The Everything Guide to Comedy Writing: From stand-up to sketch - all you need to succeed in the world of comedy

by Mike Bent

A guy walks into a bar...

With this guide, aspiring comics will learn to navigate the complex world of comedy writing. Discover how to tap into your natural sense of humor through real-life examples and hands-on skill-building exercises. Learn the best ways to come up with ideas and write comedy that gets laughs--every time! Mike Bent , an accomplished stand-up comedian and teacher, provides the inside scoop on techniques to jump-start your comedy writing career, including how

Everyone loves a comedian. But breaking into this tough field is no laughing matter. After sharpening your comedy-writing skills with this practical (and funny!) guide, you'll feel comfortable adding humor to everyday situations and may even take a chance on your dream job in show business!

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Comedy, Humor, Reference

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2009

Reviews

[Val Kappa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for a beginner in comedy to use as a guide/resource! I’m about to teach an Intro to Comedy Writing class and am suggesting this book to my students.

[Nicholas Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, covers all the bases and has a variety of interviews with talent on the industry. Very inspiring, perhaps slightly dated (refers to opportunities plugging your career on MySpace, etc) but still applicable to the internet as a whole. Easy to read, filled with great exercises and recaps, highly recommended.

[Elliot · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doesn't impart anything about the craft of comedy writing.

[Patrick Day · Rating 2 out of 5]

Comedy for stand-up, and sketches, but not actually writing comedic books.

Not bad, but not what I was looking for.

[Allison Renner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very detailed, easy to read, and easy to follow and build on what was learned in previous chapters. It provided an even balance of comedic inspiration and practical advice. There were writing exercises at the end of each chapter, along with a Q&A profile of a working comedian. The practical advice ranged from stand-up to writing movie scripts, so it was well-rounded.

[Rai Keyri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I really don't need this book because I have a very good sense of humor. I read it just for fun and also to know some formalities if you're gonna use your humor skills in media, play or stand up comedy.

[Frederic]

Boston based Mike Bent is neither very funny nor an engaging writer. His profiles of people in the biz are dull and his writing exercises were mostly very dry. I preferred Judy Collins' "Stand Up Comedy: The Book".

[Steve Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth The Money

This is not dense with information like a textbook. I learn a lot from reading this. I can go and write my comedy work with pride.

[Danny Charnley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start for anyone interested in comedy writing!