The Actor’s Guide

An Insider’s manual to launching your acting career

The Actors Guide - Sarah Valentine

Sarah Valentine has worked in the entertainment industry since 1989. From in-front of the camera as an actor to behind the camera as a casting director, agent and accent coach. With more than 30 years experience Sarah guides you through everything you could ever possibly want to know on how to launch your acting career.

The Actors Guide - Sarah Valentine

Pricing Packages

KINDLE

£2.99

Printed Paperback

£9.99

Signed Copy

£15

UK 2nd class tracked
Signed Copy

£30

FREE WORLDWIDE POSTAGe
Talent expo London
Feb 2026
Signed Copy

£15

TALENT EXPO PICK UP

Book Available On

Amazon

The purpose of this book is to help you to get started along your acting career and also to keep you moving if you’re feeling stuck.

Sarah Valentine’s book is an absolute gem, brimming with love and dedication.

Sarah Valentine’s book is an absolute gem, brimming with love and dedication. Knowing Sarah personally, I had high expectations, and she exceeded every one of them! Although I’m not deeply rooted in the theater world, I was captivated by the innovative use of QR codes, practical assistance, and her heartfelt explanations. Her genuine passion to teach, support, and nurture anyone drawn to the stage or screen shines through on every page. This book isn’t just a guide for aspiring actors—it’s a deeply informative window into the trials, challenges, and triumphs of the profession. Sarah’s writing is kind, honest, and refreshingly raw, offering invaluable guidance, tips, and tools of the trade. It combines the wisdom of a seasoned professional with the nurturing care of a mother. A truly exceptional read—5 stars!

Laura Waterhouse

Wow the book is amazing!

Wow the book is amazing. I found it very interesting and a good insight to what actually goes into being an actor. From someone that’s not an actor I think this book is amazing and a very interesting, nice guide for actors/non actors. There is so much detail in it and truth, that is what makes it a very interesting read. Also one of my favourite bits was the QR codes I thought that was a genius idea and brilliant added extra as I’ve never seen it in a book before.

Zara Hinton

I wish The Actors Guide was around when I was starting out!

Getting into acting can be such an anxiety for some. Where will your next job be? Do I really need to join that union? Should I consider going to acting school? I certainly wish The Actors Guide was around when I was starting out. So many answered questions and awesome insights into the craft. Sarah’s shared life experience is extremely insightful, interesting and educational. If you’re thinking of really getting stuck into the world of being an actor, this one truly is not to be missed!

Jude Amicia

A Must For All Budding Actors

I could not put this book down. I was fascinated by the exceptional knowledge and advice Sarah was able to provide. It is factual and down to earth, with funny parts and really gives an inspirational push to those wishing to become actors. With lots of practical advice and support for what to expect at auditions and how to prepare oneself. As a film extra myself in the past, I wish I had known this information, as it would have saved me making stupid mistakes and not getting chosen for parts.

This book is a must for all budding actors, it the perfect guide.
Shan Hughes

Book Chapters

Act 1

ACT 1

Chapters 1 - 8

In the opening Act you will learn everything you need to know about: Headshots; website/social media; open castings; your showreel; making your own movies; working as an extra; stand up comedy & amateur theatre.

Act 2

ACT 2

Chapters 9 - 15

In this Act discover how watching TV movies & plays helps you as an actor; develop special skills; strengthen your memory; memorise monologues; learn an accent; learning online & going to acting school.

Act 3

ACT 3

Chapters 16 - 25

In Act 3 we will delve into finding an agent; living & working while acting; self-tape auditions; auditions; dealing with rejection; contracts; joining a Union; pre-production; rehearsals & on-set experiences.

Encore

Encore

Chapters 26 - 30

In the Encore you will discover more about actor well-being; acting techniques & methods; de-roling; body matters & women in the industry.

BONUS

BONUS

Exclusive Q&A with Holly Hunter

Twice Emmy nominated & Oscar winner Holly Hunter shares her insight in this in-depth interview with Sarah Valentine. Absolute gold!

RESOURCES

RESOURCES

Resources & Glossary

Throughout the book are references to resources to help you develop as an actor. Visit the resources page to view more.

Book Chapters

Act 1

ACT 1

Chapters 1 - 8

In the opening Act you will learn everything you need to know about: Headshots; website/social media; open castings; your showreel; making your own movies; working as an extra; stand up comedy & amateur theatre.

Act 1

ACT 2

Chapters 9 - 15

In this Act discover how watching TV movies & plays helps you as an actor; develop special skills; strengthen your memory; memorise monologues; learn an accent; learning online & going to acting school.

Act 1

ACT 3

Chapters 16 - 25

In Act 3 we will delve into finding an agent; living & working while acting; self-tape auditions; auditions; dealing with rejection; contracts; joining a Union; pre-production; rehearsals & on-set experiences.

Act 1

Encore

Chapters 26 - 30

In the Encore you will discover more about actor well-being; acting techniques & methods; de-roling; body matters & women in the industry.

Act 1

BONUS

Exclusive Q&A with Holly Hunter

Twice Emmy nominated & Oscar winner Holly Hunter shares her insight in this in-depth interview with Sarah Valentine. Absolute gold!

Act 1

RESOURCES

Resources & Glossary

Throughout the book are references to resources to help you develop as an actor. Visit the resources page to view more.

Sarah Valentine

Sarah Valentine

Actor, accent coach, ex-agent & ex-casting director

Hi, I’m Sarah Valentine, I have worked as a casting director, actors agent, actor and an accent coach, as well as a myriad of other on set roles.

With all of my years of experience I have put together the most concise guide to help you along your acting journey. The purpose of this book is to help you to get started and also to keep you moving if you’re feeling stuck.

I have had the honour of working as an actor on Top of the Lake Season 1 with Elisabeth Moss (Handmaids Tale), David Wenham (Lord of the Rings), Holly Hunter (Oscar winner), Pete Mullan (Harry Potter, Ozark) and directed by Jane Campion.

I have also had the pleasure of working on a wide variety of TV shows and movies, you can view more of my work on IMDB, or visit sarahvalentine.com.

Sarah Valentine

Sarah Valentine

Actor, accent coach, ex-agent & ex-casting director

Hi, I’m Sarah Valentine, I have worked as a casting director, actors agent, actor and an accent coach, as well as a myriad of other on set roles.

With all of my years of experience I have put together the most concise guide to help you along your acting journey. The purpose of this book is to help you to get started and also to keep you moving if you’re feeling stuck.

I have had the honour of working as an actor on Top of the Lake Season 1 with Elisabeth Moss (Handmaids Tale), David Wenham (Lord of the Rings), Holly Hunter (Oscar winner), Pete Mullan (Harry Potter, Ozark) and directed by Jane Campion.

I have also had the pleasure of working on a wide variety of TV shows and movies, you can view more of my work on IMDB, or visit sarahvalentine.com.

Pricing Packages

KINDLE

£2.99

Printed Paperback

£14.99

Signed Copy

£21.00

UK 2nd class tracked
Signed Copy

£35.00

FREE WORLDWIDE POSTAGe

© Copyright 2024 Sarah Valentine, all rights reserved | Site by WKD1