Wouldn't You Rather Be Laughing? Volume 2
Ends on
WOULDN'T YOU RATHER BE LAUGHING?, VOLUME 2 A Humor Anthology from Garden of Neuro Institute Publishing
Reading Period: April 1 -- September 15, 2026 NOTE: We have extended the deadline by 2 weeks.
ABOUT THIS ANTHOLOGY
Wouldn't You Rather Be Laughing? is Garden of Neuro Institute Publishing's dedicated humor anthology, published through the publishing arm of Garden of Neuro Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to developing writers and the craft of writing.
Volume 2 builds on what Volume 1 proved: funny is hard, and writers who can do it well deserve a serious home. We are looking for comedy and humor writing that earns its laughs -- satire, absurdism, comic essays, humorous fiction, wry poetry, parody, and anything else that makes us laugh, wince-laugh, or snort something through our nose. Light, dark, dry, deadpan, slapstick on the page, pitch-black with a punchline. Make us laugh. That is the only requirement that is non-negotiable.
We value craft, originality, and comic timing above all. We welcome emerging and established writers alike.
Selected works will be considered for Pushcart Prize nomination.
SUBMISSION CATEGORIES
Standard Submission -- $5 Editorial consideration for publication in Wouldn't You Rather Be Laughing?, Volume 2. Includes all genres listed above.
Teaching Program Submission Package -- $35 Includes a developmental editorial feedback report on your submitted work, consideration for publication, and -- if accepted -- complimentary developmental editing during the revision process, two complimentary copies of the anthology, promotion through Garden of Neuro Institute marketing channels, and Pushcart Prize consideration. Make inquiry at Susan.Brearley@gardenofneuro.org.
Garden of Neuro Institute Learning-Writing Cohort Members -- Free All submission fees are waived for writers currently enrolled in a Garden of Neuro Institute Learning-Writing Cohort. Cohort members receive the full benefits of publication if selected.
WHAT WE ACCEPT
Genres: Humor, satire, absurdism, parody, comic fiction, humorous memoir and essay, wry poetry, dark comedy, literary humor, and cross-genre work with a strong comedic voice. If it is funny and crafted, it belongs here.
- Poetry: Up to 3 poems per submission. Each poem no longer than 2 pages. Funny, wry, absurd, satirical -- all welcome. Longer works or sequences: query first.
- Fiction: 1,000 to 5,000 words. Flash fiction under 1,000 words accepted. Must be self-contained. No novel excerpts unless fully standalone.
- Creative Nonfiction, Memoir, Essay: 1,000 to 5,000 words. Comic personal essay, humorous memoir, satirical journalism, absurdist hybrid forms -- all welcome. No academic papers, even funny ones.
One piece per genre per submission. Writers may submit up to three pieces per anthology (one poem, one fiction, one nonfiction). The same piece may not be submitted to more than one Garden of Neuro Institute anthology simultaneously.
WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR
We are not looking for jokes. We are looking for writing. There is a difference. Humor that relies entirely on a single punchline, shock value, or cheap irony is not what this anthology is built for. We want comic writing with a beating heart underneath it -- work that uses humor to reveal something true. If it is funny and it means something, we want to read it.
FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS
- File format: .docx or .doc preferred; .rtf accepted. No PDFs or Google Docs links.
- Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
- Prose: Double-spaced. Poetry: Single-spaced acceptable.
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- File name: LastName_Title.docx
- Word count below the title on the first page
PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED WORK
We accept only unpublished, original work. This includes work not previously published on blogs, social media, personal newsletters, or other platforms. If you are a Garden of Neuro Institute EIC or regular contributor and your work has appeared in a Garden of Neuro Institute publication, contact us before submitting.
FEE WAIVERS
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, accessibility is central to our mission. Full and partial fee waivers are available for writers experiencing financial hardship. To apply, send a brief email to Susan.Brearley@GardenofNeuro.org with the subject line Fee Waiver Request. No detailed financial documentation required. Requests are reviewed promptly and kept confidential.
No writer should be turned away because of finances.