Additional Markets For Gagwriters
The traditional way that gagwriters collaborate with cartoonists is like this: the gagwriter submits ideas for cartoons to a cartoonist and that cartoonist picks the gags he wants to draw. The cartoonist then submits those cartoons and if the cartoon sells, the gagwriter gets 25 percent of the check and the cartoonist keeps the other seventy-five percent. But here are some additional ways a gagwriter can earn from his or her sense of humor:
Write for Comedy Shows
TV or Streaming:
Comedy writers often contribute to TV shows, late-night talk shows, and streaming series. Networking, building a portfolio, and submitting scripts to talent agencies or writing competitions can help you break into the industry.Stand-Up Comedy:
Write jokes or gags for stand-up comedians, either as part of their routine or as a ghostwriter. >Sell Gags to YouTube Creators
YouTube Comedy Skits: Since you create animated videos, you could monetize by writing short funny skits and posting them on YouTube. You can earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, or crowdfunding (e.g., Patreon).Write for Syndicated Comic Strips
Keep in mind, syndicated comic strip artists, if they have a daily comic strip, must come up with 365 gags a year. That's not easy. Some gagwriters have done well by writing for these cartoonists. One advantage of writing for these artists is they have already sold their comic strip. Syndicated cartoonists often pay a flat fee for gags and it could very well be more generous than what a gagwriter might get from magazine cartoons. If a gagwriter can come up for an idea for an original comic strip and collaborate with a cartoonist to submit it to the syndicates, they might create an ongoing source of income.Webcomics
Some cartoonists publish their comics as webcomics instead of going the syndication route. They monetize these through ads, subscriptions, or sale of merchandise. These webcomics can be published on your own website or through websites such as Webtoon or PatreonFreelance Joke Writing
Corporate Work: Write humorous content for advertising agencies, social media campaigns, or marketing teams looking for funny copy. Use platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to offer your gag writing services for comedians, podcasters, or YouTube creators.Publish a Book of Jokes
Compile your gags into a book, ebook, or even a funny children's book. Sell on self-publishing platforms like KindleMerchandise and Gag Gifts
Turn your funny ideas into merchandise (e.g., t-shirts, mugs, greeting cards). Websites like Redbubble and Zazzle make it easy to sell custom products with your jokes. Or if you want to do it the hard way you could have a local printer print your jokes on gift items and try to sell them at flea markets or yard sales. Lots of products can be created without any artwork, other than your gaglines printed in a nice-looking cartoon font.Sign up for my cartoon emails. - Free cartoons in your email, plus articles about cartoons and cartooning. Opt out anytime.