Okay...
You say you want to write for MAD. You read it as a kid, loved it, and
always thought it would be a lot of fun to come up with stuff like that.
Well, here's your chance!
MAD is now actively seeking to expand its freelance writing staff. We're
looking for writers who are clever, offbeat, and, most importantly, funny.
We want to infuse new life, energy and a fresh look into the magazine.
Still interested? Good. Here's what we want from you:
ARTICLES: On anything or everything that catches your
fancy and is funny. Especially prized are articles on current trends.
Send us a paragraph or two explaining the premise of your article with
3 or 4 examples of how you intend to carry it through, describing the
action and visual content of each example. Rough sketches are welcomed
but not necessary. Remember! No straight text pieces! MAD is a visual
magazine!!
COVER IDEAS: Preferably with Alfred E. Neuman in the gag, though
we will consider anything that is funny. (We will NOT, however, consider
simple Alfred substitution gags – e.g. Alfred as Mr. Spock or Alfred
as a Furby)
ONE-PAGE GAGS: Two to eight panel cartoon continuities in the
style and tradition of MAD. (Sketches not necessary.)
EVERYTHING ELSE: Anything you think is funny, even
if you've never seen anything like it before in MAD.
Here's what we don't want from you:
MOVIE & TV SATIRES: Unless they're entirely different
in format and approach from the one we're currently using.
REWRITTEN MAD-LIKE STUFF: Nothing turns us off faster
than an article that begins "You Know You're A _______ When..."
We've done it to death!
ACUTELY TOPICAL MATERIAL: Always remember it takes
four to sixth months from conception to newsstand! Very topical material
could be dead and forgotten!
POETRY OR SONG PARODIES
WHERE TO SEND YOUR STUFF
Send your submission along with a SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE
to:
MAD Submissions Editor
1700 Broadway
New York, NY 10011
Allow 8-12 weeks for a response. Please, NO PHONE CALLS!
NOTE: DO NOT FAX OR E-MAIL YOUR SUBMISSIONS. SUBMISSIONS SENT VIA FAX
OR E-MAIL WILL NOT BE READ! SUBMISSIONS SENT WITHOUT A SELF-ADDRESSED,
STAMPED ENVELOPE WILL NOT BE RETURNED OR RETAINED!
A few final thoughts. You can include more than one idea in a submission.
Each is judged on its own merit. Have fun! Don't be afraid to be stupid
and don't self-edit yourself because you don't think it's what you think
we're looking for. Sometimes we don't know what we're looking for until
we see it! Make us earn our money as editors!
Don't be discouraged if you're rejected your first or second time out.
Writing for MAD isn't a piece of cake. That's why we pay top rates--on
acceptance!
We're waiting to hear from you! This is your big chance! Don't blow it!
Hit those keys!
MAD-ly,
The Editors
P.S. Have a nice day. |