MC-Guide
Content Writing
Website 36: Pulpliterature.com
How Can You Earn Money Writing For “pulpliterature.com” Website
This guide shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch and sell stories to pulpliterature.com.
You will learn what Pulpliterature.com wants, how to test your idea, how to write a pitch, and how payment roughly works. You can use this like a small SOP.
Guide: How to Submit, Get Published, and Earn with PULP Literature (Step-by-Step)
This long-form guide walks a complete beginner through everything needed to submit fiction, poetry, comics, or illustrations to PULP Literature, increase the chances of acceptance, and understand the pay, contests, and follow-up options.
It collects official policy, smart pre-submission prep, pitch templates, sample bios, a micro-SOP for the submission form, contest tips, and a big resource list so you can start now and keep improving. Key official pages are linked inline for your convenience.
Section 1 · About the magazine
What PULP Literature publishes and who reads it
PULP Literature is a genre-friendly literary magazine and press that publishes short stories, novellas, novel excerpts, poetry, interior illustrations, graphic shorts, and sequential art. The magazine aims to work across genre boundaries and to publish both emerging and established writers who want strong, entertaining storytelling. This means you can submit speculative fiction, mystery, literary pieces, hybrid-genre work, and illustrated shorts. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Why that matters: editors at Pulp Lit look for strong storytelling and writing craft, not just a particular genre label. If your piece has clear voice, a readable narrative, or a striking hook (and you can follow the submission rules), it can be a fit.
Typical readers include genre fans, short-form lovers, and people who enjoy illustrated fiction and eclectic collections.
- They like strong openings and distinct voice.
- They appreciate surprising angles on familiar themes.
- They enjoy both short, tight flashes and longer short fiction.
Short fiction, flash, poetry, illustrated work, novellas, and novel excerpts can all be considered. Pay attention to the exact open calls (see the Submission pages and contests).
Official site: pulpliterature.com. Check the About page for latest editorial notes and mission statements. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Section 2 · Submission basics & pay
How to submit and what they pay (official rates)
PULP Literature publishes formal submission guidelines on their site. Important practical facts from their Submission Guidelines are:
- Payment rates: They list pay ranges that vary by length: $0.05–$0.08 per word for short stories up to 5,000 words; $0.03–$0.06 per word for 5,000–10,000 words; and $0.02–$0.04 per word for works over 10,000 words. Poetry and interior illustrations pay between $25–$50. Sequential art and illustrations are paid per page at rates around $25–$75 per page. (These are the ranges shown in their guidelines; always confirm on the live page when you submit.) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- How to submit: Pulp Literature accepts submissions via the instructions on their submissions pages. They have a “Submissions” landing page that announces open windows for short fiction, poetry, and contests — read that landing page before sending your work. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Open windows & contests: The magazine runs themed open submission periods (for example short fiction or BIPOC-only windows), and also hosts regular contests for flash fiction, poetry, and short story prizes. See their contests list for current calls. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
These figures were taken from Pulp Literature’s official submission guidelines page. They are accurate as of the copy used to prepare this guide, but editorial and payment policies can change — always verify on their guidelines page before submitting. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Section 3 · Fit & angle
Is your piece right for Pulp Lit? (how to check)
Editors at Pulp Lit have a thick slush pile — the practical way to increase your odds is to make your piece read like something the magazine already publishes: strong opening, clear voice, polished prose, and a satisfying shape (even for flashes). Read 3–5 recent issues or stories and note patterns:
- Do they publish speculative twists, quiet literary moments, or both?
- Is the tone more playful or more literary?
- How long are typical stories and how are they structured?
Practical check: open the Pulp Literature home and skim recent issue contents; this will tell you what the editors are excited about right now. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Section 4 · Build a submission-ready sample
Prep: polish, proof, and package your manuscript
Before you click “send”, do a full clean pass. Treat this like a contract: your name will be on it forever. Below is a step-by-step polishing checklist and some practical tips that successful submitters use.
Formatting & polish
- Standard manuscript formatting (12pt serif/sans, double-spaced or single as the guidelines request; remove odd fonts).
- Check grammar and spelling (use a tool and then hand-check because tools miss context).
- Remove odd invisible characters and smart quotes that can break copy/paste.
- Make sure chapters/sections are labeled if you submit a longer excerpt.
Storycraft & edge
- First 300 words: does it hook? If not, tighten the opening.
- Show stakes early — what the character stands to lose/gain.
- Trim anything that doesn’t advance the reader’s emotional or narrative journey.
- For flash, aim for one resonant idea or image.
Presentation & extras
- Include a short author bio (1–2 sentences) and links to social/professional pages, if requested.
- Prepare a single-line pitch/subject line for your submission email or form.
- If submitting art/comics, include clear high-res files and page numbering as guidelines require.
Beta reads & final sanity checks
- Ask 1–2 beta readers for clarity and readability feedback.
- Run a final “read aloud” pass — awkward phrases often pop.
- Confirm you are not simultaneously submitting elsewhere if the guideline prohibits it.
Save a “submission packet” folder with: final-manuscript.txt/docx, bio.txt, cover-letter.txt, and any image files named clearly (e.g., authorname-art-1.jpg). This speeds repeat submissions and contests.
Section 5 · Exactly how to submit (SOP)
Step-by-step: from idea to “sent”
Use this micro-SOP when submissions are open. Pulp Lit has a submissions landing page that lists current windows and contests: check it first. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Confirm the open call or contest
Open the Submissions page and click the specific call you want to enter. Make sure the window is open to your region and that you meet any specific eligibility rules (for example, special months for BIPOC submissions).
Example: the site has previously run BIPOC-only windows and themed months — always use the live announcement to confirm. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Fill your cover note / form fields
If there is a form, it will ask for a short bio, links, story title, word count, and a short synopsis or pitch. Keep the form answers concise and factual—editors read hundreds of them.
Suggested form answers (examples):
“A grieving bartender finds messages left in bottles that predict minor, bittersweet fortunes — until one bottle predicts the end of someone he loves.”
Attach or paste your manuscript per instructions
Follow the guideline: some calls prefer copy/paste into a text box, others accept attachments or ask you to paste the first X words. For novel queries, Pulp Literature’s separate “Novel Queries” page explains exactly what to send (e.g., the first 7,500 words in the body). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Final checks & send
- Double-check word count and file integrity.
- Confirm you have not included any marketing links or attachments editors did not request.
- Send during business hours (EDT/PST depending on editor location) whenever possible — small courtesy, but sometimes it helps timing.
Record and track
Use a simple tracker (spreadsheet) with columns: Title, Word Count, Submission Date, Where (URL), Response (Yes/No/Under Consideration), Notes.
Section 6 · Contests, prizes, and timing
When to consider contests (and how they differ)
Pulp Literature runs contests like the Bumblebee Flash Fiction, The Magpie Award For Poetry, and the Raven Short Story Contest — these are periodic and have specific rules and entry limits. Contests can offer a clearer route to publication (and sometimes feedback-for-fee) but usually carry entry fees and deadlines. Consult the contests list on the site before entering. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Follow word limits exactly — judges enforce them.
- Read past winners to learn the contest’s taste.
- If offered, optional critique-for-fee can be useful for revision.
- Don’t rely on contests as your only submission strategy; mix open subs + contests.
Open calls may rotate (for instance: short fiction in March, poetry windows other months). Check Pulp Literature’s submissions and announcements pages for the current schedule. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Section 7 · Money math, rights & reprints
How to think about payment and rights
The official pay ranges (cited earlier) tell you the per-word value; when negotiating or accepting, consider the time you spent to get your effective hourly rate. Pulp Literature also mentions limited reprints at reduced rates (up to 50% of first publication rates) — if you plan to resell or post on your site later, confirm the contract language the editor sends you. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Example: 3,000-word story at $0.06/word = $180. If you spent 12 hours total on research, draft, edits and beta reads, your effective hourly rate is $15/hr. Use this to decide which markets and pieces are worth your time.
- Exclusive? Non-exclusive? First electronic rights? Ask if unclear.
- Ask whether you retain the right to post the piece on your own site after X months.
- For reprints, note the reduced rate (if applicable).
Contracts and payment timelines vary. The site lists rates but payment timing, contract wording, and exclusivity are confirmed in editorial communications — keep copies of emails and agreements for future proof. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Section 8 · Templates & examples
Subject lines, short bios, and cover text you can copy
Below are short, editable templates — copy, adapt, and keep them short. Editors prefer clarity and concision over long, flowery letters.
- Submission: “Title of Story” — short fiction (3,200 w)
- Short fiction submission: “TITLE” — [genre tag, e.g., mystery / speculative]
- Raven Contest entry: “TITLE” — 1,000 words
- Jane Doe writes short fiction about small towns and long winters. Her work has appeared at ZineX and Small Press Stories.
- Alex Rivera is a librarian and speculative writer. He runs the blog example.com.
Thank you for reading my attached short story “TITLE” (approx. 3,200 words). It’s a contemporary speculative piece about a bartender who discovers a set of prophetic bottle messages. I am happy to provide revisions if needed. Thank you for your consideration. — [Your Name]
Keep everything plain-text (avoid fancy signatures), and include links to one or two writing samples if asked. If you’re entering a contest, follow their entry metadata exactly.
Section 9 · Pre-submission checklist
Final checklist (use before hitting send)
If any boxes are unchecked, pause and finish that step — small errors (wrong word counts, attachments missing) are common and easily fixable.
Section 10 · FAQ & links
Short FAQ and an expanded resource list
- Submission Guidelines — official. (Pay rates & policy details.) :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- Submissions — landing page (open calls & announcements). :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
- Hummingbird Flash Fiction Prize. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- Raven Short Story Contest. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
- Magpie Award For Poetry. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
- Editor notes & novel guidance (editor blog posts). :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
- Contact Us (for queries; do not send submissions to the general info address unless instructed). :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
- About PULP Literature. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
- Subscribe & membership options — useful for staying current on calls. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
- Duotrope — searchable market database (subscription may be required).
- The Submissions Grinder — free index of open calls and response times.
- Poets & Writers — resources on markets, grants, and craft.
- Writing Cooperative / Medium — practice publishing and building a portfolio.
- Submission Guidelines (your link). :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
- (Google Form — closed)
- (Google Form — example)
If you want, use these links now to open the guidelines and a current contest page and copy the exact wording of the call into your tracking sheet — that saves mistakes.