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by Drean (Author), Octavia McKenzie (Editor)
The first comprehensive guide to the world's fastest-growing storytelling format - written by a produced vertical writer whose series reached #1 on Vigloo.
Vertical series, also known as microdramas, are reshaping global entertainment. With billions of views each month, hundreds of new productions greenlit each year, and major studios exploring the format, vertical storytelling has become one of the most accessible and opportunity-rich mediums for screenwriters. Yet, until now, almost no professional resources have existed to teach writers how to work in this space.
How to Write a Vertical Series in 10 Days is the first book of its kind. Written by screenwriter, director, and producer Isabel Dréan, this guide demystifies the entire vertical ecosystem - from industry context and audience behavior to structure, pacing, cliffhanger design, and rapid-development workflow. Dréan brings firsthand experience as the creator of the first vertical series masterclass and incubator, and as the writer of The Blind Bride of the Scarred Mafia Boss, which premiered as the #1 show on Vigloo.
Dréan offers a clear, actionable system designed for writers, filmmakers, digital creators, and producers interested in understanding and entering the vertical series market. The book outlines how the format emerged, why it exploded, and how writers can use its constraints to create dynamic, emotionally engaging stories. It details the global landscape, the Chinese and American production models, the role of platforms, the realities of budgets and schedules, and the enormous demand for new content.
Central to the book is Dréan's practical 10-day method for developing and writing a complete vertical series. Writers learn how to choose strong concepts, build addictive hooks, outline for high-engagement pacing, draft quickly without sacrificing clarity, and deliver stories suited for rapid production timelines. The book also explores how to elevate the quality of vertical narratives, reimagine common tropes, avoid problematic storytelling patterns, and create characters who resonate with modern audiences.
In addition to creative instruction, Dréan provides guidance on the business side of vertical series: how to break in without representation, how to position yourself to producers, how to build a writing portfolio, and how to navigate contracts, collaboration, and the realities of production. She offers insights into career strategy, including how to leverage verticals to generate income, build IP, create new professional relationships, and transition into independent or premium vertical projects.
Designed for both new and experienced writers, How to Write a Vertical Series in 10 Days blends creative craft, industry knowledge, and forward-thinking insight into the future of serialized storytelling. It is an essential resource for anyone looking to understand and participate in the vertical revolution - a global shift that is transforming how audiences consume stories and how writers build careers.
