New Publications Embrace New Writers: Red Pulp’s Search for Exceptional Content

According to Samir A. Husni of MrMagazine.com, 700 to 1,000 magazines are launched every year. He should know, he’s the author of the annual Samir Husni’s Guide to New Magazines, and as the Chair of the Journalism Department at the University of Mississippi, he has become “the country’s leading magazine expert”.

This is great news for freelance writers. New magazines are generally more receptive to new writers. As a magazine grows it gradually builds a network of reliable writers, and the longer a magazine has been in publication, the more difficult it can be to get your foot in the door. Established magazines are generally overwhelmed by query letters and chances are yours will get lost in the pile.

This is less likely in new publications for a number of reasons. First, you may find a much more sympathetic editor. Chuck Zepol, one of the founders of the new literary magazine Red Pulp Underground, explains why he and his follow writers decided to start their own ezine:

“Three of us met at a poetry open mic at the main library in San Antonio,Texas. Afterwards we talked about how constricted we felt by the rules imposed by our gracious hosts. After a few long discussions, the idea of Red Pulp Underground surfaced.”

By catching a magazine early in its conception, you have a better chance of finding editors who can still sympathize with your struggle. 

New publications also have less red tape. Most startups begin on a shoe string budget which keeps the staff to a minimum. Ultimately, this means your work will be read by the editor, not the assistant to the assistant editor. Zepol admits that Red Pulp is a small team of four multi-taskers, each responsible for writing, reading, copyediting, and layout, but that doesn’t mean you should underestimate the talent you’ll be working with. With degrees from Universities in Florida, Texas, and New York the staff at Red Pulp is as diverse as the content they look forward to promoting.

In fact, the enthusiasm of a small start up staff can often lead to a more nuruturing enviornment for new writers. Red Pulp prides itself on being an “independent entity”. As a non-profit literary magazine they circumvent the influence of advertising dollars, creating an open forum for self-expression. In their mission statement, the team at Red Pulp encourages new writers who are looking for the opportunity to join the publishing community:

“If you consider yourself a good writer and wish to join our team, we ask that you submit your best work. If your talent matches our drive, we will promote your work on this website.”

One more advantage to new publications: short turnaround time. Red Pulp Underground is currently taking submissions for their October issue (see website for submission guidelines). Although the publication accepts poetry and flash fiction, the inside scoop is you may have a better shot at publication with a well crafted short story.

If your work is accepted by Red Pulp Underground, please stop by and leave your link in the comment section. I’ld love to read it!