Comedy Writing Secrets

by Melvin Helitzer and Mark Shatz

Book Overview

The Must-Have Guide to Humor Writing Bring on the funny With Comedy Writing Secrets 3rd Edition, you can discover the secrets of humor writing that will keep your readers rolling in their seats. Learn... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0898795109
• ISBN13: 9780898795103
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

my first joke

The book is full of real-world techniques. Most of the jokes are weak, but to his credit he's not trying to make you laugh but to learn the techniques of comedy. The book teaches you how to sit down and after 30 minutes to produce some jokes. I was a 3rd of the way through the book and tried his techniques on the business section of the Times. They had a story about how Defense companies need generals on their boards to get more business. So I doodled, "If you've invented a good weapon you need one general on your board. If your weapon isn't so good you need two generals. But if you have three generals you don't need a weapon at all. You can sell the pentagon $700 wrenches." I'm not claiming this is a great joke, only that the book worked in helping me work through the process.

A rectangular book ideal for squares

Ever wondered why we laugh and why certain jokes are funny? Well, the answers to those questions set the frame work that Comedy Writing Secrets follows to help you think more like a comedy writer. Even if you are a naturally funny person (speaking from experience here!) the book is incredibly valuable. If you read a few chapters and then go about your day you might find something magic... all of a sudden you'll start making jokes you never would have thought of. I didn't buy it with the intention of becoming a stand up or writing hit TV shows but it has helped me create jokes I would previously never thought of. It's a great read and very funny. There are numerous examples to illustrate the concepts and the book's structure is easy to follow. It's really a textbook on comedy without being a textbook.

Learn the fundamentals of comedy writing!

The fundamentals of comedy writing haven't changed since this book was originally published, and Mel Helitzer (who's taught comedy writing at university for decades) delivers a step-by-step course on comedic writing, thinking, and acting.You'll learn the basics of comedy writing, the anatomy of humor, and the avenues by which you can turn your comedic talent into a well-paying pursuitÑand why the demand for humor writers far exceeds the supply. You'll also find more than a thousand one-liners, bits, and speech excerpts covering the entire range of comedy techniques.If you want a comprehensive guide to writing, selling, and performing all types of comedy, then this is the book you must read cover to cover and keep on your shelf for a lifetime of reference.

Excellent source for aspiring comedians

I am an amateur comedian and I found "Comedy Writing Secrets" to be extraordinary. It actually helped me write comedy and structure it so it flows and makes sense.I am now performing in Cleveland and this excellent source has been a great help. Thank you.

Comedy Writing Secrets by Melvin Helitzer a must!

Helitzer's Book on comedy writing is the best book out there on the subject. He has a firm grasp on essential techniques needed to refine your raw material into comedy gold. I recommend this book for anyone seiously interested in the old addage, "if it's funny there's money!" If you perform stand-up, or just write, this is the book to read. His various examples from today's comedians are not only hilarious but keep the reader interested and the book moving along. Helitzer has written the first and best book on the subject. I teach a comedy class and I know I couldn't do it without this book.