Getting Started As A Comedy Writer
Embarking on a career in comedy writing is both exhilarating and daunting. With the landscape of humor constantly evolving, breaking into comedy writing requires not just talent, but strategy, perseverance, and a touch of audacity. Whether you dream of writing for late-night TV, contributing to satirical websites, or penning the next big comedy series, here are actionable steps to kickstart your journey as a comedy writer today.
Immerse Yourself in Comedy
The first step is to become a student of comedy. Watch a wide array of comedy shows, stand-up specials, and read comedic articles and books. Understanding different humor styles—from satire to slapstick, wit to absurdism—will help you find your unique voice. Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and comedy podcasts are great resources. Pay attention to structure, timing, and how humor is crafted and delivered.
This is how you will understand how what you write on a page will translate to the screen or to a reader’s mind. If you can’t envision how your audience will read something you write or how a performer will deliver it, you will struggle.
Start Writing Regularly
Comedy writing is a skill honed over time, with practice. Set aside time each day to write, even if it's just for 15 minutes. Experiment with various forms, such as sketches, monologues, parodies, and sitcom scripts. Regular writing not only improves your craft but also helps you discover what you enjoy writing most. Use prompts, current events, or personal experiences as starting points.
You can download screenplays and television scripts from the internet to study the format and style. When I was starting as a TV writer I studied The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Roseanne scripts. These are three very different styles of shows but are all comedies.
Create a Portfolio
As you write, compile your best work into a portfolio. This can include a mix of scripts, short stories, and articles. A diverse portfolio showcases your versatility and skill set to potential employers or collaborators. Websites like WordPress or Medium allow you to publish your work online and build a digital presence.
This is where your watching, studying, and writing come together. Putting my work online was one of the hardest things I EVER did. But posting page after page of my Brooklyn Nine-Nine Spec script on Twitter helped push me in the right (and writing) direction.
Join a Writing Group or Workshop
Feedback is crucial in the early stages of your comedy writing career. Joining a writing group or workshop provides a platform to share your work and receive constructive criticism. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded individuals and build a support network. Look for local writing groups or online communities, such as Reddit’s r/Screenwriting or comedy writing forums.
Even Funny Money will be a good place to submit your work as we will do weekly writing live events which could even be a table read or a one-on-one review. Another set of eyes on your writing that can give you valuable feed back will help you grow leaps and bounds.
Enter Competitions and Submit Your Work
Many comedy writers get their breakthrough competitions or by submitting their work to publications. Competitions can range from scriptwriting contests to comedy writing festivals. Additionally, websites like McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and The Onion accept submissions and can be a great way to get your work noticed.
Even something small like a former or a workshop can help boost your confidence. WHen I was trying my hand at comic book writing I submitted to a well-known comic writing board and won the prize in the competition receiving feedback from a professional comic book writer. While the genre was not one I would normally write in I took the chance to see if I could even complete the assignment for the competition. Just putting yourself out there is a win.
Start a Blog or Social Media Channel
In today’s digital age, creating content on a blog or social media can attract a following and get you noticed by industry professionals. Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok to share short-form comedy, or start a blog to publish longer pieces. Consistency is key; regular posts can help you build an audience and demonstrate your humor to potential employers.
I started “The Clean Comedy Podcast” to document my journey in stand-up comedy. Having an outlet to show my struggles, trials, victories, and growth was a big catalyst in keeping me going as a stand-up even when I had a setback and contemplated quitting. The road to your goal is never smooth, having an outlet for others to see your journey will help you keep pushing forward.
Learn from the Pros
Many successful comedy writers offer insights into their processes through interviews, podcasts, and books. Resources like "Born Standing Up" by Steve Martin or “New Comedy Writing” by Gene Perrett provide valuable lessons on comedy writing. Listening to podcasts like "The Clean Comedy Podcast" of “Hot Breath” can also offer inspiration and advice.
I have been lucky enough to be mentored by some greats like Gene Perrett. Having a professional take time to review your work and give any kind of feedback is a great feeling.
Network with Other Comedians
Networking can open doors in the comedy writing world. Attend comedy shows, festivals, and industry events to meet comedians, writers, and producers. Social media and professional networking sites like LinkedIn are also powerful tools for connecting with industry insiders. Don’t be afraid to reach out with a polite message introducing yourself and your aspirations.
No one gets better alone. Building a community and group of friends is a great way for you to develop new content and overcome issues you may be struggling with in your writing. Don’t worry about being the worst or the best in a group. Every person will have strengths and weaknesses, just make sure you lift up others and help them overcome their weaknesses with kindness and support.
Stay Persistent and Positive
The journey to becoming a comedy writer is filled with ups and downs. Rejection is part of the process but learning from each experience and persevering is key. Stay positive, keep writing, and remember that every great comedy writer started somewhere.
Embarking on your comedy writing career is an adventure that requires courage, hard work, and a sense of humor about the process itself. By following these steps, you're not just waiting for an opportunity to find you—you're actively seeking it out. Now is the perfect time to start writing, laughing, and carving your path in the world of comedy.