About

Asterisk is the little magazine of the San Francisco Bay Area — which is to say, we’re the little magazine of the world, a few years in advance.

We put our scenes and subcultures in conversation with themselves, and with everyone else. We are the only magazine that has published both Aella and Lyman Stone. We’re the sort of place where you are as likely to read an in-depth debate about whether AI will lead to economic growth as a personal exploration of Bay Area cults, or an agenda for Africa’s YIMBY movement.

Here’s what we’re not: a digest, a one-stop shop or – god forbid – snackable. Here’s what we are: long.* We value obsessive curiosity, clear thinking, and knowing what we don’t know. Asterisk is by and for the kind of people who aren’t satisfied until they’ve tested their assumptions and chased every claim back to its source. Our team is pedantic, and proud of it. Reading this magazine will fix your attention span. (Probably. Our evidence is highly anecdotal.)

The future is going to be very big and very strange. In the meantime, we're trying to see what it might look like. Join us — wherever you are. The Bay is a state of mind.

*Except for pieces published on our blog, Dagger.†
†Most of the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are your funders?
Asterisk is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are primarily supported by a grant from Coefficient Giving.

We enjoy full editorial independence. Our funders do not intervene at any stage of the publishing process, whether it be commissioning, editing, or final approval. We disclose our relationship with our funders in any stories that may mention them.

Do you only publish about the Bay Area?
No, especially because our managing editor lives in New York City. Though our sensibility and interests are guided by the Bay, we have readers and contributors all around the world.

Do you accept pitches and submissions?
Yes! We have four themed print issues a year as well as Dagger, our blog. Here is our guide on how to pitch. You can pitch (or send a submission) at submissions@asteriskmag.com.

How can I support Asterisk?
First and foremost, subscribe to our print magazine and consider gifting subscriptions to friends. You can sign up for our mailing list to receive new articles and learn about our events. If you’d like to support Asterisk with a major gift, email Nadia Asparouhova at nadia@asteriskmag.com.

Why does your site look like Claude?
Seriously, this is one of the most commonly asked questions. The answer is: It’s a coincidence and, for what it’s worth, our branding came first. We believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Masthead

Submissions

We’re always looking for new contributors. If you’re interested in writing for us, please send a short summary of your piece to submissions@asteriskmag.com. We are currently commissioning for our Summer 2026 issue (Work) and Fall 2026 issue (Family).

Contact

info@asteriskmag.com
@asteriskmgzn

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Asterisk is published by Obelus, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 92-2954169). We are supported by a grant from Coefficient Giving.

Contents © Asterisk Magazine and the authors and artists. All rights in the magazine reserved by Asterisk, and rights in the works contained herein retained by their owners. All views represented are those of the Asterisk contributors, especially where they contradict each other.