 College of Charleston in South Carolina

Over the past 30 years, Illuminations Magazine has always maintained a mission to publish new writers alongside some of the world’s finest, believing that a harmonious blend of the two will lend a fresh voice to the world of contemporary poetry.

Illuminations made its first appearance in Columbia, South Carolina in 1982 under the editorship of Peter MacMillan. The issue featured poems by Seamus Heaney, Stephen Spender, and newcomer Sam Boone. Subsequently edited from England, Japan, and Tanzania, the magazine returned to South Carolina in 1996 where it was edited by Simon Lewis at The College of Charleston until 2011. Over these many years Illuminations has remained consistently true to its mission statement to publish new writers alongside some of the world’s finest, including Nadine Gordimer, James Merrill, Carol Ann Duffy, Dennis Brutus, Allen Tate, interviews with Tim O’Brien, and letters from Flannery O’Connor and Ezra Pound. A number of new poets whose early work appeared in Illuminations have gone on to win prizes and accolades, and we at Illuminations sincerely value the chance to promote the work of emerging writers. 

Discover the all-time most popular poetry literary magazines. These outlets have maintained a significant presence in the world of poetry.

Most Popular Poetry-Only Literary Magazines of All Time

Illuminations Literary Magazine

Since August 1st, 2014, Illuminations has again been accepting submissions of poetry. Please send no more than six poems at a time. Please do not send poems that have been published already elsewhere or that are currently under consideration elsewhere. In the case of translations of poems originally written in languages other than English, please send a copy of the original along with the translation (this is for purposes of review; we generally publish only the translation).

Illuminations Literary Magazine

Highlights

About

Featured Call

Poetry

Appears in collections