Garrett's poetry has appeared in a number of well-known American literary journals, including: African American Review; The Amistad; ChickenBones; Drumvoices Revue;[1] Obsidian III; phati'tude Literary Magazine; Pittsburgh Quarterly; Potomac Review; and StepAway Magazine.

His works have also been published internationally, including in: Istanbul Literature Review (Turkey); One Ghana, One Voice; Poems Niederngasse (Switzerland); and White Chimney (UK).

[7] In conjunction with the Writers In The Schools (WITS) program, in 2011 Garrett served as a writer-in-residence in Latvia, teaching creative writing and reading poetry at a White Night festival.

[7][11] In 2015, Garrett collaborated with Don Tate to create a poetry curriculum guide for grades K-5 that aligns with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards.

[13] Van G. Garrett is an adjunct instructor of African American Studies and Literature at the University of Houston.