Reed Magazine is California’s oldest literary journal. Tracing its heritage to 1867, the journal started as a mere pamphlet published by students of the California State Normal School, the precursor of San José State University. In more than a century and a half of publication, the journal’s name evolved until the end of World War II. Then in 1948, we adopted The Reed, which was later shortened to just Reed, the title we have proudly held ever since.

The members of the Reed Magazine staff are committed to publishing writers and artists who might be marginalized or excluded in traditional publishing, and value the diversity of voice and perspective that such authors bring to our magazine. 

Reed Magazine is proud to have recently published three Pushcart Prize-winning pieces, including a 2021 prize for the poem “Father’s Belt” by Kurt Luchs, a 2022 prize for the essay “Wishbone” by Joseph Sigurdson, and a 2023 prize for the essay “Growing Up Godless” by Robert Issacs. 

We can't wait to read your amazing work!

Submissions open June 1 for Issue 159

POETRY

Writers may submit up to five (5) poems per submission.

Please be sure to:

• provide a cover letter that includes your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address (but exclude this information from the works themselves)
• include a brief bio, up to 50 words
• save submissions as a Microsoft Word (.docx or .doc) or Portable Document Format (.pdf) document
• single- or double-space text, and use an easily readable 12-point typeface (such as Times New Roman)
• number pages
• submit up to five (5) poems in a single document
• check that your Submittable profile is up-to-date

      Submitters can expect to hear back from Reed Magazine by the end of December 2025.