Literary Journal

Humphrey Magazine

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About the magazine

Humphrey Magazine is an independent literary and arts publication founded in 2017 by a collective of writers and artists seeking a space for work that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant. Named after the fictional character Humphrey Chimpden Earwicker from James Joyce's Finnegans Wake, the magazine embraces the complexities of language and image, publishing poetry, fiction, essays, and visual art that challenge conventional narratives. Its core mission is to foster a community of readers and creators who value experimentation, depth, and the interplay between text and image. Each issue is thoughtfully curated, often orbiting a loose thematic concern—such as memory, labor, or the environment—without being prescriptive. The magazine has gained a reputation for its discerning editorial eye, balancing emerging voices with established artists, and for its beautifully designed print editions that treat the page as a site of artistic encounter.

Editorial focus

Humphrey Magazine , “a magazine of decadent whimsy” is an ad hoc theme-focused magazine founded by Humphrey Higgins The Cat. For upcoming themes, check the website. Strong adherence to theme will determine publication. All styles of poetry and fiction welcome, though nonsense poetry and magical realism are favored.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31

Reading feeNo

PaymentContributor copies only

Response time3 to 6 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Before submitting, read at least one full issue—preferably in print—to understand the magazine's aesthetic and intellectual range. Humphrey Magazine favors work that demonstrates a strong command of language, a willingness to take risks, and an awareness of the relationship between form and content. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter that contextualizes your submission without over-explaining. For visual art, provide high-resolution images and a corresponding artist statement. Response times vary; if you haven't heard back within six months, a polite query is acceptable. The editors appreciate submissions that engage with contemporary issues without being didactic, and they value voices that are underrepresented in mainstream publishing.

There has been some confusion about what exactly “whimsical” means: it doesn’t necessarily mean satirical or mocking (which is a fair interpretation) but more magical, silly, weird, and fun. We are not against serious writing. In fact, we encourage it. Our magazine has many sections, and the literary section is the one where we like to have a good sit-n-think, so even if your story or poem or essay isn't humorous, we’ll be happy to take a look.

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