Are you a humor writer? Comedy writing jobs give freelance writers a way to earn while making readers laugh. A funny story, sharp joke or fresh view of everyday life could land you paid assignments.
Many editors, online platforms and content creators want humor-infused writing. From spec scripts to social media posts, comedy writing fits in all kinds of formats. Magazines like Reader’s Digest and sites like Cracked still publish humorous content.
A wild moment, a clever word or a new angle can spark ideas. Use writing skills to connect, entertain and deliver laughs. These gigs show up in culture, politics, family and even food.
Ready to pitch and make money writing? Comedy writing jobs pop up often—just bring your best jokes and signature style.
What is a comedy writer?
Comedians who write for a living focus on making people laugh through funny stories, dialogue or jokes. A comedy writer creates characters, scenes and moments that bring stories to life.
Some humor writers focus on sketch shows, sitcoms, talk shows or cartoons. Others write stand-up routines, social media posts or light-hearted content for magazines and websites.
Where do comedy writers work?
Most comedy writers work for television or film production companies, online platforms, theaters, newspapers or advertising teams. New York and Los Angeles often give the most chances for people in the comedy industry, but cities like Chicago and Atlanta also offer strong opportunities. Freelance writers may write spec scripts or sell story ideas to editors, producers or clients.
Humor writing can also include work for theme parks, marketing campaigns or columns that blend comedy with news reporting, culture or relationships. Some writers produce short content for social media, while others focus on long-form scripts or stage plays.
Writers with solid writing skills, a unique style and fresh content ideas can pitch gigs directly or post samples online. A blog, YouTube channel or Medium page can show potential employers or clients what kind of jokes you write and if they’re a fit for their platform. Freelancers often get hired by sharing personal experiences, using strong characters and delivering great punchlines with a clear point of view.
How do you become a comedy writer?
Pursuing comedy writing jobs blends creativity, sharp observation, and a love for making people laugh. Whether crafting jokes for social media posts, scripting characters for television or writing satirical pieces, comedy writers bring humor to various platforms.
Here’s how to become a freelance writer and make comedy writing your part-time or full-time job.
Study the concept
The best way to become a comedy writer is to immerse yourself in comedy writing. Read books like Comedy Writing Secrets by Melvin Helitzer and How to Write Funny by Scott Dikkers.
These resources teach nuances of humor, character development and comedic timing. Watching stand-up specials, sitcoms and sketch shows can also provide insight into different comedic styles.
Practice regularly
Write daily to hone your writing skills. Experiment with various formats—be it short jokes, humorous essays, spec scripts, etc. Drawing from personal experience can add authenticity to your work. Remember, practice is key to improvement.
Build a portfolio
Create a collection of your best comedic pieces to prove your expertise. This portfolio can include blog posts, scripts or social media content. Platforms like Substack or personal websites serve as great tools for showcasing your work to potential clients or employers.
Join local improv groups, attend open mic nights or participate in online forums dedicated to this type of writing. Networking with fellow writers and performers can provide feedback, inspiration and potential job leads.
Seek opportunities
Look for freelance comedy writing jobs on online platforms and job boards. Publishers like The Funny Times or Cracked often accept submissions from freelance writers. Tailor your pitches to match the publication’s style and audience.
Learn the industry
Comedy writers work in various settings, including television, film, theater and digital media. Roles can range from staff writers in writers’ rooms to freelance contributors for magazines or online platforms. Understanding the industry’s structure can help you identify where your skills fit best.
Be persistent
Rejections come with the territory. Use feedback to refine your work and continue submitting to different outlets. Persistence, coupled with continuous learning, increases your chances of success in the comedy writing field.
Consider joining supportive communities
For structured guidance and resources, consider joining communities like the Freelance Writers Den. This membership community offers boot camps, webinars and forums to help writers improve their craft and navigate the freelance landscape. Engaging with such communities can provide valuable insights and support.
15 Sites that post freelance comedy writing jobs
Some people think comedy writing means fewer job options. The truth is, the comedy industry keeps growing. Many writers get paid to make people laugh, and now’s a great time to carve out your place in this niche.
Want to find freelance writing jobs? Start with this list of publications that pay writers for their humor pieces.
1. Clubhouse
Clubhouse Magazine, aimed at children ages 8–12, seeks creative writers who can blend humor with Christian values. Writers can submit fiction (1,800–2,000 words) or nonfiction (400–1,000 words) that entertains and educates.
Payment ranges from $0.15–$0.25 per word, based on editing needs. They do not accept reprints or simultaneous submissions. Expect responses within 12 weeks.
Submissions should include a cover letter, word count, and genre. Seasonal content should be sent at least eight months ahead. Writers maintain non-exclusive rights, and payment is issued upon acceptance.
2. Cracked
Cracked, a leading humor site since 2007, offers paid opportunities for writers, both experienced and beginners. Writers can submit entries for “Pictofacts” or “Photoplasty” contests (up to $100) or pitch feature articles (paying $100 to $250) by emailing workshop@cracked.com.
Feature topics range from funny takes on pop culture to deep dives into bizarre theories. For experienced writers, Cracked also offers column opportunities with pay ranging from $100 to $250.
Freelancers should be skilled in writing, humor, and engaging content. Responses may take up to 12 weeks, and simultaneous submissions aren’t accepted.
3. enRoute
Air Canada enRoute is a travel magazine with a Canadian perspective, reaching over one million readers each month. It covers topics like food, design and culture, offering intelligent, humorous and insightful stories.
To pitch, provide a clear, specific idea with a unique angle, focused on first-hand experiences and a strong sense of place. Keep your pitch to one page, and submit a maximum of two per email each month.
Stories should fit the magazine’s style, with short features (200–550 words) or long features (1,200–1,700 words). Send queries to pitch@aircanadaenroute.com. No unsolicited manuscripts or PR pitches.
4. FundsforWriters
FundsforWriters accepts freelance submissions that focus on earning a living as a writer. Articles should be between 550 and 650 words and provide practical advice, real examples, and actionable tips for writers.
Avoid general or theoretical content and instead focus on how to generate writing income, such as unique market opportunities or tips on winning contests.
Submissions should be original and not AI-generated. Payment is $100 for unpublished articles and $25 for reprints older than 90 days. Include your word count, title, article, brief bio and PayPal address when submitting to hope@chopeclark.com.
5. The Funny Times
Ray Lesser and Susan Wolpert have spent over 30 years publishing laughs in The Funny Times—no ads, just pure humor. This print magazine pokes fun at politics, relationships, tech, pets, food, work, and even religion. Most stories run 500 to 700 words. Writers get $75 for each piece published.
6. Minnesota Monthly
Minnesota Monthly is focused on the life and culture of the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and the Upper Midwest. When pitching a story, it must have a strong local connection, such as a book by a local author or a product made in the state. Your pitch should outline the subject, describe your angle, and explain why the topic is timely and important. Include two or three published clips that demonstrate your writing style.
Newer writers should pitch for departments, while feature assignments typically go to experienced writers with national magazine or newspaper clips. Submit your pitch to Editor-in-Chief Alesha Taylor at ataylor@greenspring.com.
7. The New Yorker
The New Yorker offers exciting comedy writing jobs for talented writers hoping to contribute to iconic humor sections like Shouts & Murmurs and Daily Shouts. Freelance comedy writers can send original spec scripts or humorous fiction to TNY_Shouts@newyorker.com.
This publication provides a professional platform that values fresh, engaging comedy and continues a long tradition of delivering humor with sharp wit. Whether you’re based in New York or writing from anywhere else, these freelance opportunities give writers a chance to reach a global audience.
8. Mother.ly
MotherlyStories offers a unique platform for freelance writers to share their personal experiences through first-person stories of motherhood. These 700- to 900-word narratives reflect the pain points and challenges that many moms face, offering relatable insights and wisdom.
Comedy writers with a knack for humor will find opportunities to inspire with funny yet meaningful stories that help others feel less alone in their journey.
Motherly also welcomes expert contributors from a range of fields, like pediatricians, family therapists and more. Whether your story addresses jokes or serious issues, this platform connects writers with a supportive community of mothers.
9. Sasee
Sasee welcomes freelance writers interested in contributing to a women’s lifestyle magazine that covers fashion, food, travel and family life. Writers can submit essays, humor, satire and personal stories that resonate with women’s experiences, especially those related to life near Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
The magazine seeks comedy writers with the ability to craft engaging, funny, and insightful content that explores women’s lives in relatable and humorous ways. These writing jobs offer a great opportunity to reach a dedicated audience while earning competitive rates based on the assignment.
10. Saturday Evening Post
The Saturday Evening Post is looking for comedy writers to submit humor and satire to their fiction, nonfiction and cartoon categories.
Writers can submit funny essays, stories, or cartoons reflecting unique perspectives on the American scene. The magazine values fresh ideas that capture the humor in everyday life, culture and current events.
Comedy writers can submit electronically in Microsoft Word, PDF or RTF formats, and should include contact information for easy communication.
11. Reader’s Digest
Reader’s Digest offers freelance opportunities for writers with funny stories, jokes, gags and humorous quotes. Pay is $25 for a joke, gag or funny quote, and $100 for a true funny story published in the print edition.
Submissions may be used in both print and digital formats, and all selected original material becomes the property of Reader’s Digest. Writers should note that material cannot be submitted to other publications after being paid for by Reader’s Digest.
12. Entertainment Careers
This job board lists work in film, TV, music, digital media, and publishing. Roles include writing, editing and content creation for studios, production houses, and media companies.
Jobs at Entertainment Careers often come directly from industry insiders. A solid choice for writers looking to break into entertainment or build careers behind the scenes.
13. Indeed
Indeed helps freelance writers find remote and contract writing jobs across industries. Search by keyword, location or job type to discover paid gigs that match your skills. Upload a resume, set alerts and apply directly through the site. From copywriting to journalism and technical writing, thousands of listings appear daily.
Useful for writers looking for steady freelance work or long-term remote positions with trusted companies. Easy navigation and job-matching tools help speed up the application process
14. Freelancer
Freelancer offers thousands of writing projects posted by businesses around the world. The bidding system allows writers to compete for jobs, but profiles, experience, and samples help stand out. From simple blog writing to complex documentation, many options exist.
Features include milestone payments, project tracking, and client feedback. A global marketplace for committed freelance writers.
15. Upwork
Upwork connects freelancers with clients seeking writers for short or long-term projects. Create a profile, submit proposals, and land jobs that fit your skills. Jobs range from ghostwriting to technical manuals and white papers.
Clients post clear budgets and timelines. Trust builds through reviews, work history, and communication. A strong option for building a steady income over time.
Final tips on how to get a comedy writing job
You’ve seen where to send comedy writing, but money doesn’t only come from pitching humor pieces. Many writers build careers through less traditional paths.
More ways to get paid for comedy writing
- Write clever ad copy for brands with funny voices
- Start a comedy blog to showcase your humor
- Script sketches for theater groups or online creators
- Help stand-up comedians craft fresh material
- Write scripts for podcasts, YouTube videos, or games
- Create punchy content for greeting card companies
- Ghostwrite memoirs or social posts for public figures
- Each path lets you explore different styles and boost your income.
A few tips to keep momentum
- Pitch smarter: choose places that match your tone
- Build a network of writers, performers, and editors
- Track every pitch, follow up, and stay organized
- Keep a folder of ideas, funny thoughts, or headlines
- Keep writing—even when responses feel slow
Freelance comedy writing takes time, grit, and a lot of ideas. If comedy fuels your writing, keep going. Freelance Writers Den helps many writers stay focused, improve pitches, and find new opportunities. With steady effort, strong samples, and good timing, laughs lead to paychecks and new doors open.