The Rumpus

"We strive to be a platform for marginalized voices and writing that might not find a home elsewhere, and to lift up new voices alongside those of more established writers we love. We work to shine a light on stories that build bridges, tear down walls, and speak truth to power."

Prose rejections

Standard

2018

Dear ________,

Thank you for sending your short fiction to The Rumpus. We understand how much hard work you put into "Title," and, while it isn't right for us, we wish you luck in finding a home for it elsewhere.

Sincerely, Karissa Chen The Rumpus

Poetry rejections

Standard - ENOUGH series

2019

Dear _______,

Thank you for sending us "Title."

We receive several submissions to ENOUGH each day. To say it is difficult to make selections is an understatement. Everything about this project is difficult, and we so genuinely appreciate your sharing your experiences and words with us, and thank you for trusting us with them.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to use this piece. Some pieces are outside of our submission guidelines. Others don't feel ready for publication. Still others we just don't have room for. We are trying to select a range of experiences and voices, though we wish it were possible to include every voice and every story. As an all-volunteer editorial outlet, we just aren't able to do that.

This is all to say that this not a typical rejection. We want to encourage you to keep writing, to keep speaking out against the power systems that reinforce rape culture, and to consider submitting to us again in the future.

All best, and from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for writing the truth. It matters.

Marisa Siegel Editor-in-Chief, The Rumpus