1. Identify Target Publications:
* Big Names (Difficult to Break Into): Magazines like *The Onion*, *The Daily Show* (for their online content), *The New Yorker* (occasionally features satire), and *McSweeney's* are high-profile but very competitive. Their submission guidelines will be strict.
* Smaller, Niche Publications: Look for online magazines and websites focusing on specific areas where your satire can fit. For example, if your satire is about politics, find political satire websites. If it's about gaming, look for gaming humor sites. Search online for "satirical magazines" or "humor magazines" to find a wide range.
* Literary Magazines with Humor Sections: Some literary magazines may have sections dedicated to humor or satire.
2. Research Individual Publication Guidelines:
* Every publication has its own submission guidelines. These guidelines are crucial; failing to follow them will likely result in your submission being rejected. Look for them on the magazine's website, usually under a section like "Submissions," "Contact," or "Write for Us."
* Pay close attention to:
* Preferred article length.
* Submission format (e.g., .doc, .pdf).
* Whether they accept unsolicited submissions. Many publications only consider pitches first.
* Whether they pay, and how much.
* Their preferred style of satire. Some may prefer witty observation, others sharper, more aggressive satire.
3. Craft a Strong Pitch (If Required):
Many publications prefer a pitch before receiving the full article. A strong pitch should:
* Clearly summarize your article's premise and central satirical point.
* Highlight what makes your article unique and compelling.
* Briefly describe your writing style and voice.
4. Polish Your Work:
* Proofread carefully. Typos and grammatical errors are a quick way to get your work rejected.
* Ensure your satire is sharp, well-written, and original.
* Make sure it fits the target publication's style and audience.
5. Be Patient and Persistent:
Getting published, especially in satire, is difficult. Expect rejections, and don't let them discourage you. Keep refining your craft, targeting appropriate publications, and submitting your work.
In short, there's no easy answer, but diligent research and careful submission are key to getting your satirical article published. Start by searching online for satirical magazines and then meticulously check each publication's website for its submission guidelines.