Comedy has always been one of the most high profile, glamorous and potentially lucrative markets for scriptwriters but it is also perceived as one of the hardest. In the fourth edition of this highly regarded handbook, John Byrne breaks down the basics of writing comedy into simple steps and shows you how to make the most of your own comedy writing talent and, just as importantly, your ability to market that talent. Writing Comedy 4th edition is a practical manual for the beginner, as well as for the more experienced writer, in developing the skills to be a successful professional comedy writer. It deals with the mechanics of comedy writing, outlining the basic structures from the simple gag to more complex long-term projects, and the organisation of one's career as a writer. The book features simple tried-and-tested techniques which all comedy writers use to generate and refine comedy ideas. Here is a wealth of practical advice both on how to get your career off the ground and on how to keep developing it. Whether you are writing comedy routines, sketches, sitcoms and aiming your work at the page, the stage or the ever expanding world of broadcasting, you will find something in this book to encourage, inform and inspire you. In this new edition, you will find also useful advice on developing and adapting your work for the 21st century market, whether your aim is to promote your work online or simply to keep your gags fresh and topical in a world where the news changes by the minute and gets flashed around the world in seconds.
Writing Comedy (Writing Handbooks)
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John Byrne is the guru when it comes to advice on building a successful comedy career. Unlike many advisors, he's been there and done it himself. He knows the joys and sorrows of the comedy world and is best placed to help budding comedians make the most of their talent. --Jasmine Birtles, financial journalist, author, columnist for Independent
This is a book every comedy writer will come to value. --Ken Rock, President, British Society of Comedy Writers
This is a book every comedy writer will come to value. --Ken Rock, President, British Society of Comedy Writers
About the Author
John Byrne has over twenty-five years' experience as a working comedy writer, cartoonist and broadcaster. He is also The Stage newspaper's Entertainment Industry Career Advisor and, in addition to answering queries in his popular 'Dear John' column, has published over 40 books, many of them performance and comedy-related for adults and children.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By The Emperor
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
Useful as a very basic guide to get you started but somewhat lacking in detail.
It is a bit too short and quite a lot of space is devoted to advice on how to approach stand-ups and offering to write for them. The writer should have devoted more pages to comedy writing techniques rather than writing about his own career.
For all its faults I did get something out of it though.
It is a bit too short and quite a lot of space is devoted to advice on how to approach stand-ups and offering to write for them. The writer should have devoted more pages to comedy writing techniques rather than writing about his own career.
For all its faults I did get something out of it though.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
John byrne is an experienced comedy writer, and we can draw from this. But don't expect this book to make you into Woody Allen overnight. It covers the nuts and bolts of comedy writing, from simple gags to full blown sitcoms - a must for the novice.
Although it is informative, you should treat it as inspirational - keep dipping into it when the muse doesn't strike. Read and re-read it. You won't be disappointed.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I found this a very useful book. It is simple and no nonsense and doesn't pretend comedy writing is anything more then a combination of your own creative abilitie s and a lot of hard work. But it gives you all the building blocks you need to suuceed, whether your writing is for stand up, TV or radio. If you want a philosophical discussion of the nature of comedy, then look elsewhere but all I can say is that I've had a lot more success with my own stuff since buying the book, and although I haven't written a blockbuster sitcom yet I've certainly made the cover price back several times over!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good on selling work rather than writing it
When I teach I recommend this book to people who are thinking of writing for others. It has a wealth of information and advice from the author on selling your comedy writing and... Read more
Published on 25 Jan 2011 by Sally Holloway, Author: Joke Writing (Serious Guide to)
3.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful, but by no means comprehensive
I let my heart rule my head. So many earlier reviews gave the impression that this book was the ultimate manual for comedy writers, that I thought I must have it. Read more
Published on 5 Jun 2008 by Big Bry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ignore the last review - they don't know what they are talking about
I have known of John Byrne as an artist and comedian for years. His approach to writing comedy isn't unique but it is very clear, and it is very real. Read more
Published on 11 July 2007 by Mr. Andrew Gray
5.0 out of 5 stars
absolutely brilliant!
At last a book which gives the new writer a sound basis for understanding the medium and how to turn ideas into laughter upon the page. Read more
Published on 22 Feb 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
The perfect book for the would be writer of all comedy
I, as a fledgling comedy writer found the book a great source of both instruction and encouragement. Read more
Published on 21 April 2001
4.0 out of 5 stars
Informative and inspirational.
Although I've been a freelance comedy writer for quite a few years,and have sold material to various markets,a constant stream of rejection slips has almost forced me to give up. Read more
Published on 8 Sep 2000
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not worth the money
The author does not tell you anything you would not know yourself. A few one line gags is not worth ten pounds. Also you must be aware the book deals mainly with writing for radio. Read more
Published on 11 Aug 2000
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