Help with stand-up

Hey guys, Ive started really putting work into wanting to be a great stand up comic. I just need some help understanding pace, and knowing how much I should kind of drag a joke out i guess? Im having a really hard time with structure and not sure where to go with it. I can make almost anyone laugh consistently in a conversation and I am really good at reacting to what other people say. I know that screams crowd work but my dream is to be among one of the greats with structured jokes. My co-worker bought me a book by Judy Carter called "Stand-up Comedy the book" and i haven't gotten around to reading it yet. That book is supposed to teach me some thing but im just not sure what opinions are on it if its a good starting point. Any advice would be amazing! Thanks!