Exciting New Rumpus Initiatives

Debbie Millman and I are thrilled to share some exciting new initiatives we are launching with The Rumpus.

Beginning on April 1, 2026, we are increasing our pay rates for work accepted on or after that date. (Sadly, we cannot retroactively apply these new pay rates to previously accepted work that will be published after April 1.) The Rumpus will pay $500 for short fiction, essays, and comics and $200 for poetry and interviews.

One of our primary ambitions is to support emerging writers and editors in the ways we can. To that end, we are proud to announce three exciting new initiatives—Harnisch Microgrants, Writing Fellowships and Editorial Fellowships.

Harnisch Microgrants Initiative 

The Rumpus will host two microgrant cycles each year, where we award ten (10) writers a microgrant of $1,000 + a technology package (Macbook Neo, a pair of Airpod Pro 3, and a 1-year subscription to Apple Creator Studio). These microgrants are designed to help writers who need material support to further or finish a creative writing project. The microgrants are unrestricted and grantees may use the funds as they see fit. 

To apply, we ask for a brief bio, creative résumé and project description with details on how the grant will be used. While we will not be means-testing, these microgrants are intended for people who genuinely have the financial and technological need. This initiative is generously funded by Rumpus co-publisher Ruth Ann Harnisch.

Eligibility for this grant program is open but applications from emerging writers who have published one or no books will be prioritized. Grantees must reside in the United States. 

Applications will open on April 1 and close on April 30th, 2026, accepted via Submittable. For the second cycle, applications will open on December 1st and close on December 31st, 2026. Grants will be distributed and technology packages will be shipped  in June 2026 and February 2027.

The Rumpus Writing Fellowships

The Rumpus Writing Fellowships will offer two writers a year a $10,000 stipend and mentorship to write two pieces of fiction or creative nonfiction to be published on The Rumpus during the course of the fellowship.

This fellowship is open to emerging writers who have not published a book and have five (5) or fewer essay or story publications. This is a remote position and fellows can participate from anywhere. 

Applications will open on April 1 and close on April 30th, 2026, accepted via Submittable. The fellowships will run from Jun 1, 2026 to June 1, 2027 and the stipend will be distributed in ten monthly payments, starting in June. 

To apply, you will be asked to submit a cover letter, brief bio, résumé, and a prose sample of 5,000 words or fewer.

The Rumpus Editorial Fellowships

The Rumpus Editorial Fellowships will offer two six-month editorial fellowships a year with a stipend of $12,000 and editorial mentorship for candidates who are interested in the practice of literary editing. Fellows will be expected to work 20 hours a week, and the stipend will be paid monthly. Duties include reading and responding to Rumpus submissions and each fellow will have the opportunity to develop an editorial feature of their choosing. 

Applications will open on April 1 and close on April 30th, 2026, accepted via Submittable. The first fellowship will run from Jun 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026 and the second fellowship will run from January 1, 2027 to June 30, 2027. 

Ideal candidates should be familiar with the Google Workplace suite, Microsoft Word and using Track Changes, deadline oriented, a clear and open communicator, who can work independently but collaborate with others when needed. This is a remote position and fellows can participate from anywhere.

To apply, please submit a cover letter with statement of interest in literary editing, a brief bio, and résumé.

These fellowship opportunities are only open to U.S. citizens because of the vagaries of tax laws.

How can YOU support The Rumpus? Consider becoming a paid member and/or subscribe to Letters in the Mail. Paid Rumpus memberships help support these initiatives and our other endeavors.