Submission FAQ
PulpLit is always looking for talented writers to submit material. We publish continuously, about five user submitted pieces every month, and pay $3 per piece if we choose to publish your piece. We pay nothing if we choose not to publish your piece, which will be summarily deleted. Sorry, them's the rules. We don't have the technical capability at this time to just "reject" pieces. They have to be deleted.
The minimum length for articles is 500 words; minimum length for fiction is 1500 words. No overly long poems please. We accept only full submissions which you have typeset yourself by submitting a draft version through this site. We do not accept submissions via email. All submissions via email will be ignored/deleted without response nor mercy.
If your piece is accepted, we'll put it up on the site indefinitely, but you still own the piece, and can resell it/do whatever you want with it. In addition, PulpLit Publishing occasionally comes out in deadtree edition, where your work may be included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does this work?
A: If you wish to submit a piece for consideration to PulpLit, please follow the following instructions:
- Register for an account. Make sure to use an email address that has a PayPal account so that we can pay you.
- Login to PulpLit.net.
- Click on the Write tab. That should bring you to the "Write Post" screen.
- Write your post. TIP: Knowing HTML is very useful for formatting. Copy-pasting from word may work.
- Read and make sure your agree with our Terms of Submission.
- Save your piece as a draft.
- That's it. Now, wait and see if we publish your piece. If we do, at the end of the month in which your piece is published you will recieve $3.00 per piece published via PayPal.
Q: How often do you publish?
A: We publish continuously.
Q: Can I submit via hard copy?
A: No.
Q: Can I submit via email?
A: No.
Q: How much do you pay if you decide to publish my piece?
A: $3.00.
Q: How many pieces do you accept per month?
A: It varies, but we aim to publish one (1) short story, one (1) poem, and up to three (3) pieces of other types.
Q: Is it true that you publish books?
A: PulpLit publishing is NOT currently publishing books, despite what you may read in WritersMarket or other publications. Please don't ask us about it; it is traumatic for us to even talk about.
Q: What is Quotes?
A: Quotes is a special sort of opinion piece in which a quote (usually some sort of media soundbite, but it can be from anywhere) is analyzed. We do accept submissions for Quotes. Quotes usually run between 500-1000 words.
Q: Any guidelines for what type of articles you want? Do you give assignments or prefer that the writer choose a topic?
A: We prefer that the writer choose the topic. We strongly prefer that the article not be written in the first person.
That said, we tend toward articles that provide an intriguing or original perspective on some aspect of popular culture. Please read the previous editions to get a sense of the type of articles we prefer. One thing we do not want is personal essays in which the first person figures prominently.
Q: Do you take art submissions?
A: Yes. Submit a piece and link to your art. We'll take a look.
Q: What is your zine about?
A: We generally like to examine the interaction between high and low culture. A review of Goldmember that analyzes the scatological subtext is perfect. So is a fiction piece that personifies quantum particles. Or an article talking about the use of slang in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. To get a better idea what we mean, take a look at our past issues. We also, upon occasion, comment on the business of publishing, that fickle beast of an industry.
Q: I am a freelance writer/editor/journalist/bio-exorcist. Do you want to hire me?
A: No. PulpLit is not hiring at this time. However, we are more than happy to read and consider all submissions.
Q: What is your word limit?
A: For fiction, the minimum word limit is 2000 words, and the maximum is 5000 words. For articles, the minimum is 800 words and the maximum is 3000. However, we're flexible. We will also consider serializing something if necessary.
Q: What type of fiction do you want/accept?
A: We publish literary fiction. Typically, this means non-genre fiction, but we're flexible. We believe good writing often transcends genre and are open to looking at all types of fiction. To get a better impression of the kind of fiction we like, you might want to look at our archives.
We strongly prefer that fiction pieces not be written in the first person.
Q: How about poetry? Any guidelines for that?
A: When we read we look sometimes for humor, sometimes for topic, always for resonance and never for meter.
Some of our favorite poets include Simic, Russell Edson, Nash, Kerouac, and Ferlinghetti to name but a few.
Q: Why are you called PulpLit?
A: Please refer to our about page.
This agreement is made between PulpLit Publishing, herein called Publisher and anyone submitting material to this site, herein called Author, as respects their submissions, an original digital work, which may include textual as well as pictorial, photographic, or other graphical representations, herein called the Work.
Author agrees that in the event that their Work is published by PulpLit Publishing, they will be bound by the terms of this agreement.
If Publisher does publish Author's Work, Publisher agrees to pay a fee of $3.00 within 30 days of publication of said Work. Author may review the final version of the subsequent to publication to verify accuracy and integrity. Authors may choose to remove their name from a Work without affecting their payment arrangements.
In the event of publication:
- Publisher is purchasing non-exclusive online reproduction rights for the Work. In addition, the Publisher is purchasing the non-exclusive right to include the Work in printed format, including but not limited to in both magazine and book forms. All other rights are reserved by the Author.
- Author warrants that she is the author and sole owner of the Work or has been assigned the rights delineated above, that it is original and contains no matter unlawful in its content, nor does it violate the rights of any third party, and that the Work is not in the public domain. Author also warrants that these rights are owned or controlled by her without encumbrance and that Author has full power to grant the listed rights to Publisher.
- If this Work has been previously published in any form, Author warrants that the rights granted herein have reverted to her, and as an addendum to this agreement, Author shall present a written memorandum documenting the reversion of the rights granted by any publishing company or other entity that may still own proprietary rights to the Work.
- If a judgment is obtained against Publisher for usurping rights still controlled by a publisher or other entity than Publisher or Author, the Author agrees to hold Publisher harmless and to indemnify Publisher for reasonable damages and costs. If Publisher prevails against a suing party or resolves the matter by out-of-court settlement, Author will not be liable to indemnify Publisher for defense and settlement costs.
- Author will be responsible for registering the copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office if copyright has not already been registered, including payment of any fees and the costs of preparing printed and/or electronic documentation of the work as required by the U.S. Copyright Office. Author will provide a photocopy or facsimile copy of the Copyright certificate to Publisher within 45 days of receipt.
- Author understands that if she chooses not to register the copyright with the U.S. Copyright office, she may be limited in the damages that could be awarded in court if there is a copyright violation. Publisher will place a copyright notice on all versions of the Work, using the year of first release if no other information is available.
- This agreement is on a speculation basis. If the Work does not meet Publisher’s expectations, Publisher is under no obligation to purchase the Work.
- Author assumes and agrees to pay all expenses incurred in conjunction with the Work.
- All photos, pictorial, or other graphic representations that are submitted as part of the Work must be accompanied by a signed release from any person that is identified in the visual representation, stating that he or she has given permission for said visual representation to be published in conjunction with the Work entitled the Work.
- Author agrees to verify all facts and that the Work will not contain material that is libelous or defamatory. In any event the publisher does not accept any legal responsibility or liability for the Author's work. Author further agrees to indemnify Publisher for all liability past, present, and future in regards to the Work.
- The Author has the exclusive right to the use of her name or pseudonym listed as the author in connection with the Work. Publisher cannot prevent Author from using the same name or pseudonym for any other publisher or for any other publication. Publisher will have a non-exclusive right to use Author's name, likeness and biographical material for the purposes of advertising, publishing and promoting the Work itself.
- Author shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Publisher and its owners and affiliates, editors, shareholders, officers, directors, partners, associates, agents and representatives from any and all claims, debts, demands, suits, actions, liens, proceedings and/or prosecutions ("Claims") based on allegations which, if true, could constitute a breach of any of the foregoing warranties, and any and all liabilities, losses, damages and expenses including, but not limited to, attorney's fees and court costs. Each party to this Agreement shall give prompt notice to the other party of any Claims. No compromise or settlement of any Claim shall be made or entered into without the prior written approval of the Author and Publisher. If a Claim if filed, Publisher shall have the right to suspend payments otherwise due to Author under the terms of this Agreement as security for Author's obligations under this section.
- Publisher is not obligated to initiate legal proceedings should a Claim arise regarding a third party infringing the Author's or Publisher's rights. If such a Claim arises, Author and Publisher may sue either jointly or severally. Publisher shall not be held liable for failing to take action upon a Claim.
- In the event of a disagreement between Author and Publisher, both parties agree to arbitration as a first remedy to any conflict.
By submitting your work to this website, you have agreed to this contract, and are willing to be bound by its provisions.