Zain Rishi joins Gutter as Reviews Poetry Editor

The Gutter team are thrilled to welcome Zain Rishi on board the magazine. As well as contributing poems to Gutter, Zain excelled in his role as Guest Editor for Issue 33. 

Originally from Birmingham, Zain is a writer currently based in Edinburgh. In 2025, he won the 27th Ware Poets Open Competition and has since been longlisted for the Forward Prize for Best Single Poem. His poetry has featured in magazines such as Oxford Poetry, Wildness, Propel, Magma and Gutter. His debut pamphlet, Noon, was published in February 2026 and was a Shakespeare & Company Year of Reading selection.

“It is an unbelievable joy and honour to be working with Gutter as the new Poetry Reviews Editor,” said Zain. “Having lived in Scotland these last four years, I've been astounded by how the magazine continues to innovate and showcase the best in Scottish and international literature. I look forward to reading more poems (always!) and finding brilliant reviewers for our online monthly series.”

Sean Wai Keung, our outgoing Poetry Reviews Editor, said: “I’m very proud to have been part of the Gutter team over the last three years, during which I had the opportunity to work with Zain during his time as a guest reader and see for myself the enthusiasm, knowledge and empathy he has for both Scottish and international poetry. I’m excited to see how he makes the role his own, and will be continuing to cheer for his success, as well as that of the entire Gutter team.”