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Comedy books
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned regular at the back of the room, there is always something to learn from those who have already done the hard yards.
While genuine "how-to" guides are rare, I’ve found that autobiographies and industry memoirs often hold the real wealth of knowledge.
To make this easier to navigate, I’ve split my recommendations into two categories:
- Educational: Books designed to teach the mechanics of the craft.
- Biographical & Fictional: Stories about the life, the hustle, and the industry.
Comedy is deeply subjective, and that goes double for writing and teaching styles. I’ve included everything from my personal favorites to books that I did not enjoy.
Just because I did not enjoy or get much from it does not mean you won't. I have also listed some books I have seen suggested that I have not read yet.
Educational:
Mastering Stand-Up: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Successful Comedian
Stephen Rosenfield
The best all over book for getting into stand-up, the lifestyle, writing, and business.
There is even an audiobook version for it
Finding Your Comic Genius: An in-depth guide to the art of stand-up comedy
Adam Bloom
The best book on comedy writing and stand-up.
The NEW Comedy Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Writing and Performing Stand-Up Comedy
Judy Carter
Kinda basic, I think it's just the most well known book.
Step by Step Stand up comedy
Greg Dean
I hate the style of the book and stopped it early, check it out for yourself.
How to Kill in Comedy
Steve North
The hidden Tools of Comedy: The Serious Business of Being Funny
Steve Kaplan
Poking a Dead Frog: Conversations with Today's top comedy writers
Mike Sacks
Other:
Stories about the life, the hustle, and the industry. There might be bits that are about comedy or teachings in it, but it's not a straight "Do this do that" style.
Is this anything?
Jerry Seinfeld
This was one of the first books I started to read for comedy, this one really opened up my understanding of how you might just write down an idea or a bit and wonder "Is this something"
Not really a book you would sit down and read each page, but I felt it was a nice eye opener for me.
I'm Dying Up Here: Heartbreak and High Times in Stand-Up Comedy's Golden Era
I'm Dying Up Here: Heartbreak and High Times in Stand-Up Comedy's Golden Era
William Knoedelsder
Great book about the mid 1970s, it's a very good insight into Los Angeles, the way many comics lived and still live.
A Very Punchable Face
A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir
Colin Jost
I don't like SNL, but this book was well written and entertaining. It is strange how often Colin shits his own pants.
Richard Pryor prior convictions
Pryor Convictions: And Other Life Sentences
Richard Pryor
A very interesting read about his life, although in the end you might end up not liking Richard Pryor the man
Brain Droppings
George Carlin
I like Carlin and I hate this books style, not for me. You can see the style it is written in very quickly, pick it up and give it a chance to see if it fits for you
Nigger: An Autobiography
An Autobiography Dick Gregory
Great autobiography the audio version is awesome too.
A book that'll teach you a little bit about grit for comedy but also more about life and the way we treat each other.
Running the Light
Sam Tallent
Fun fictional book, I hate the main character the whole way through. The book does great to depict a has been comedian who is working the road and not making the best decisions.
Dirty Jokes and Beer: Stories of the Unrefined
Dirty Jokes and Beer: Stories of the Unrefined
Drew Carey
Kind of all over the place autobiography, short book though
Before and laughter
Jimmy Carr
Great book with some awesome practical advice. Jimmy Carr writes in a way that's easily digestible and actionable. It was also very interesting to read Jimmy Carr's style and history since it's so different to many of the other comics I have read that are on this list.
Based on a True Story: A Memoir
Based on a True Story: Not a Memoir
Norm Macdonald
If you like Norm Macdonald humor check this out, if you do not I would avoid this book.
It's kind of strange, I did not always love the whole ghost writer bits but some of the other stuff I liked a lot. It's a book.
Tremendous: The Life of a Comedy Savage
Tremendous: The Life of a Comedy Savage
Joey Diaz
This biography is insane, the childhood section has so much going on. It's a very interesting read for me, detailing the good and a lot of the bad that Joey did as well as he navigates his life to get into stand-up and where he is now.
I can't make this up: Life Lessons
I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons
Kevin Hart
Fun bio
Leslie F* cking Jones
Leslie F*cking Jones: A Memoir
Leslie Jones
SeinLanguage
Jerry Seinfeld
Entrances and Exists
Michael Richards
Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me
Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me
Whoopi Goldberg
Bossypants
Tina Fey
Digging up Mother: A love story
Digging Up Mother: A Love Story
Doug Stanhope