I love a good laugh. And I especially love funny jokes about writing. When I wrote my first novel The Manhattan Mishap, one compliment I got from my editor was a congrats on writing such a humorous manuscript. I’m not trying to brag but I do think it was pretty hilarious. Of course, it has its serious moments too, dealing with toxic relationships, workplace frenemies, and mental health issues. But for the most part it was meant to be a lighthearted, funny read. With a few writing jokes thrown in for good measure.

Author jokes can range from puns about punctuation to satirical jabs at literary genres. These jokes often play on common stereotypes about writers being introverted, pretentious, or obsessed with their craft. While some may find author jokes clever and entertaining, others might think of them as overused and unoriginal. Whether at book clubs, writing workshops, or literary events, author jokes remain a popular form of humour within the writing community.

In my new novella, The Fashion Girl Goes Home, I wrote a little joke about makeup. Here’s a snippet:

“I have a joke for you guys. I think Reese will appreciate it,” said Uncle Russ. “Why did the concealer lie to its therapist?” He stopped briefly for suspense. “Because it was trying to cover up extra baggage.”
“Oh my god,” Reese laughed, more out of politeness than anything.
“Dad, you’re killing me,” said Sarah, slowly shaking her head.

I remember when I was in school, my sister would read my answers on exams or personal essay kind of things and burst into laughter. She thought what I’d written was really funny even though it wasn’t meant to be. At all. I don’t know what that says about me. Perhaps that I don’t take life too seriously? I’m not sure. But what I do know is that I’m a sucker for a good joke. And a bad one, too. Cheesy puns? Sign me up!

A Few of the Best Funny Jokes About Writing

What type of blood does a proofreader have? Type O.

Why do farmers make great writers? They know how to work a plot.

What is the spookiest kind of author? A ghostwriter.

Why are writers always cold? They’re surrounded by drafts.

Why don’t authors have more free time? They’re booked and busy.

What’s a writer’s favourite breakfast? Synonym buns. 

Being a writer is satisfying. Being an editor is more rewording.

What do working in publishing and parenting a toddler have in common? Reading the same damn book over and over and over.

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Writing can be a real rollercoaster—an emotional one, if you’ve read Thirteen Emotions. And the jokes about it are just as unpredictable. For instance, why did the writer break up with the thesaurus? She found it too redundant. Or how about the quip: “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” It perfectly captures that tension every writer feels as they race against the clock. And who can forget the classic, “I’m not a writer; I'm a reviser.” These lighthearted jests remind us all that, while the writing process can be fraught with struggle, it’s essential to maintain a sense of humour amidst the chaos of characters arguing for their lives and plots tangling like spaghetti.

And if you’re feeling like you want to read about spaghetti now, check out my short story The Perfect Excuse. I won’t give too much away. I’ll just say that there are fresh tomatoes, a simmering pot, and the kitchen is redolent with oregano and basil.

Find more funny jokes about writing here, here, and here.

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All photos from Pinterest.