The journal has served as a space for up-and-coming writers, whose style, form, voice, and subject matter demonstrate a vigorous appeal to the senses, intellect, and emotions of readers.

According to the Phoebe constitution, "We insist on openness, which means we welcome both experimental and conventional prose and poetry, and we insist on being entertained, which means the work must capture and hold our attention, whether it be the potent language of a poem or the narrative mechanics of a short story."

Williams, Ray DiPalma, Keith Waldrop, Michael Palmer (poet), Cathy Park Hong, G.C.

Waldrep, and Rosmarie Waldrop 1997 Winter Contest: Fiction: Susan Shreve, Poetry: Rod Smith (poet) 1998 Winter Contest: Fiction: Cathi Hanauer, Poetry: Russell Edson 2006 Winter Contest: Fiction: Carrie Brown (author), Poetry: Anne Carson 2011 Winter Contest: Nonfiction: Shauna Cross, Fiction: Caitlin Horrocks, Poetry: Dan Beachy-Quick 2014 Winter Contest: Nonfiction: Cheryl Strayed, Fiction: Benjamin Percy, Poetry: Eduardo C. Corral 2015 Winter Contest: Nonfiction: Roxane Gay, Fiction: Ramona Ausubel, Poetry: Brian Teare Phoebe supports up-and-coming writers, whose style, form, voice, and subject matter demonstrate a vigorous appeal to the senses, intellect, and emotions of readers.

The journal's website[1] also says that, as a whole, the editors insist on openness, which means that both experimental and conventional prose and poetry are welcome.