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Comedy Writing Secrets: The Best-Selling Book on How to Think Funny, Write Funny, Act Funny, And Get Paid For It, 2nd Edition 2nd Edition

by Mel Helitzer (Author),
Mark Shatz (Author)
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Mark Shatz (Author)
3.9 out of 5 stars 96 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-1582973579
ISBN-10: 1582973571
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Writer's Digest Books; 2nd edition (October 1, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1582973571
  • ISBN-13: 978-1582973579
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (96 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #134,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsComedy Writing Secrets by Melvin Helitzer a must!
By RandyB@Aol.Com on June 21, 1998
Format: Paperback
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.
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5.0 out of 5 starsLearn the fundamentals of comedy writing!
By Jane Friedman on February 18, 2004
Format: Paperback
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.
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5.0 out of 5 starsA rectangular book ideal for squares
By Fred on May 31, 2005
Format: Paperback
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.
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5.0 out of 5 starsThe Book the Pro Comics Read
By A Customer on February 29, 2004
Format: Paperback
I'm a photo journalist and I interview a lot of professional
touring comics when they hit Orange County (California). I'm amazed at the number of times these big time pros have "Comedy Writing Secrets" in their rooms. Last month Drew Carrey was photographed reading the book in a national ad he did for library services. Since I've read and loved the book, I use it as a conversation ice breaker while I'm lightting the set. The
comics then feel more relaxed knowing we enjoy something in common.
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5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent source for aspiring comedians
By Scott Strain on November 8, 2000
Format: Paperback
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.
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4.0 out of 5 starsA book to get you started
By Steven Torres on March 14, 2006
Format: Paperback
I have the first edition of this book (figures they'd release a second edition after I buy the first) and learned a lot from it. It reads like a college textbook and the joke examples aren't funny in the least, but the formulas you learn here are used by comedians and sitcom writers all the time. Just turn on your favorite sitcom one night and count the various joke formulas used over the course of a half hour show if you doubt Helitzer's knowledge. You'll find that he describes nearly every one in this book.

Some of the joke techniques you'll learn include the triple and the reverse. There're also many other comedy related tips that I'm sure have been updated in the second edition. This book does a great job of demystifying comedy.
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5.0 out of 5 starsThe best comedy writing book on the market.
By Frederick Talbott on December 20, 2005
Format: Paperback
I've taught more than 2,000 students from 50 states and 78 nations how to develop and perform stand-up comedy, all thanks to Mel Helitzer's amazing book and guidance. And every one of them hit a home run. I've also yanked laughs in more than 20 states during major convention talks and training sessions. Because I learned how to find, refine, and structure great stories and yuks--with reverses, triples, the rule of threes and so many great tips from Mel. Now the new edition is even better--and zanier, if that's possible. A fun, exciting read essential for every comic--and every professional speaker. Anyone who doesn't love this book must spend the day hitting themselves with a shoe.
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5.0 out of 5 starsmy first joke
By Max R. on June 21, 2005
Format: Paperback
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsFunny and informative for any comedy writer, especially a new one like...

The book was easy to read and quite entertaining. It's a great guide to those who want to learn how to construct good jokes and comedic stories, whether it's for a stand-up... Read more

Published 20 days ago by SheilaMarie
2.0 out of 5 starsTwo Stars

Nothing new in this book.

Published 3 months ago by Annette D.
4.0 out of 5 starsFour Stars

some very helpful tips on the basic principles of comedy writing.

Published 4 months ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat resource for comedy basics and beyond!

This was a great resource for helping get the comedy structure down to assure that you get the maximum laughs possible and also help you find your niche in the comedy world.

Published 5 months ago by Double &amp;amp;#34;J&amp;amp;#34;
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

good read

Published 7 months ago by kao
3.0 out of 5 starsKind of boring, sorry

Not what I thought it would be. Kind of boring, sorry! Just my opinion.

Published 7 months ago by DynOmight
5.0 out of 5 starsI am pleased Thank you

The book was delivered as advertised. I am pleased
Thank you.

Published 7 months ago by kathy g
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

It came quick and I like the book

Published 8 months ago by Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 starsFunny $tuff: How to Write

This book is not funny at all, it is hilarious! A must have for any comedian and a gold mine for the novice, get this book only if you want to know the intricacies of a fine joke.

Published 8 months ago by Jerry Smales
5.0 out of 5 starsjust reading the book will make you funnier because you'll pick up on...

I bought this book in 2005 ..have read it about 10 times ..just reading the book will make you funnier because you'll pick up on patterns that'll make you funny. Read more

Published 8 months ago by Julian

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