#299 Funny Story with Fran Lebowitz

This week, we're running a takeover in collaboration with Reedsy freelancer Fran Lebowitz! Fran has previously worked with several bestselling authors, including two Newberry Medal winners and Julia Quinn of Bridgerton fame. The winner of this contest will not only be awarded $250 — they’ll also receive a special bonus prize: personal feedback from Fran herself. For your chance to get insight from one of Reedsy’s very own professionals, read on! Here's Fran:

Hello writers,

Fran Lebowitz here, a Reedsy editor and former agent. For almost four decades now, I’ve read and evaluated full-length fiction. I’ve seen countless historical novels, fantasy novels, memoirs, and even satires. But the rarest find? A humorist who can sell. Why is it that funny thrives in film and TV, but not in the written word?

I’ve found that humor is the most elusive element in fiction, so I’d love to see you demystify this. Can you be funny while also telling a story? Is funny in the setup, or is it better found in the characters? How funny can a main character be if they still need to resonate emotionally?

For my contest, funny can also mean peculiar, unintentional, innocence — even extraordinary, like a coincidence. I invite you to take any path: be daring, silly, inventive, or a serious wisecracker.

Do you have the beginnings of the next Severance? Nora Ephron? Maria Semple? David Sedaris? Christopher Moore? Funny comes in many flavors, and it's a balm for the soul — whether it's laugh-out-loud or a bizarre ponderable. Whatever it means to you, I want to see it.

Special Update: The Results

Fran's top pick for her takeover was "The Flag" by D Gorman. Here's what she had to say about the winning story: "This is a wholly satisfying, perfectly conceived parody. The voice is consistent and funny and very smart. The story is jam-packed with something clever around every corner, and its pace matches the insanity of reality with so much wit and intelligence. Placing this story in the school system was a brilliant idea; I found the piece to build on concepts and travel down a daring path."

Congratulations to contest winner D Gorman and the runners-up, Les P and Victoria MacDonald!