Three-time Emmy Award-winner Gene Perret's "Comedy Writing Step by Step" has been the manual for humor writers for 25 years. In this new book, his first update, Perret offers readers a treasure trove of guidelines and suggestions covering a broad range of comedy writing situations, along with many all-important insights into the selling of one's work. Perret covers all aspects of comedy writing in his uniquely knowledgeable and anecdotal fashion.

Beginning comedy writers and performers may think funny can't be taught, but legendary comedy writer Gene Perret, winner of three Emmy Awards, tells otherwise in this guide to what makes a good joke work. Outlining the 10 commandments of comedy, the unbreakable rules that every gag must follow in order to be funny, this book liberates readers and allows them to immediately begin writing better and funnier comedy material. By following Perret's commandments, readers will better understand how to write jokes that connect with audiences and discover why unsuccessful material isn't working and how it can be fixed. From the First Commandment (""Thou Shalt Surprise"") to the Tenth (""Thou Shalt Be Clever""), this work stands as a fast guide to the essentials of humor that is perfect for business presenters, after-dinner speakers, professional comedians, and anyone who wants to be funny.

To the beginner, writing effective comedy can seem like a mysterious knack you need to be born with. But to Emmy award-winning comedy writer Gene Perret and professional comedy writer Linda Perret, comedy writing is a set of skills that anyone can study, improve, and master. The Comedy Writing Self-Taught workbook companion to the main book, "Comedy Writing Self-Taught" shows aspiring comedy writers how they can teach themselves the essential principles of comedy writing through comedy analysis and writing exercises. Together, the book and workbook cover the essential principles of writing stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, and TV situation comedy, and form a professional level training tool. Expressly designed for home self-study, Comedy Writing Self-Taught teaches that the most effective way to learn is to create comedy yourself. Perret teaches how to analyze the work of professional comedians to learn the principles of comedy and presents a full set of writing exercises to hone one s skills. A companion workbook provides even more comedy writing exercises, giving readers the equivalent of a master class in comedy."

Ideal for aspiring authors who only dream of actually finishing their works in progress, this guide features proven, field-tested tools guaranteed to successfully complete that romance, expert guide to business success, or great American novel. The chapters simplify the writing process by breaking it down into a series of discrete tasks, from creating a schedule in order to finish within a reasonable time, brainstorming sections of the book, and organizing ideas into chapters to rewriting, editing, submitting for publication, and even marketing. This reference is tailored to help writers avoid distractions and delays by establishing and maintaining a powerful writing momentum, thereby carrying their projects to completion. The psychological blocks that prevent writers from completing their manuscripts as well as how to combat them are also explored.

"Breakfasts with Archangel Shecky," by three-time Emmy Award-winner Gene Perret, is a humorous story of a guardian angel who can not only turn water into wine (well, actually coffee into Merlot--not a great Merlot, but passable), but can also turn a struggling Philadelphia comedian wannabe into an entertainer of star quality. Is Shecky really an angelic visitor from the other side? Or is he just a blowhard deadbeat who's trying to con a few free drinks and a meal or two from a kid who wants desperately to make it in the comedy profession? Well, that's part of the mystery that makes this tale captivating. Whatever the answer, the reader will find that applying Shecky's divine advice will assure him a place in Heaven--well, if not actually in Heaven, a place on the ladder of success which can feel like Heaven.

In" Damn! That's Funny!, " readers learn from a true pro what makes readers laugh, how to write humorous pieces, how to add humor to serious articles, and how to market their material. Written by television comedy writer Gene Perret, a three-time Emmy Award-winner and longtime head writer for Bob Hope.