I love Slipstream. The best mag in America, in my humble opinion.
—Joseph Shields
Austin, TX
The chapbook you published this past year by Douglas Goetsch (Your Whole Life) is extraordinary and just sampling its three poems on your website led me to buy it. I changed that to a subscription when I sampled back issues and look forward to years of enjoying your journal.
—Claire Vogel
New York, NY
I love finding poems that are surprising and Slipstream never fails to exhibit poems from a different sandbox.
—Ashley Nicole Montjoy
Tallahassee, FL
Issue #27 was my first encounter with Slipstream, and I really enjoyed it. Some of the poets I was already familiar with—like Alan Catlin, David J. Thompson, and Lyn Lifshin—but it was some of the poets I had never heard of that impressed me the most. I think Martin Vest's "Deadbeat" is probably my favorite poem in the issue, especially that last stanza. Harrowing stuff...
—Clayton T. Michaels
Granger, IN
I absolutely loved Doug Goetsch's Your Whole Life. What a fine choice you made for your chapbook prize.
—Patrick Carrington
Wildwood Crest, NJ
Beginning with exceptional cover art, your issue #27 is drop dead wonderful!
—Spiel
Pueblo West, CO
"I subscribe to many literary journals and it is always such a relief to actually enjoy reading one. I've seen everything by now—bland, boring, pretentious, bizarrely abstract—but not many that are interesting and pleasurable as Slipstream. A few of my favorites from the current issue (Slipstream #27) are "Present Tension," by J.P. Dancing Bear; "Gaining Perspective on the Death of My Dentsist," by Lauren Lawrence; and "Smile in Transit" by Stephen Garcia."
—Francesca Bell
Novato, CA
"Loved your poems in Slipstream #27, beautiful issue...(I) was very happy to have my own poems in it once again, and so prominently featured."
—Gerald Locklin
Long Beach, CA
"I'm enthralled with Your Whole Life. Douglas Goetsch's irreverent poems reflect what we sometimes think but are afraid to say. His mix of childhood and adulthood situations, sense of humor, and pow! endings make the book a standout. The magazine (#27) is rich also, especially the sexy poems by Traci Brimhall and the work by Gerald Locklin and Bruce Cohen."
—Terry Godbey
Maitland, FL
Thank you so much for your time and effort in putting together this elite poetry zine. Really, it's the absolute best in the business; that's not effusive BS, honestly, great work. Please continue doing exactly what you're doing.
—Kevah Akbar
Warsaw, IN
I really like Slipstream's urban sensibility and the straight forward prosody of the poets.
—Gary Sokolow
New York, NY
Behind Every Door, Terry Godbey's chapbook, tops my list of favorite reads.
—Ann Falcone Shalaski
Newport News, VA
In Slipstream 26 I admired many poems but mention work by J.P. Dancing Bear, Stephen Gracia and Karen Weyant as ones I especially connected with.
—Hugh Abernethy
Westboro, MA
Thank you so much for including my poem, "Life Didn't Cease to Be," in Slipstream 26. I was honored to be included and greatly enjoyed the issue. I especially enjoyed "Baltimore," "My Husband's Mistress," and "Felix."
—Ruth Dickey
Seattle, WA
I really do feel that Slipstream 25 is one of the best issues of any journal I've read in the past several years. It woke me up again to the fact that we have some real, honest-to-God, in-earnest writers (and editors) out there. Thank you for that.
—Martin Vest
Pocatello, ID
In my humble opinion, this (#25) was the best issue yet. An apocalyptic powder keg shot through with vigor and resplendence. If a more colorful and spanning poetry magazine exists, I haven't read it.
—John Goode
Chicago, IL
Your magazine is incredible. . .honest, tender, raw, everything poetry "should" be. I would tell you which poems I liked most but it would take too long.
—Matthew Siegel
Binghamton, NY
I have subscribed to Slipstream for some time and I love the quality of poetry found within its pages. I am also impressed with the qualiy of your chapbooks including Radio Dreams by Beth Anne Royer, Breaking the Captive's Fetters by Laurie Mazzaferro, and most recently, Some Days it's a Love Story by Jason Irwin.
—Karen J. Weyant
Jamestown, NY
Thank you for sending Issue 25; it's not all that often I read a poetry magazine cover to cover in one sitting.
—Ziggy Edwards
Pittsburgh, PA
Denise Duhamel pointed me to Slipstream when I began studying with her several years ago and I have enjoyed reading the accessible poetry within since then. It is refreshing to dive into the unpretentious verse collected in Slipstream; verse that actually says something to this reader.
—G. C. Brown
Astoria, NY
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Slipstream since I was introduced to it by a colleague several years ago. I particularly appreciate the ways that women and their sexuality are acknowledged in the poems that you publish.
—Ennis McCrery
Blacksburg, VA
Thanks for a fantastic, provocative, haunt-my-dreams magazine.
—Glenn Lester
St. Joseph, MI
Thank you for the copy of Slipstream 25 and Jason Irwin's winning book. I've read the book cover to cover and I'm still enjoying your 2005 issue of Slipstream.
—Douglas Woodsum
Smithfield, ME
Has it really been 25 years you guys have been publishing? Time flies. Keep up the good work. I'm enjoying reading the issue (#25) in my usual desultory fashion. So far, I was just blown away by Rich Yurman's "Vinny V." I've known my share of similar characters (the murderous Tommy Lockhart comes to mind) in my life, but none so poignantly rendered as this one.
—Robert Cooperman
Denver, CO
I am thrilled with issue 25 of Slipstream and would like to order three more! I look forward to submitting more poems to your stellar, high-quality magazine in the future.
—Eugenie Juliet Theall
White Plains, NY
Wanted to say the cover of issue #24 was a really nice cereal goddess icon, also reminding me of Andrew Wyeth's paintings of that girl he did for several years toward the end of his life, the Helga paintings I think they're referred to as. But anyway, pretty much the best cover I've seen in 20+ years of small press/poetry reading. Like best these: James Doyle's "Rifles", Tracee Lee's "Sick", Will Nixon's "Oscar Night," Don Scheller's "Awakening," Bob Slaymaker's two fine pieces, John Struloeff's "Above the Ravine" and Lori Jakiela's poem.
—Micheal Kriesel
Aniwa, WI
All I can say is my blood is running high. I've almost finished reading this issue (#24). It's terrific. The cover is riveting!
—Will Nixon
Witherbee, NY
Slipstream has always been a place where sensuality is dealt with directly and with integrity, a combination not easy to come by in the literary world. Cheers to you and your staff for all you do.
—Cindy Washabaugh
Cleveland, OH
Slipstream is worth the time it takes; you have reason to be proud.
—Stephen Malin
Memphis, TN
I just finished reading Slipstream 24 and enjoyed it very much. Favorites include Sharon McDermott's "Burning the Dog" and Ken Feltges' two poems.
—Michele C. Battiste
Astoria, NY
Many, many thanks for my contributor's copy of Slipstream #24. The magazine is beautiful. Stunning artwork and poetry from cover to cover. You guys are strong and this is a half-ass way of saying how honored I am to have been included.
—John Goode
Chicago, IL
An extraordinary issue (#24) with the most beautiful cover I've seen. (If I were that girl's father, I'd never let her out of the house!) Loved Don Winter's "Cleaning Up" poem. I appreciate the time, effort, and expense involved in putting this magazine out. It's a great success.
—Robert L. Penick
Louisville, KY
This issue (#24) is the strongest issue of Slipstream I've seen. Lori Jakiela's poem pushed me to send for her chapbook, which is very good; also the work of Feltges, McDermott, Tracee Lee, Cricket Lee, Schneider and Godbey was really first rate.
—Richard Yurman
San Francisco, CA
Another stunning issue of Slipstream (#24) with a gorgeous cover and exceptional writing inside. I'm proud to be a contributor. Excellent work.
—Linda K. Sienkiewicz
Rochester, MI
I have been a reader of Slipstream for three years now. One reason I renew my subscription is that your publication continues to surprise me with its diverse material. The element of surprise or unpredictability seems to be missing from many contemporary literary journals. Slipstream is also a beautifully made journal!
—Cheryl Stiles
Marietta, GA
I recently read Slipstream #24 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I especially appreciated the poems "Locust Season," "The Moment," and "Easy Does It."
—Angela Sargent
Woodbridge, VA
Slipstream (#24) has a lovely look and feel. Filled with taut poetry. First class.
—Naomi Levine
Parsippany, NJ
Wow, another provocative Slipstream issue (#24) that really delivers. My favorite poems were "A Memory of Garden City" by Kathleen Novak and "Cleaning Up at the Hamtramck Burger Chef" ("looks like she's been slept in for years" —what a line). I read the magazine straight through the day it arrived, and it was a pleasure to see my "Hot Flashes" in the mix.
—Terry Godbey
Maitland, FL
Pleased to receive my first issue of Slipstream (#23) yesterday. Had not thought I'd have time to read it—then suddenly found I'd eaten it up—cover to cover. A great dynamic and one with which I find myself very comfortable. Strong format. Good work!
—Spiel
Pueblo West, CO
Way to go! Loved the first issue I saw (#23). There's nothing better than a P!rag that lives up to its editorial spin ("contemporary urban themes. . .with a strong voice that is not afraid to bark or bite"). Too many seem to have no real vision or fall sadly short of the hype they build for themselves. But you guys certainly hit the mark at which you're aiming—boppin' from J. Matlson to D. Rogers to R. Cook to C. Sherrard.
—Carl Martin
Long Beach, NY
Another great issue (#23). How about that first line: "My words, spoken slow, are trapped/ in the spider hair of his ears. . .? Whew! What a start. Read the Dancing Bear one this morning—I skipped around—"Colorado Love Letter." Powerful images, surprising turns. "Sixteen" by Marie Kazalia is in my memory for good now. Every time I see a heavy rain rush through a drain pipe, I'll think of that poem.
—Paul Agostino
Holbrook, NY
I checked out your website after receiving your review in the mail. The art is terrific, the poetry outstanding. All are great slices of the poetry pie. Love Elizabeth Kerlikowske's "May I Help You?" and E.V. Noechel's "Red." I just
wanted you to know I've been carrying it around with me everywhere so standing in line for 10 minutes at the post office isn't time wasted.
—Linda K. Sienkiewicz
Rochester, MI
Whenever I return to Slipstream, I realize why so much of today's poetry bores me. Yours does have an edge, but it still manages to be so well written—such a fine and difficult line to walk. And so rare.
—Barbara Claire Kasselmann
Boston, MA
I'm happy that you're publishing the kind of poetry I like to read; thanks for working hard to put out this journal...I really love Slipstream and appreciate your willingness to take risks, By the way, I think the cover of the current issue (#22) is the most fabulous thing I have seen in a long time. I think I'm in love.
—Laura Van Prooyen
Brookfield, IL
Slipstream is an incredible journal, no bones about it.
—Christina Stoddard
Greensboro, NC
In a world where the writing scene is often prone to egotism and pretentiousness, I admire Slipstream as much for its freshness and sincerity as for the high quality of its content.
—Michael Meyerhofer
Iowa City, IA
I recently received my first copy of Slipstream after entering the annual chapbook contest. I'll give it to you straight: I like sexy poetry; I like poetry with balls. I saw both in your magazine.
—Jeff Stumpo
Schaumburg, IL
I enjoyed the poems in Slipstream #22. I especially admired your recent chapbook "What Language," by J.P. Dancing Bear. When a book such as that wins a contest, I feel in good company just to have entered the contest.
—Larry Turner
Fredericksburg, VA
Fantastic job on Slipstream #22. Beautiful photos. Excellent words. "Song for Stephanie" made my heart gulp. Also loved Locklin, as usual. And Robert Cooperman's "Summer Windows." Liza Porter's "Rising." And "This Sort of Day" by Phebe Davidson. And it's always good to see Tim Peeler. Damned honored to have made it in this one. They just seem to get better every time.
—Martin Vest
Pocatello, ID
Slipstream has always been, in my mind, among the top echelon of literary magazines.
—Gordon Massman
Crested Butte, CO
Just wanted to say great website and great magazine. A friend of mine sent me issues 20 and 21. Wow. My favorites were Dancing Bear's and Gerald Locklin's poems out of both issues, but I really dug most of what I read, which stacks up better than the rest of the magazines I've been picking up lately. My faith in readable poetry is restored.
—Reese Lemon
Los Altos, CA
I've just returned from Ireland, am dead tired. But how cool to find Slipstream #21 in the mail. As always, it's awesome, cover-to-cover. Thanks for including me in such a brilliant issue.
—Sean C. Brown
Olympia, WA
Great Issue #21. The photos are most definitely haunting and emotional. I also really enjoyed the winining chapbook. Great job!
—Rocking Chair Frank
Santa Cruz, CA
The last issue #21 is simply gorgeous, inside and out—and poems from Jim Daniels to boot. Keep up the splendid work.
—David Hernandez
Long Beach, CA
I was really impressed with your latest issue #20. The cover was a knockout and the photos by Townsend are delicious. Oh yes, and the writing—I especially liked the work by Perchan, Glatt, Daniels, and many others.
—Mark McKain
Sherman Oaks, CA
Your site is superb and your zine is
still one of the best out there.
—Sam Pierstorff
Modesto, CA
Thank you for sending me Slipstream #20: strong, solid, engrossing stuff. I especially was struck by Kazim Ali's work and Bill Sweeney's sestina.
—Kelley Jean White, M.D.
Philadelphia, PA
Locklin's tape is super and "Fucking in Stupid Hope" also excellent. Looking forward to being in the #1 publication world wide. Read last night, made $16, spent $20 drinking—oh well. Poets!
—Catfish McDaris
Milwaukee, WI
I've been reading Slipstream #20 and Breaking the Captives' Fetters and I'm impressed with them both. They have some balls and some bite, some real edge. Good work!
—Paul Forster
Santa Barbara, CA
Many thanks for the copies of Slipstream #20 and Laurie Mazzaferro's great chapbook, "Breaking the Captives' Fetters"...It's exciting that there is so much good writing! Poetry certainly is not dead.
—Dorothy B. Anderson
Walpole, NH
I entered your chapbook contest with "The Fiery Sparks of Hope," and didn't win, but when I received "Breaking the Captives' Fetters" I saw why—it's great work. I've also really been enjoying Slipstream #20, more good work! So many of the small presses I receive are so "vanilla" and so many others are sort of over-the-top Charles Bukowski. Yours is my current fav. Keep it up.
—John D. Forster
Santa Barbara, CA
Plowed over the sample issue—forwards and backwards. I'd seen a Slipstream a couple years ago, remembered liking it. But DAMN...I was impressed. What a beautiful book you guys crank out, words that scream into the void 'til their throats get sore...very, very, nice.
—Hosho McCreesh
Albuquerque, NM
Would it be too much if I said, honestly, that Slipstream has some of the best prose poems I've seen since "Wormwood Review" ended?
—Violet Jones
Hayward, CA
I'm just reading Slipstream and it's fabulous! It's not too often that I find so many shake-your-head poems in one magazine. I'm so-o-o impressed!
—Irene Livingston
Vancouver, BC Canada
I woke up this morning and realized what a complete bastard I am! I never let you know how much I liked Issue #19, particularly the work of Burr, Cooperman, Brendan-Brown and Ahearn. Overall, a fantastic job—clean and elegant.
—Christopher Locke
West Chesterfield, MA
I am enjoying issue #19, especially work by ... Locklin, Nordhaus and those drawings by Hernandez are a knockout. Also really like the chapbook by Pelegrin. It really rings true and takes me back to my own childhood spent in Baton Rouge, LA. Congratulations on some very stimulating publishing.
—Mark McKain
Sherman Oaks, CA
I just finished reading volume #19, and I must tell you how thoroughly enjoyable and even comforting it is to find a journal that publishes such wonderful, truly readable, good, and varied work. I especially enjoy narrative poetry, and this issue is a real treat.
—Elisa Albo
North Miami Beach, FL
Can't tell you how pleased I was to see my poem "Honey Sniffer" in Slipstream #19. I publish, therefore I am! Greatly enjoyed reading the whole issue. Especially liked Douglas Goetsch's "Self-Portrait with Radio," Stewart J. Florsheim's "The Kitchen Sink, 1969," David Watt's "Cystoscopy Nurse," Maureen Flannery's "On Death and House Sales," and Katharyn Howd Machan's "In 1929." Also, I'm a big fan of Gerald Locklin, so having one of his poems and one of mine in the same issue gave me a major rush.
—David Chandler
Portland, OR
I read a copy of your most recent issue and loved it. I would be honored to appear in your review ... Keep up the good work.
—Jennifer Johnson
Boston, MA
I came across the latest Slipstream in the New York Midtown Public Library—it was featured as a "recommended zine." Congrats!
—Steve H
New York, NY
