How to Be a Working Comic: An Insider's Guide to a Career in Stand-Up Comedy

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Summary: Different than the rest..and thats a good thing!!
Review: "I am a beginning comic who just read your book and it has immediately got me going. I have read EVERYONE out there and this is the best. Other books rely too much on telling you how to write jokes their way. Not this one. I love it. Thanks a bunch."
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Rating:
Summary: entertaining, exciting, encouraging
Review: am not a comic, have never been a comic and never knew I might someday want to be a comic, until reading Dave Schwensen's "How To Be A Working Comic". Actually, I still have no intention of going in to the business, however on recommendation from a friend, I picked up the book. Part I made me wish I had pursued at least some form of humorous public speaking, i.e. stand up comedy, and glad I was still labeled life of the party. Maybe I'll enter the group of over 40's who make a change in career. If that part of the book was fun for a non-comic, imagine what the wanna be's think. Probably - "Wow, this is great!" Part II was entertainment for everyone. Especially those who like lifestyle type reading. The interviews with the comics were up close and personal. They made me feel like I was having a conversation with the star. This book is a must read for the professional and the general public. With the need for humor so prevelant in this stressful society, it's good to lighten up.

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Summary: Can be of some help
Review: Apparently you have to be born a comedian, and born with a good business sense too. Then you keep practicing, practicing, practicing, in the clubs, not just in front of the mirror, and at the end of the rainbow you might find a pot of gold, or a pot of some kind. In the opening chapter, an authority tells us that there are only 20 comedians who are really any good. So why don't you try to become the President of the United States while you're at it. First you become a governor. It's easier to get into a 50 circle than a 20 circle. Of course, you'll have to do your act in fancier clubs, and you'll have to get much better contributions than that opening act stuff. The statistical chances of comedy success? Not really mentioned. Authors and publishers like people to be happy with their books. While you read the book, you can become anything you want. When reality sets in, at least you had fun when you read the book. But initiative, courage, and persistence, which are recommended, are good qualities in any field, so if you have to switch to accounting, or dentistry, or farming, you can always take these nice qualities with you.

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Summary: Great book for anyone considering Stand Up comedy!
Review: How To Be A Working Comic is the first book you should read before attempting a comedy career. It will show you how to get on stage, and what to do after you step off the stage. A book that is simple and easy to read and yet it covers every detail on getting a booker intrested in calling you. Dave you couldn't have made it any easer unless you went on stage for me, and gave me the paycheck. Thanks a thousand laughs.

Rating:
Summary: Great book for anyone considering Stand Up comedy!
Review: It covers so much ground. Very useful information on both the creative and business end of the competetive field of Stand Up comedy. Dave Schwensen informs you of the ins and outs in the comedy circuit while also encouraging you to have your own voice. Great reference book. Even after I read it, I still refer to it. A veritable "manual" on Stand Up. In addition, I enjoyed very much the interviews in the back of the book with working professional comedians (Drew Carey, Jeff Foxworthy, etc.)

Rating:
Summary: An inspiring book!
Review: This book is the ultimate guide for anyone who would like to enter the stand-up comedy field. For those already working in comedy, it will be inspirational. The interviews with people like Drew Carey, Carrot Top, etc., were not only insightful but often hilarious. The author's writing style makes for an easy, fun read. This book is loaded with plenty of serious business guidance as well as tons of belly laughs. Take it from someone who's been out there, this is the book to get.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Guide
Review: This is the best guide to have if you're serious about working as a comedian. Has proven ways to promote yourself and get bookings. The interviews were very helpful, (Drew Carey, Carrot Top, agents and managers, etc.), and outline the importance of being creative both on stage and off. This is about the business of being funny and getting work in the comedy industry. I've read others, but this is the book I'll use the most.