Alright, so I’ve been working on this for a while, and if you’re like me, you’ve got a cabinet full of comedic gold just waiting to escape. You know, those brilliant quips and perfectly crafted punchlines that send your friends into fits of giggles. You’ve probably thought, “My aunt laughs until she cries at my stories, why isn’t this stuff in print?” Well, leaving the enthusiastic applause of your inner circle aside, it’s time to tackle the wild, often confusing world of publishing.
The thing is, getting your humor out there isn’t quite like getting a serious novel or a collection of poetry published. Comedy has its own quirky rules, its own secret handshakes, and a whole different set of folks who decide what gets seen. No worries, though. I’ve put together everything I’ve learned – the actual, nitty-gritty steps – so you can stop wondering and start putting your funny ideas into actual, published pieces. We’re talking real strategies, no fluffy nonsense, just your personal roadmap to getting your hilarious work into the hands of people who are genuinely eager to laugh.
The Groundwork: What Kind of Funny Are You? And Where Does It Live?
Before you even think about hitting that “submit” button, let’s get real about your humor. Understanding your comedic voice and where it fits in the humor world is going to seriously boost your chances.
1. Pinpointing Your Brand of Funny: A Little Self-Reflection
Comedy isn’t just one big thing. Are you the master of the observational essay, the one who skewers everyday annoyances with perfectly chosen words? Or do you shine with short, sharp jabs of satire that hit hard and fast? Maybe you love creating hilarious characters and building entire worlds around their delightful flaws. Or perhaps you’re a one-liner wizard, delivering perfectly timed bursts of humor.
- Try This: Put together a “Humor Portfolio.” Not for anyone else yet, just for you. Gather five to ten of your strongest, most representative funny pieces.
- For Example: If you’ve written something about the dread of laundry day, a satirical short story about a micro-influencer, and a funny poem about assembling IKEA furniture, your “brand” probably leans towards relatable, observational, and a bit absurd. But if your portfolio is full of political sketches, parodies of famous ads, and sharp social commentary, then you’re likely more satirical and topical.
- Look for the Patterns: What themes, tones, and structures keep showing up in your portfolio? Are you consistently dry, absurd, self-deprecating, irreverent, or heartwarming? This is how you figure out your unique comedic fingerprint.
- Who Laughs at Your Stuff? Who are your biggest fans? Do they love intellectual wordplay, or are they more into slapstick descriptions? This helps you figure out where your work might find its best home.
2. Breaking Down the Humor Market: Where Does Your Comedy Belong?
The humor market is divided, and knowing these divisions is key. Your brilliantly witty serialized novel won’t fit into a late-night talk show monologue, and your super sharp political satire isn’t going to be a children’s book.
- Places to Publish Humor:
- Literary Magazines & Journals (with Humor Sections): Lots of literary magazines, even the serious ones, have sections just for humor. They often look for short essays, flash fiction, or very short stories.
- Think: McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The New Yorker (Shouts & Murmurs), The American Bystander, Reductress, Points in Case. These places are specifically looking for funny stuff, often with a satirical or absurd twist.
- Book Publishers (Humor Imprints): Big publishing houses frequently have special divisions or editors just for humor. This is where you’d aim for a humor collection, a funny memoir, a comedic novel, or a non-fiction book with a strong humorous angle.
- Look At: Grand Central Publishing has put out humor memoirs and novels. Crown Archetype often features pop culture and humor titles. Find authors whose funny work you admire and see who published them.
- Online Humor Sites & Platforms: Beyond the big literary sites, there are tons of independent online humor spots. These are fantastic places to get started and gain recognition. They often accept shorter pieces, essays, listicles, and satirical news.
- Consider: The Onion (for satire), ClickHole (for absurd parodies), Above Average (for comedic articles and sketches). Don’t forget smaller, independent sites that cater to niche humor.
- Greeting Cards & Commercial Content: If you’re great at short, punchy humor, this is a real option. It’s often overlooked but can bring in steady income and give you publishing credits.
- Explore: Hallmark, American Greetings, or even independent card companies looking for fresh voices. This requires a very specific, usually broadly relatable or family-friendly, comedic style.
- Scripts (TV/Film/Web Series): While not “publishing” in the traditional sense, writing funny scripts for visual media is a huge avenue. This means understanding storytelling structures, character development, and dialogue specifically for screens.
- Picture This: Staff writer jobs for sitcoms, screenplays for romantic comedies or satirical films, web series pilots. It’s super competitive, but the potential reach is massive.
- Newspaper & Magazine Columns: Some newspapers and magazines, both print and online, look for regular humor columnists. This usually means you have a consistent voice and can produce fresh content regularly.
- Consider: A local newspaper might be looking for someone who writes funny observations about local life. National magazines might want a contributor for their “lighter” sections.
- Literary Magazines & Journals (with Humor Sections): Lots of literary magazines, even the serious ones, have sections just for humor. They often look for short essays, flash fiction, or very short stories.
- Try This: Make a personalized list of at least 15-20 specific places or publishers that match your comedic style. Filter this list by the type of content they publish (short essays, full books, etc.) and their typical tone.
- For Example: If you write sharp, feminist satire, Reductress and certain parts of The New Yorker should definitely be on your list. If you write absurd, character-driven short stories reminiscent of George Saunders, you’d look at literary journals known for experimental fiction, as well as specific book imprints.
Crafting Pitches and Submissions That Actually Work
So, you know where you’re going. Now, let’s perfect the vehicle – your pitch and the submission itself. Generic approaches usually don’t work. Being precise and professional does.
1. The Art of the Humorous Query Letter/Pitch
A query letter for funny work isn’t just about describing what you’ve written; it’s a chance to show off your humor. It should subtly reflect your voice without being over-the-top or inappropriate.
- Show, Don’t Just Tell (Discreetly): Your query letter itself should be entertaining and well-written. If you’re a wordsmith, let your skill shine. If you’re a master of brevity, keep it concise and impactful.
- The Hook: Start with a sentence that grabs attention and introduces the main idea of your piece. Make it intriguing, hinting at the funny premise.
- For Example (Humorous Essay Collection): Instead of “I’m writing to propose my essay collection, ‘Life’s Little Annoyances’,” try: “Imagine a world where your socks spontaneously combust after leaving the dryer, and every trip to the grocery store turns into a gladiatorial battle for the last avocado. Welcome to my world, as explored in ‘The Perpetual State of Mild Annoyance,’ a collection of forty-five humorous essays.”
- The Summary (The Funny Bit): Clearly and briefly explain what your piece is about, highlighting its comedic elements and what makes it unique.
- For Example (Humorous Novel): “My novel, ‘The Great Muffin Heist,’ follows Mildred, a retiree convinced her HOA president is secretly running a pastry-smuggling ring. It chronicles her bumbling attempts to expose him using knitting needles for surveillance and a particularly aggressive Pomeranian as her accomplice. It’s a hilarious romp that blends cozy mystery with social commentary on suburban boredom and the surprising determination of senior citizens.”
- Your Bio (With a Touch of You): Briefly state any relevant experience (previous publications, writing awards, or even professional background if it plays into your humor). Feel free to add a bit of your personality, but keep it professional.
- For Example: “My humor has appeared in [Outlet A] and [Outlet B]. When I’m not crafting absurd scenarios, I’m usually attempting to keep my houseplants alive, a task I approach with the same optimistic delusion as my character Mildred.” (Only if it fits the outlet’s tone.)
- The Call to Action & Professional Close: Clearly state what you are submitting (or ready to submit), thank them for their time, and include your contact info.
- For Example: “Thank you for considering ‘The Perpetual State of Mild Annoyance.’ A full manuscript is available upon request. I look forward to hearing from you.”
2. Tailoring Your Submission: One Size Does Not Fit All
This is where a lot of aspiring humor writers stumble. Sending the exact same piece to wildly different places is a rookie mistake.
- Read the Submission Guidelines Like Your Life Depends on It: Every publication has specific requirements: word count, file type, how to submit, who to contact, and often, a preference for a certain style or tone. Ignore these, and you’re out.
- For Example: The New Yorker’s “Shouts & Murmurs” is usually under 1000 words, often satirical, and requires anonymous submissions. McSweeney’s might prefer a slightly more absurd tone and has its own online submission manager.
- Actually Read the Publication Itself: This is non-negotiable. Spend time reading lots of recent pieces from the outlet.
- Try This: For each place on your list, read at least 10-15 pieces they’ve published in the last year (specifically in the section you’re aiming for).
- Figure Out Their “House Style”: Are their pieces generally lighthearted or darkly comedic? Topical or timeless? Observational or character-driven? Short and punchy or more developed narratives? Do they tend to publish pieces with a clear story arc, or are they more speculative/absurd?
- For Example: If The Onion publishes a piece about a local dog park’s new, authoritarian rules, and your piece is about the existential dread of folding laundry, it’s not really a fit for that specific type of outlet, even if both are “humor.” Your laundry piece might fit better in a place known for relatable, observational essays, like certain sections of Medium or more general lifestyle blogs that accept humorous takes.
- Customize Your Piece (or Pick the Right One): Don’t just send something blindly.
- If you have multiple pieces: Choose the piece (or revise one) that most closely matches the publication’s house style, length, and subject matter.
- If you only have one piece you’re really attached to: Ask yourself if it truly fits any of your target outlets. If not, write something new specifically for one of those targets.
- For Example: You have a hilarious story about a messed-up family reunion. A literary journal might want it as a short story focused on character. An online humor site might want it condensed into a listicle: “10 Horrifying Things My Uncle Said at Thanksgiving.” A satirical news site wouldn’t want it at all, preferring a piece like “Local Woman Discovers Turducken Contains Actual Soul of Turkey.”
3. The Sample: Show Them Your Best
Whether it’s a full manuscript, a partial, or a single essay, make sure your sample is absolutely flawless.
- Opening Lines Are Everything: Especially for humor. They have to hook the reader immediately and establish your voice and the comedic premise.
- For Example: Instead of “I woke up feeling terrible,” try: “The first sign something was terribly wrong with my morning wasn’t the lingering taste of regret from last night’s questionable delivery sushi, but the sight of my cat, Mittens, furiously attempting to open a can of tuna with a spork.”
- Pacing and Timing: Comedy relies heavily on these. Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing, jokes that don’t quite land, or places where a punchline is given away too early.
- Consistent Voice: Keep your distinctive voice throughout the piece. Don’t suddenly get serious unless it’s a deliberate comedic choice.
- Proofread Relentlessly: Typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting issues kill your credibility, especially for humor writers who are expected to have a sharp command of language. Use professional editing software or hire a proofreader.
- Punchlines and Payoffs: Make sure your humor hits effectively. Avoid unnecessary explanations that delay the funny part. Remember that humor is subjective, but effective comedic writing often thrives on surprise, incongruity, exaggeration, or relatable truth.
The Long Haul: Persistence, Professionalism, and a Place to Stand
Getting humor published isn’t a one-and-done thing; it’s a continuous effort mixed with building your author profile.
1. Dealing with Rejection: It’s Not You (Usually)
Rejection is simply part of the publishing journey, especially in something as subjective as humor. It rarely means your talent isn’t there.
- Analyze the Rejection (If You Can): Was it a generic form letter? Or was there a specific, even if brief, comment? “While we enjoyed your comedic voice, this piece wasn’t quite right for our current lineup” is more helpful than a simple “No.”
- It’s About Fit, Not Flaws: Often, a rejection just means your piece didn’t fit the specific needs, theme, or house style of that particular publication at that particular moment. They might have just published something similar, or your piece might not align with their editorial calendar.
- Think of Rejection as Redirection: A “no” from one place just tells you to try somewhere else. Rejection isn’t the finish line; it’s a signal to adjust your target list or refine your piece.
- Try This: For every rejection, pick one new place to submit the piece (or a revised version of it). Don’t dwell on it. Keep moving forward. Keep a submission tracker to note dates and comments.
2. Building Your Author Platform: More Than Just a Website
For humor writers, a platform isn’t just about looking professional; it’s an extension of your comedic voice. It shows your dedication and your reach.
- Website/Blog: This is your home base. Display your published work, link to your portfolio, and offer samples of your writing.
- Try This: Create a dedicated “Humor” or “Published Work” section. Include short excerpts or links to full pieces.
- For Example: Have a clean, professional website. If you write satirical essays, a section titled “My Misguided Musings” might be perfect. If you write absurd short fiction, “Tales from the Other Side of Sanity” would work. Make sure it reflects your brand.
- Social Media Presence (Smartly): Pick platforms where your humor really clicks and where you can connect with potential readers and industry pros. Twitter (now X), Instagram (for visual humor/memes), or even TikTok (for short comedic bits) can be effective.
- Important Warning: Don’t just spam your followers with “buy my book!” Share genuinely funny content, engage with current events (if that’s part of your humor), and build a real community. Your social media presence should be a natural extension of your comedic voice – don’t force it.
- For Example: If your humor is observational and conversational, Twitter (now X) is great for short, witty takes. If you’re a master of absurd visual gags, Instagram or Pinterest might be better.
- Newsletter/Email List (Optional but Recommended): This is a direct line to your most engaged readers. Share updates, new humorous pieces, or behind-the-scenes insights.
- For Example: A witty subject line like “My Cat Just Tried to Unionize (and Other Absurdities)” followed by a short, humorous update and a link to your latest piece.
- Networking (Thoughtfully): Connect with other humor writers, editors, and agents. Attend webinars, conferences, or online literary events.
- Try This: Follow agents who represent humor, editors of humor publications, and successful humor writers on social media. Engage with their content intelligently. Don’t actually pitch them in DMs.
- For Example: If an editor tweets about a piece they loved, respond with a genuine, insightful comment (not just “great piece!”). This helps you get noticed over time.
3. Thinking About Literary Representation: When and Why (for Books)
If your goal is a full-length humor book (a collection, a novel, or a memoir), a literary agent becomes almost essential.
- When to Look for an Agent: Usually, once you have a completed manuscript (for fiction/memoir) or a very well-developed book proposal (for non-fiction, collections). You’ll need to show you can write funny consistently over a longer form.
- What Agents Are Looking For:
- Strong, Distinctive Voice: Your humor needs to stand out.
- Market Viability: Can this book sell? Is there an audience for this specific type of humor?
- Platform (Increasingly Important): Do you have an established audience or a significant social media following? Previous publications in reputable humor outlets are strong evidence of your reach and talent.
- Professionalism: A well-crafted query, a polished manuscript.
- How to Research Agents: Use resources like Manuscript Wish List (#MSWL), agent websites, and Publisher’s Marketplace to find agents who represent humor and have a history of selling humor books. Look for agents who represent authors whose humor you admire.
- Your Agent Query (Beyond the Basics): Your agent query must be impeccable. It’s often the first step in a long professional relationship. Highlight your humor (subtly), the book’s concept, and your platform.
Last Thoughts: The Lasting Power of Laughter
Getting your funny work published isn’t a race; it’s more like a marathon filled with laughter, determination, and smart adjustments. It demands not just a great sense of humor but also a disciplined approach to the publishing world. By understanding your unique comedic voice, thoroughly researching who you’re targeting, crafting sharp pitches, and building a professional presence, you can turn the subjective art of being funny into the objective achievement of becoming a published humorist. The world definitely needs more laughter, and with these actionable steps, you’re well on your way to providing it, one carefully crafted punchline at a time.