The hardest part about stand-up comedy is having the guts to pick up the microphone. Now you just need something to say.

How to FAIL at Stand-Up Comedy Writing is your slightly dysfunctional, occasionally inappropriate but absolutely indispensable guide to all things joke writing.

Utilizing the same time-tested techniques used by the biggest names in comedy, How to FAIL at Stand-Up Comedy Writing dives deep into the craft of writing jokes that deliver every time. With clear step by step guidance and plenty of stories to keep things interesting, FAIL guides readers through the process of generating funny ideas, developing hilarious material and building it all into a show-stopping routine. Packed with numerous examples from comedy legends and working professionals, FAIL delivers dozens of proven techniques and formulas that work while breaking down the joke writing process in a way that’s both fun and easy to follow. It also explores the reasons why some jokes flop—and how to fix them without tearing your hair out in the process.

With his signature “tell it like it is” style, Sabo shares insider insights from his over thirty years in the comedy trenches on what it takes to write comedy that will get you booked, and rebooked, into your favorite clubs nationwide. He learned the hard way so you don’t have to. Whether you’re aiming to make comedy your career or just want to sharpen your skills and earn more laughs, this is the one book that you need.

Fail less. Laugh more.