Got a knack for making people laugh?
Funny Times might be the perfect home for your wit.
This long-running humor magazine pays for the funniest stories and cartoons — and they’re always on the lookout for fresh comedic voices.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Funny Times is all about, the kind of humor they love, and how you can get published.
Let’s get started.
What is Funny Times?
Funny Times is a U.S.-based humor and satire magazine that’s been delighting readers for over 35 years.
Each monthly issue is packed with over 100 cartoons and a dozen written features from both well-known and emerging comedic talents.
Independent and ad-free, the magazine has built a loyal subscriber base of more than 55,000 readers who turn to its pages for laughs on politics, relationships, work, technology, pets, and just about every aspect of life.
Funny Times is also available online, reaching an even larger audience beyond its print subscribers.
What kind of content do they accept?
Funny Times welcomes humor that pokes fun at life in all its absurdity.
Their pages feature:
- Stories: The funniest you’ve ever written, running 500–700 words.
- Cartoons: Single or multi-panel, in color or black & white (though printed mostly in black & white).
They cover a wide range of topics including:
- politics
- news
- relationships
- food
- technology
- pets
- work
- environmental issues
- religion
- and the human condition.
In short, not much is off-limits — as long as it’s funny.
What are their writing guidelines?
- Stories should be 500–700 words and genuinely humorous.
- Cartoons should be submitted as high-quality scans (300 dpi JPG or TIFF).
- Avoid sending material that isn’t funny — they won’t publish it.
- Plan ahead: because of their editorial calendar, holiday content should be sent months in advance (e.g., September for December).
- Limit submissions to your best 5–10 cartoons or 2–3 stories.
- Include your full name and contact information in your email or mailing.
- If mailing, send high-res printouts (no originals) and include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) if you want your materials returned.
Who can write for them?
Anyone who can bring the laughs.
Whether you’re a seasoned humorist or just naturally funny, Funny Times is open to submissions from all backgrounds and experience levels.
How much do they pay?
- Stories: $75 each.
- Cartoons: $30–$50 each, depending on reproduction size.
- Rights: They buy one-time publication rights and do not require exclusivity — you keep ownership of your work.
- Extras: A complimentary subscription to Funny Times and bragging rights.
- Payment is made upon publication, not acceptance.
Note:
You do not get paid just for submitting.
You get paid if your piece is accepted and published.
Why should I write for them?
Publishing in Funny Times means sharing your humor with a dedicated audience of over 55,000 subscribers in print, with many more enjoying their content online.
Your jokes, one-liners, and witty observations could be making someone chuckle over their morning coffee or laugh out loud on the bus.
You retain rights to your work, enjoy the freedom to explore a wide range of topics, and get paid for making people laugh — not a bad way to spend your creative energy.
Plus, being featured in a respected humor magazine can boost your credibility, add to your writing portfolio, and open doors to more opportunities in the comedy and publishing world.
How do I get started?
Before you send anything in, it’s a good idea to read a few issues — either in print or online — to get a feel for their style, tone, and the kind of humor they publish.
This will give you a clearer sense of what works for their audience and how to tailor your submission for the best chance of acceptance.
Email submissions:
- Send to:
submissions@funnytimes.com. - Include your full name in the subject line or body.
- Attach high-quality scans for cartoons or your funniest stories (500–700 words).
Mail submissions:
- Send to:
The Funny Times
C/O The Editors
P.O. BOX 18530
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118- Include high-res printouts (no originals) and a SASE for returns or responses.
Pro tips:
- Don’t overwhelm the editors — stick to your best work.
- Mention any previous publications or notable praise.
- Don’t get discouraged by rejection — persistence pays off.
Ready to submit your story or cartoon?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
If humor is your forte, Funny Times offers a unique platform to showcase your talent, earn money, and connect with an audience that loves to laugh.
Think of it as joining a community where witty wordplay, clever cartoons, and well-timed punchlines are celebrated.
Whether you write, draw, or do both, this could be your chance to see your work in print and brighten someone’s day — or maybe even have them snort their coffee in public.
So polish your funniest material, send it in, and who knows?
Your next big laugh could be the one that ends up on their pages and taped to someone’s fridge.
Start a blog & earn a fulltime income
Freelance writing is a good way to monetize your writing skills — but blogging is even better.
With your own blog, you can write what you want, build a loyal readership, and earn from your writing in more ways than per-article gigs.
My beginner-friendly guide shows you exactly how to start your blog from scratch, step by step, and grow it into a fulltime income — on your terms, from home or wherever life takes you.
START A BLOG ➤Looking for more sites that pay you to write?
Here’s a curated list of sites that pay writers.
You’ll find magazines, websites, and platforms in all kinds of niches, from poetry, fiction, and greeting cards to travel, lifestyle, parenting, and more.
Each site includes everything you need to know — from the type of content they’re looking for, to how much they pay, to how to submit your work — so you can confidently land your next paid writing gig.
SEE THE FULL LIST ➤
