How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying

April 28, 2014
Veteran comedy writer Leifer (When You Lie About Your Age, the Terrorists Win) reflects on nearly 40 years working in stand-up and television and offers valuable career advice for young, aspiring readers. Many tips are specific to the entertainment industry, like "get a job, any job, on a television show you love," and show enthusiasm to those in charge; others are more widely applicable such as Leifer's advice for job interviews and list of "crimes against hirability." The author describes her short-lived job as a writer for Saturday Night Live as a missed opportunity. She uses her chilly relationship with Lorne Michaels and his tendency toward favoritism, to illustrate the importance of being a proactive employee in any circumstance. She describes pitching to Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, where she honed the ability to "mine own life" for ideas that went on to become legendary Seinfeld episodes like "The Rye." While admitting that the business can be sexist, Leifer argues that being a woman in comedy is a "tremendous advantage" and encourages women to "make other women a priority." Accompanying photographs feature Leifer with a host of comedic legends throughout her career including Paul Reiser, Johnny Carson, and Bill Cosby, as well as great candid shots of Seinfeld and David. With such a wealth of experience, readers will find a lot of wise words but for a comedic memoir it is somewhat lacking in humor. B&w photos.

Never one to back down, comedian Carol Leifer has achieved career success in a field that was originally dominated by men. As she recounts her life story, as well as tips for success in show business, in her own New York accent, her delivery is funny, though sometimes uneven. Her advice for job seekers is somewhat facile, while her life is more interesting, particularly when she describes how she got into comedy and worked her way up to performing stand-up on "The Tonight Show" and writing for "Seinfeld" and "Saturday Night Live," among other prominent roles in the entertainment industry. She does a fair bit of name-dropping as she recounts some amusing anecdotes about her encounters with celebrities. S.E.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine