Comedy Central is making moves to expand their comedy empire as today they announced their pairing with Running Press and Perseus Books Group to form a book publishing program and they’ve connected with Denis Leary for the inaugural launch of their books division. It also allows Comedy Central to put together 360-type deals with their roster of comedians.

Leary will release a holiday-themed novelty book in October 2012 tying into a TV special and giving everyone involved the time to put the infrastructure together. Leary stated, “I am truly delighted to be in business with Running Press and deliver a funny Christmas book based on a special I did for Comedy Central seven-and-a-half years ago. Sorry for the delay but I was a tad busy with Rescue Me, two teenaged kids, two Red Sox World Series victories, the 17th Boston Celtic NBA championship, the Bruins winning the Stanley Cup and online porn. Mostly the porn.”

Titles will focus on both new material from top and developing comedians in addition to existing series/franchises within the Comedy Central brand.