and finale.
• Keep it lean. Executives prefer clarity over length. 10–20 strong pages beat 40 unfocused ones.
Most importantly, make sure the bible feels like the show the tone of the writing should reflect the tone of the series.
Sounds like you’re already on the right track. What genre are you building it in?