The Rumpus ($500)
The Rumpus Submissions 2026: Get Paid Up to $500 for Fiction, Essays, Poetry and More
The Rumpus is accepting submissions from emerging and established writers across fiction, poetry, essays, flash writing, criticism, comics and interviews.
Founded in 2009, the independent literary publication pays $500 for prose and comics and $200 for poetry. Its Flash Fridays category also pays $200 for accepted fiction and nonfiction.
General Submission Guidelines
- All submissions must be previously unpublished, including on personal blogs, websites and social media. The Rumpus does not accept work written or edited with AI.
- Writers should submit only one piece to a particular section at a time and wait for a decision before submitting again. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but writers must withdraw work promptly if it is accepted elsewhere.
- The publication generally aims to respond within three months.
- Before submitting, writers may find this Creative Writing News guide on what copy editing is and how elementary copy editing works useful.
What Can You Submit?
- Fiction: Submit one short story of up to 5,000 words. For flash fiction of 1,000 words or fewer, writers may submit up to three pieces in one submission. Include a brief cover letter and third-person bio. Payment is $500.
- Writers preparing fiction can also read these five tips on holding attention in a short story.
- Essays: Submit previously unpublished essays of up to 5,000 words. The editors welcome personal, voice-driven essays as well as non-traditional nonfiction. Payment is $500.
- Poetry: Submit 4–8 poems, up to 12 pages total, in one Word document. Include a brief cover letter and third-person bio. Payment is $200.
- Flash Fridays: Submit fiction or nonfiction of up to 1,000 words for possible publication in The Rumpus newsletter. Payment is $200.
- Criticism: Writers may submit pitches of up to 500 words or completed cultural criticism essays of approximately 1,200–5,000 words.
- Comics: The Rumpus accepts complete, standalone comics rather than pitches or unfinished scripts. Payment is $500.
- The publication also considers pitches and completed interviews with writers, artists, thinkers, musicians and other creative figures.
How to Submit to The Rumpus
Submissions are made through The Rumpus Submittable portal. Writers should check that their chosen category is currently open and review its specific requirements before applying.
