Smartish Pace: An Independent Literary Journal Championing Bold and Innovative

Since its founding in 1999, Smartish Pace has established itself as a premier independent literary journal dedicated to contemporary poetry. Known for its commitment to publishing both emerging and established poets, the magazine has built a reputation for its editorial excellence, thoughtful curation, and dedication to poetry as an evolving, dynamic art form.

Unlike many university-affiliated literary journals, Smartish Pace is independently operated and run entirely by volunteers, making it a true labor of love for poetry and the literary community. Its mission is simple yet profound: to elevate voices that challenge, inspire, and expand the boundaries of modern poetry.

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A Commitment to Poetic Excellence

Founded by Stephen Reichert in Baltimore, Maryland, Smartish Pace emerged as a response to the need for an independent, poet-driven platform in the literary world. It quickly gained attention for its high editorial standards and passion for showcasing innovative poetic voices.

The journal stands out for:

• Publishing a diverse range of poetic styles, from traditional forms to experimental and avant-garde works.
  

• Balancing emerging and established poets, ensuring that new voices have the opportunity to appear alongside some of the most respected names in poetry.
  

• Curating a high-quality print magazine, where each issue is thoughtfully designed to reflect the beauty and depth of the poems within.
  

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What Smartish Pace Publishes

As a poetry-exclusive journal, Smartish Pace seeks work that pushes the boundaries of form, language, and meaning. The magazine is known for its wide-ranging editorial taste, publishing:

• Traditional and formal poetry – Including sonnets, villanelles, and other structured verse forms.
  

• Free verse and experimental poetry – Work that challenges conventional syntax, rhythm, and imagery.
  

• Translations – A commitment to featuring international poets, bringing diverse literary traditions to an English-speaking audience.
  

• Poetry interviews and essays – Insightful discussions with contemporary poets about their craft, influences, and the evolving role of poetry in society.
  

By embracing a broad spectrum of poetic styles, Smartish Pace maintains a reputation for editorial integrity and artistic risk-taking, ensuring that each issue is a rich and diverse reading experience.

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Supporting Poets Beyond Publication

Beyond publishing one of the most respected independent poetry journals, Smartish Pace actively supports the poetry community through:

• Live readings and events – Hosting poetry readings in cities across the U.S., bringing poets and audiences together in intimate literary settings.
  

• Poetry contests and awards – Recognizing exceptional work and providing financial support to poets through various competitions.
  

• Online archives and features – Offering readers and writers digital access to selected poems and exclusive interviews with poets.

These initiatives reflect Smartish Pace’s ongoing commitment to fostering poetic engagement, ensuring that poetry remains not just a written art form but also a live and interactive experience.

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Recognition and Influence

Since its inception, Smartish Pace has been recognized as one of the leading independent poetry journals in the U.S. Many poems first published in the magazine have later appeared in:

• The Best American Poetry Series

• The Pushcart Prize Anthology

• Verse Daily & Poetry Daily

This consistent recognition underscores the journal’s ability to identify and elevate some of the most compelling voices in poetry today.

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A Lasting Legacy in Contemporary Poetry

With over two decades of literary excellence, Smartish Pace continues to thrive as a vital, independent force in poetry publishing. By championing poets at all stages of their careers and maintaining a dedication to poetic innovation, the magazine remains an essential space for contemporary poetry lovers and creators alike.

For poets, Smartish Pace offers a rare opportunity to be part of a journal that values creativity, authenticity, and the power of language. For readers, it provides a consistently engaging and thought-provoking selection of poetry that challenges, moves, and inspires.

As poetry continues to evolve, Smartish Pace ensures that bold, original, and diverse voices will always have a place to be heard.