Rating: 
Summary: Thorough and honest
Review: I've attended the Warner Bros. Writing Workshop, and John Vorhaus' workshop and more, and read John's book and many others on how to write for television, and I find Jerry Rannow's book a "must-have" addition to the professional writers' bookshelf. Because Jerry's book is so thorough, with plenty of great examples, I'm recommending it to all my students. Anybody teaching writing should consider this as a possible text. Jerry writes in a no-nonsense, humorous style that makes this book a pleasure to read. What's more, Jerry's worked in the trenches of the staff rooms for years and you just plain learn a lot. Thanks, Jerry, for an excellent, new book on the subject.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ
Review: If you have even the slightest desire to write TV Comedy, this is a must read. I've spent nearly 30 years as a professional writer in Hollywood, and this is the first book on the subject that rings true. Jerry Rannow does for sitcoms what William Goldman does for the screentrade. Clever, insightful, full of useful tools and realistic advice. I hope there's a sequel.
Rating: 
Summary: The only book on TV Comedy by someone who has been there.
Review: In all modesty... Don't you hate it when people start off by telling you they're going to be modest. I know I do. So, to heck with modesty, I'll just state the facts.*Writing Television Comedy is the most comprehensive book ever written on the subject of sitcom. *Writing Television Comedy DOES NOT rely on the academic meanderings that are all-too common in books on this subject. *Writing Television Comedy provides a true "insider's" view. It's the first book written about sitcom by someone who has actually spent 29 years in the TV comedy trenches as a staff writer and producer for such classic shows as Welcome Back, Kotter, Happy Days, Room 222, Head of the Class, Love Boat, Love, American Style. I am more than familiar with the territory. *Writing Television Comedy is the only book written about sitcom that is not only informative, but extremely FUNNY! What can I say? It's a great read! * Writing Television Comedy takes you through every stage of the comedy writing process--from the Idea--to the Writing--to the Marketing of a winning TV comedy "spec" script. It blends the "How To" with the "How It Really Is." *Writing Television Comedy takes you behind closed doors, revealing what it's really like to work with network and studio executives, producers, directors, agents and stars. *Writing Television Comedy has been selected by the USC Film School as recommended reading for all entering and graduate students. The first book on television comedy writing ever chosen by USC for such an honor. *Writing Television Comedy is irreverent and brutally honest, while taking a common sense approach to the basics of comedy writing, including: Turning real life into comedy Constructing a Story Outline Developing characters Writing dialogue Crafting successful jokes Collaborating with other writers Structuring and formating scripts Drafting a "spec" script Pitching ideas to producers Creating a pilot *Writing Television Comedy includes script excerpts from successful shows such as Dharma & Greg and Spin City. Many illustrative references to shows like Seinfeld, Frasier, 3rd Rock and many others provide helpful exercises to pave the way to a successful career in TV comedy...APPENDIXES include valuable lists of agents, contacts, publications and organizations. *Writing Television Comedy is jam-packed with profitable tips for making a living writing funny for money. It's a invaluable tool for all writers who want to break into the talent-hungry industry of TV comedy. You will not be disappointed. Jerry Rannow
Rating:
Summary: Essential reading for aspiring television comedy writers.
Review: Jerry Rannow's Writing Television Comedy provides instruction for those who would write comedy skits for television. From using real life as a foundation to developing characters and writing dialogue, this provides plenty of instruction on how to write comedy for tv.
Rating:
Summary: Get Your Very Own Mentor
Review: Most hotshot comedy writers today learn by the seat of their pants and burn out after five years..to maintain a successful career where the average lifespan is five years you need someone who has been there and survived and is willing to act as a mentor...Jerry Rannow does this in Writing Television Comedy. He shows you how to repeat the magic time after time, he shows you how to base sitcom stories on things that are going on in your own life and most importantly he teaches you how to jump start your funny bone with exercises geared toward thinking funny. I have a stack of half started scripts in my office but it wasn't until I read Jerry's book that I finished one just in time for the ABC writer's fellowship. Thanks Jerry!
Rating:
Summary: Hollywood insider reveals secrets
Review: Rannow has written a wonderful guide for the would-be comedy writer and a great read for everyone else. He shows us how to get the idea, write the script, sell it-- and ourselves-- to Hollywood, and even how to avoid those cocaine parties when we hit it big. He has put his considerable experience as a Hollywood comedy writer into a guide that's as honest and funny as it is helpful. Jerry never condescends. He simply assumes if he can do it, we can do it. Lots of excerpts from real scripts here and even some inside Hollywood gossip. Great book.
Rating:
Summary: Get It!!!!
Review: This book not only gives you great insight into the art of t.v. sitcom writing, but gives you the encouragement you need to try it. Jerry's experiences are related with humor and empathy, making the book a lot of fun to read. You'll learn important lessons about the craft of comedy writing, and about the perseverance you need to succeed. Jerry teaches by example, and you'll laugh out loud as you read about his years in Hollywood. By the end of the book, you'll feel like you've been part of a sitcom writing team and that you "know the ropes."
Rating:
Summary: Great Help to Aspiring Writer
Review: This book not only gives you great insight into the art of t.v. sitcom writing, but gives you the encouragement you need to try it. Jerry's experiences are related with humor and empathy, making the book a lot of fun to read. You'll learn important lessons about the craft of comedy writing, and about the perseverance you need to succeed. Jerry teaches by example, and you'll laugh out loud as you read about his years in Hollywood. By the end of the book, you'll feel like you've been part of a sitcom writing team and that you "know the ropes."
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