A Few Tips for Submitting Humor to Publications
Most experts I’ve checked with say, “Don’t bother sending a pitch or cover letter.” If your material is funny, you don’t have to explain the concept.
Susan Morrison, articles editor of The New Yorker says she prefers submissions that have a narrative through line… a beginning, middle and end. For examples of the type of humor she and her associates like, visit The New Yorker online. Navigate to humor and click Shouts and Murmurs.
In Comedy Writing Secrets, Mel Helitzer, says, “The key to the sale of a column, article, or filler is the perfect marriage of subject matter and audience.” Check out publications online, at your library, newsstand, or in the Annual Issue of Writer’s Market. But, you can’t really know what any of them like best unless you read an issue or two.
Gene Parret, author of Writing Humor You Can Sell, says “Trash the query letters.” He says the value of humor is in the execution, not necessarily in the premise. Of course, a great premise is a wonderful building block. Just don’t try to use it to sell an editor on your funny piece. He’ll decide without you telling him whether or not it’s funny enough for his readers.
And a final note: follow the publication’s submission guidelines for format, length and method of submission—and send them something funny.
Filed under: Insights & Opinions, Writing Technique