Got a hilarious story or a punchy one-liner that cracks people up?
You could get paid for it!
Reader’s Digest pays up to $100 for funny true stories and $25 for jokes, gags, or quotes that make the cut.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to submit your work, what kind of humor they publish, and how to boost your chances of getting paid.
Let’s get started.
What is Reader’s Digest?
Reader’s Digest is one of the most iconic magazines in the world.
Launched in 1922 by DeWitt and Lila Wallace, it started as a pocket-sized publication that condensed the best articles from various magazines into short, easily digestible reads.
It quickly became a household name — and by the 1940s, it was selling over a million copies a month.
For decades, Reader’s Digest reigned as the best-selling consumer magazine in the United States — and today, it remains America’s fourth-largest magazine by circulation.
Its global presence is even more impressive.
The magazine reaches more than 40 million people across 70+ countries through 49 editions in 21 languages, making it the largest paid-circulation magazine in the world.
Today, nearly a century later, Reader’s Digest remains a trusted source of comfort, entertainment, and inspiration across both its print and digital formats.
Known for its uplifting tone, timeless values, and compact storytelling, the magazine curates content around humor, human interest, health, advice, and life lessons.
What kind of content do they accept?
When it comes to humor, Reader’s Digest is famous for its recurring sections:
- Laughter, The Best Medicine – Short, punchy jokes and anecdotes
- Life’s Like That – Funny, real-life moments
- All in a Day’s Work – Workplace humor from readers
If it’s witty, relatable, and clean enough to be shared with the whole family, it’s fair game.
They love funny quips, misheard instructions, innocent misunderstandings, and awkward situations that ended in laughter.
You can send:
- Jokes, gags, or funny one-liners
- True funny stories (especially if they’re personal)
- Lighthearted workplace or family moments
What are their writing guidelines?
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- No AI-generated jokes. All submissions must be your own original material.
- If your piece was previously published, you must cite the source (name, date, and page).
- Reader’s Digest may edit submissions for clarity and length.
- Keep it short and sweet. Brevity is their style.
Who can write for them?
Submissions are currently accepted only from residents of the U.S. and Canada.
That said, Reader’s Digest is a global brand —
so if you’re outside North America, check your local version of RD to see if they’re accepting jokes and stories too.
How much do they pay?
- $25 for each joke, gag, or funny quote
- $100 for each funny true story published in print
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?
Getting published in Reader’s Digest is more than just a paycheck — it’s a chance to share a laugh with millions of readers across the world.
Your story or joke might brighten someone’s day, show up in a waiting room, or get passed around the dinner table.
It’s also a prestigious and recognizable credit, whether you’re a new writer or just someone with a good sense of humor.
And let’s not forget — it’s fun.
If you enjoy writing short, funny things and seeing your work in print, this is a great place to start.
It’s a fun way to get paid for your humor.
- You’ll reach a massive audience and potentially see your joke or story in print.
- It’s a prestigious credit that anyone — not just professional writers — can land.
- If you love writing short and making people laugh, it’s a perfect match.
How do I get started?
Just fill out their online submission form — no account needed.
- Provide your name and contact info
- Paste your joke, quote, or story into the form
- Click submit and you’re done!
Note: Don’t expect a quick reply. Reader’s Digest receives hundreds of thousands of submissions each year and only publishes a few hundred. If they accept your piece, they’ll contact you.
Ready to submit your joke or funny story?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to be a professional comedian to write for Reader’s Digest — just someone with a knack for finding the funny in everyday life.
If you’ve ever made your friends or family laugh so hard they cried, consider turning that moment into a submission.
You might just earn a spot in one of the most beloved magazines in the world — and a little cash, too.
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 ➤
