How to Be a Working Comic: An Insider's Guide to a Career in Stand-Up Comedy ASIN: 0823088146 Customer's Rating: 3 Summary: Can be of some help Comments: 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.

Zen and the Art of Stand-Up Comedy ASIN: 0878300740 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Excellent for working comics Comments: As a working stand-up comic, I found this book extremely helpful, particularly in dealing with "hell gigs," the necessary bane of every comic's existence. Jay Sankey clearly knows of what he speaks, and my performance has improved considerably as a result. If you're a working comic, or want to be, this book will be worth its weight in gold to you.

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