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

2022

Thank you for sending your short fiction to The Rumpus. We understand how much hard work you put into “[title],” so please know it was fairly considered and given the attention it deserved. While this isn't a fit for us, we wish you the best of luck in finding a home for it elsewhere.

Sincerely,

Vonetta Young Senior Fiction Editor The Rumpus

2023

Dear —,

Thank you for sending us "—." We know you've worked hard on it and appreciate that you've sent it to The Rumpus for consideration. Please know it was fairly considered and given the attention it deserved. While this isn't a fit for us, we wish you the best of luck in finding a home for it elsewhere.

Sincerely,

Kelly Dignan

Senior Fiction Editor

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

Higher Tier

2023

Dear _______,

Thank you for your enduring patience as we’ve considered your submission. Though the wait has been long, please rest assured that it’s been given thorough reads by multiple people several times over and it has been our honor and pleasure to consider it.

Unfortunately, we must decline acceptance at this time. This is not a reflection on the quality of your work, which made it to our final round of consideration, as much as it is a matter of fit on our end; we do end up saying no to work that has tremendous merit, such as yours, and we wish you the best in placing this work with another wonderful publication. Additionally, we strongly encourage you to submit to The Rumpus again in the future, as we’d love to read and consider more of your work moving forward.

With gratitude,

Monica Masiello

Editor

The Rumpus