This guide to comedy writing focuses on the basics of joke telling. Perret explains the skills needed and describes comedy as a hobby, second income, and career. Writing exercises are provided, as well as advice on how to write monologues and jokes, how to engage an audience, sketch and sitcom writing, and building a career. Updated and revised, this edition contains a new chapter discussing the question of when success will occur and more examples from current writers. Perret was Bob Hope's chief joke writer for 12 years and has written for a variety of comedians and television shows, including The Carol Burnett Show and Three's Company. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)