When people listen to me, they say I’m funny. I know I can diffuse a tense atmosphere with my words that bring smiles to people’s faces. But never have I thought of becoming a standup comedian or comedian of any sort. Are you like me? Then try other jobs for funny people.
Do you see the world through a different lens, find humor in the mundane, or simply love to make people laugh? Well, humor writing may just be the perfect outlet for your wit and charm, while also paying the bills as a freelance comedy writer.
One of the jobs for funny people is a freelance comedy writing job. Some consumer magazines seek comedy writing, while others have built their brand on it. So, if you have a funny story to tell or a humorous idea, why not turn it into a money-making opportunity by pitching to these comedy writing jobs?
What to do to land jobs for funny people?
Hold on, do you know if you have what it takes to land these comedy writing jobs? Study the market, their past humor pieces, voice, style, and the target audience.
Do you need some inspiration? Check out some of the unforgettable humor pieces published in the past. These range from vacation horror stories to the time a super-flush toilet sucked a wrap-around skirt off a woman right before her flight.
After the steps above come pitching. Still, wondering where to pitch your ideas? Look no further than our list of the best markets and entry-level comedy writing jobs.
Jobs for funny people — freelance comedy jobs
Apart from freelancing comedy writing, here are other jobs for funny people you can try.
- Stand-up comedian: This is probably the most obvious choice. As a stand-up comedian, you’ll use your humor to entertain audiences in comedy clubs, theaters, and other venues. You’ll need to be quick-witted and able to improvise, as well as write and deliver jokes that resonate with your audience. If you are shy or aren’t ready for it, you can write comedy scripts for comedians.
- Comedy writer: If you have a talent for writing, you might consider a career as a comedy writer. You could write for TV shows, movies, or even advertising agencies. Your job would be to come up with funny ideas and scripts that make people laugh.
- Improv performer: Improv is a type of comedy that’s all about making things up on the spot. If you’re good at thinking on your feet and coming up with clever responses to unexpected situations, you might enjoy working as an improv performer.
- Voice actor: If you have a distinctive voice and a talent for impressions, you could consider a career as a voice actor. You could lend your voice to cartoons, commercials, and even video games, bringing characters to life with your humor and creativity.
- Event entertainer: Many events, such as weddings and corporate parties hire comedians, magicians, and other entertainers to keep their guests entertained. If you’re good at engaging with people and making them laugh, you could consider working as an event entertainer or writing scripts for event entertainers.
The Best Comedy Writing Jobs to Pitch Right Now
Clubhouse
Clubhouse is a magazine that focuses on family and is published by a Christian organization for kids between 8-12 years old. The magazine publishes fiction and nonfiction humor writing. Humorous articles, such as how to be a good friend and how to treat your neighbors are some nonfiction you can try. If you are looking for jobs for funny people, Clubhouse pays $150 to $200 for any publication.
Cracked
The Cracked magazine print version has gone out of service since 2007 but the digital version is noteworthy with outstanding editors like Logan Trent and Cyriaque Lamar. The magazine works with satirical and humorous writers to create articles, captions, listicles, and others. Cracked pays $100-150 per task.
Country
The country wants you to write about funny experiences you have living on the outskirts of town or you leave the city whenever an opportunity comes to taste country life. Country magazine wants you to write about the funny and crazy experiences you witnessed. You can check the editorial calendar for topics and themes in upcoming issues, and pitch Copy Chief Deb Mulvey. They pay $250 per assignment.
enRoute
enRoute is a Canadian publication that accepts entries for content that discuss Air Canada and travels in general. However, your content has to be funny and entertaining, while educating. “We engage our audience through intelligent writing, insight, humor, and spot-on service journalism,” according to the magazine’s editorial team. Send your publication to Senior Editor Caitlin Walsh Miller. They pay $1/word CDN.
Funds for Writers
Freelance writing isn’t rosy the way it looks to an outsider. There are days you turn and tussle on your bed as no job is forthcoming. As such, earning as a freelancer is not a joke. However, it’s possible when you understand how freelancing works. Funds for Writers founder C. Hope Clark accepts guest posts on topics that cover how to earn money as a freelance writer. Ensure you review the guidelines, and cover tips that can help you land an assignment — a dash of humor and rays of humor with a happy ending. They pay $60 per assignment
The Funny Times
The Funny Times has been in existence for more than 30 years. The publishers described themselves as “publishers and troublemakers.” According to them, “Our print publication pokes fun at politics, news, relationships, food, technology, pets, work, death, environmental issues, business, religion (yes, even religion), and the human condition in general,” says Lesser and Wolpert. “Not much is off limits, so do your best to make us laugh.” Your content should be between 500 to 700 words and the pay is $75 per content.
The Onion
The Onion is a classic publication for satirical news and humor writing. It’s been around since 1988 and has a dedicated following for its hilarious, over-the-top articles and headlines. They cover a range of topics from politics and entertainment to sports and technology. Keep in mind that the competition is tough, but if you can write something truly funny and absurd, you might just get published. The rate is unknown, but The Onion is known for paying its writers well.
Points in Case
Points in Case is a website that publishes humor writing, including satire, parody, and comedic essays. They accept pitches for a variety of topics, from current events and pop culture to personal experiences and everyday life. According to their website, they’re looking for “creative and original comedy writing that doesn’t suck.” If you can deliver on that, you might have a shot at getting published. The rate is $25 for short-form pieces and $50 for longer pieces.
McSweeney’s Internet Tendency
McSweeney’s Internet Tendency is a website that publishes humor writing, satire, and literary parody. They’re known for their quirky, offbeat style and have published work from well-known comedians and writers like Patton Oswalt and David Sedaris. If you have a unique perspective and a knack for satire, McSweeney’s might be the perfect place to pitch your writing. They accept pitches for a variety of formats, including articles, lists, and open letters. The rate is $100 per article.
The New Yorker’s Daily Shouts
The New Yorker is a prestigious magazine known for its literary writing, but they also have a section called Daily Shouts, which publishes humorous writing and illustrations. They’re open to a range of formats, including essays, lists, and cartoons.
If you’re looking for jobs for funny people or a writer with an awry sense of humor and a love for pop culture, Daily Shouts might be the perfect fit for you. Keep in mind that the competition is tough, but if you can write something that fits their style and tone, you might just get published. The Payment is unspecified.
Funny or Die
Funny or Die is a website that publishes comedy videos, but they also have a section for written humor. They accept pitches for articles, lists, and other formats, and are open to a wide range of topics.
If you’re a writer with a love for the pop culture and a knack for humor, Funny or Die might be the perfect fit for you. Keep in mind that they’re looking for content that’s funny, original, and shareable, so make sure your pitch fits the bill. The rate is unknown.
Robot Butt
Robot Butt is a website that publishes humorous writing, including satire, parody, and lists. They’re open to a range of topics and formats, from pop culture and current events to personal essays and absurd humor.
If you have a unique perspective and a love for humor, Robot Butt might be the perfect place to pitch your writing. Keep in mind that they’re looking for original, funny content that will make readers laugh out loud. The Rate is $25 per article.
Guide
The Guide is a Christian-focused magazine for tweens and teens. This magazine accepts stories that use humor to teach character-building principles. So, if you can make kids laugh while also imparting some important life lessons, The Guide might be the perfect fit for you. They typically pay between $0.07 to $0.10 per word, and stories should be around 450 to 1,200 words.
The Imperfect Parent
If you’re a parent who’s tired of being told how to be the “perfect” parent, you might want to submit to The Imperfect Parent. They’re looking for articles that are funny, thought-provoking, and relatable. From managing an angry toddler to embarrassing your kids as a form of discipline, they want to hear your unique take on parenting. They pay $25 and up per article.
Minnesota Monthly
If you’re a Minnesotan with a great sense of humor, you might want to pitch a story to Minnesota Monthly. They’re looking for First-Person or True North features that capture the spirit of life and culture in the Twin Cities, the North Star state, and the Upper Midwest. They don’t have a set rate, but pay depends on the assignment.
The New Yorker
For those interested in humor writing and satire, The New Yorker’s Shouts & Murmurs section might be your dream gig. They publish pure fiction and satire, so you’ll need to bring your A-game. Take some time to study their published articles and start thinking like the editors before submitting. Rates vary depending on the assignment.
Mother.ly
Parenting isn’t exactly a cakewalk. Unless of course, you’re the parent of that perfect little angel who is exquisitely well-behaved, well-mannered, and has never thrown a single temper tantrum…ever. LOL. If you’re a parent who can handle the truth (and some humor), consider pitching to Mother.ly. They’re looking for personal narratives and essays that offer parenting advice with a humorous twist. They pay $50 and up per assignment, but be sure to check back for an open call for submissions.
Sasee
Sasee is a women’s lifestyle magazine that focuses on fashion, food, travel, and family life near Pawleys Island, South Carolina. They’re looking for essays, humor, satire, personal experience, and features relating to women. Rates depend on the assignment.
Saturday Evening Post
The Saturday Evening Post, which has been in publication since 1897, boasts a regular humor feature called The Lighter Side. The magazine has a rich history and is among the oldest publications in the United States.
If you’re seeking inspiration for your humor submissions, consider reading articles about a man’s complicated relationship with his wood stove, the challenges of raising cows, or spring break traditions that are as enjoyable as a prostate exam.
To contribute to The Lighter Side, study the guidelines and past articles, and pitch an idea to the editorial team. They pay $25 and up per assignment.
Reader’s Digest
Since its inception in 1920, Reader’s Digest has undergone a major overhaul to stay competitive in the general interest and lifestyle niche. Though still half the size of typical magazines, the redesigned publication features a regular section with jokes, gags, quotes, and funny stories from freelancers. If you’re interested in contributing, they offer a pay rate of $25 to $100 per assignment.
How to make money from jobs meant for funny people
If you land freelance comedy writing jobs for magazines, blogs, and markets that appreciate humor, satire, and good jokes, here are what to do:
- Read the guidelines. Every one of the sites listed here provides guidelines on humor writing and the submission process. And the rules are slightly different for every market.
- Study back issues and site content. It’s really the only way to get to know your market’s style and start thinking like the editor.
- Write and proofread your pitch. You come up with a great idea and labor over writing a great pitch. But don’t fire it off before proofreading it. Take a break, and come back to read your work. Or ask a fellow writer to proofread your pitch before you send it out, to avoid less-than-funny mistakes.
- Accept feedback. If you hear back from an editor with a rejection, don’t give up. Study up on the publication, find out how to improve, and give it another shot.
- Keep going. Even pro writers get rejected or never hear back from an editor. Laugh it off, and keep going. It’s a numbers game. The more pitches you send out, the more likely you are to land an assignment.
Conclusion
You don’t have to be a comedian before you can use the skills you have in making people laugh. You can try freelance comedy writing jobs or other jobs for funny people. Is this post helpful? Let me know in the comment section.