The Rumpus
Business Profile
Core Value Proposition
The Rumpus provides an independent arts and culture magazine delivering original fiction, poetry, essays, reviews, comics, and interviews, with reader-supported memberships and creator-focused initiatives like Letters in the Mail.
Target Customer
Writers and readers of independent literary content; fans of risk-taking voices; authors seeking publication; supporters of independent bookstores.
Key Differentiator
Primarily volunteer-run and funded by reader support; independent from academic or corporate backing; dedicated to risk-taking voices; offers unique programs like Letters in the Mail and a reader-supported model plus merchandise and a membership program.
Implementation Timeline
Sign-up for membership provides immediate access; Annual Members gain year-round submission access outside regular no-fee reading periods.
Pain Points
- 1Lack of platforms for unconventional or risk-taking writing
- 2Dependence on institutional or corporate funding for literary publishing
- 3Need for a community-supported model that connects readers with authors and independent bookstores
Key Features
- 1The Rumpus Original Fiction, Essays, Poetry, Comics, Interviews, and Reviews
- 2The Rumpus Prize and published pieces including honorable mentions
- 3Themed Months, What to Read When guides, and Columns like ENOUGH, Funny Women, We Are More
- 4Letters in the Mail program (letters from authors sent to readers 2x a month)
- 5Rumpus Membership (Monthly or Annual) with exclusive content and submission benefits
- 6Online store and merchandise; 10% of Bookshop.org affiliate sales support the magazine
Decision Makers
- 1Editor
- 2Membership Manager
- 3Partnerships Manager
- 4Bookstore Buyer
Client Results
- 1Increased readership and engagement with diverse literary content
- 2Support for independent bookstores via affiliate sales
- 3Revenue potential through memberships, merchandise, and donations
Competitive Advantages
- 1Independent, largely volunteer-run model funded by readers
- 2Platform for risk-taking voices and work that might not find a home elsewhere
- 3Direct reader support without corporate sponsorship
- 4Letters in the Mail program offering tangible author-reader connection
- 5Commitment to supporting independent bookstores
Key Benefits
Case Studies & Success Stories
The Rumpus Prize in Fiction, Honorable Mention: Josie Tolin
Showcases recognition and exposure for a fiction piece published on The Rumpus (2025).
Additional Product Information
Product Description
An independent arts and culture magazine publishing original fiction, poetry, essays, reviews, and interviews, with a membership model, Letters in the Mail, and an online store.
Target Market
Readers and writers of independent literature; supporters of literary arts; independent bookstores; authors seeking publication and exposure.
Unique Value Proposition
A writer- and reader-funded, independent platform dedicated to risk-taking voices and work that might not find a home elsewhere, enhanced by direct reader support and community-driven initiatives like Letters in the Mail.
Technical Requirements
Account creation for membership; standard web access; consent to data storage for form submissions.
Pricing Model
Membership options described as Monthly or Annual; specific pricing not disclosed in the provided content.
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