📖 Overview
Mel Helitzer was a professor of journalism at Ohio University and an influential author in the field of comedy writing. His book "Comedy Writing Secrets" became a foundational text for aspiring comedy writers and performers after its initial publication in 1987.
Before his academic career, Helitzer worked as an advertising executive and humor consultant for major corporations including Procter & Gamble and Bristol-Myers. He founded the first college humor magazine course in the United States at Ohio University, where he taught for over three decades.
During World War II, Helitzer served as a combat reporter and photographer in the Pacific theater, an experience that later influenced his perspective on using humor to address serious subjects. His expertise in comedy writing led him to conduct workshops and seminars across the country, teaching the technical aspects of humor writing to both professionals and beginners.
Helitzer's approach to comedy writing was notably systematic, breaking down humor into teachable components and establishing concrete principles for creating comedic material. His work continues to influence comedy writers and public speakers, with "Comedy Writing Secrets" remaining in print through multiple editions.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Helitzer's systematic breakdown of comedy writing techniques in "Comedy Writing Secrets." Many note his practical formulas and step-by-step approach help demystify humor creation. Multiple reviews highlight the useful exercises and examples that demonstrate comedy principles in action.
Common criticisms include the dated references and examples, particularly in older editions. Some readers find his academic tone dry and the writing style repetitive. A few reviewers mention the book focuses too heavily on setup-punchline jokes rather than modern comedy styles.
"The exercises helped me understand timing and misdirection," writes one Amazon reviewer. Another notes: "Good technical info but lacks contemporary examples."
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ reviews)
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,000+ ratings)
The book maintains strong sales numbers through multiple editions, with the latest (3rd) edition addressing some criticisms about dated material. Reviews indicate readers value it more as an instructional manual than entertainment.
📚 Books by Mel Helitzer
Comedy Writing Secrets (1987)
A detailed instructional guide covering the techniques and principles of writing comedy, including sections on the psychology of humor and methods for creating different types of jokes.
When Words Collide: A Journalist's Guide to Grammar and Style (1982) A reference manual focusing on grammar rules, writing style, and common errors in journalistic writing.
The Youth Market: Its Dimensions, Influence, and Opportunities for You (1970) An analysis of marketing strategies and consumer behavior related to the youth demographic of the early 1970s.
Blueprint for Writing (1968) A textbook discussing fundamental writing principles and composition techniques for students and aspiring writers.
When Words Collide: A Journalist's Guide to Grammar and Style (1982) A reference manual focusing on grammar rules, writing style, and common errors in journalistic writing.
The Youth Market: Its Dimensions, Influence, and Opportunities for You (1970) An analysis of marketing strategies and consumer behavior related to the youth demographic of the early 1970s.
Blueprint for Writing (1968) A textbook discussing fundamental writing principles and composition techniques for students and aspiring writers.
👥 Similar authors
Steve Allen wrote on comedy theory and technique from the perspective of a successful performer and TV host. He examines joke construction and comedy writing with a similar analytical approach to Helitzer.
Gene Perret served as head writer for Bob Hope and wrote multiple books on comedy writing fundamentals. His focus on structure and technique for professional comedy writers parallels Helitzer's practical teaching approach.
John Vorhaus created instructional works on comedy writing based on his experience writing for television. His breakdown of comic principles and focus on teachable techniques matches Helitzer's systematic method.
Jerry Corley developed comedy writing guides from his background as a stand-up comic and writing instructor. He emphasizes formula and structure in joke writing similar to Helitzer's methodology.
Judy Carter wrote comedy instruction books drawing from her career in stand-up and corporate speaking. Her emphasis on the mechanics and building blocks of humor aligns with Helitzer's technical approach to teaching comedy.
Gene Perret served as head writer for Bob Hope and wrote multiple books on comedy writing fundamentals. His focus on structure and technique for professional comedy writers parallels Helitzer's practical teaching approach.
John Vorhaus created instructional works on comedy writing based on his experience writing for television. His breakdown of comic principles and focus on teachable techniques matches Helitzer's systematic method.
Jerry Corley developed comedy writing guides from his background as a stand-up comic and writing instructor. He emphasizes formula and structure in joke writing similar to Helitzer's methodology.
Judy Carter wrote comedy instruction books drawing from her career in stand-up and corporate speaking. Her emphasis on the mechanics and building blocks of humor aligns with Helitzer's technical approach to teaching comedy.