Circling Rivers is an independent literary press founded in 2014 by poet and editor James C. More than a decade later, it remains a small, dedicated operation with a clear focus: publishing poetry and short-form prose that engages with the natural world, memory, and the quiet textures of everyday life. The press grew out of a desire to create a home for work that might be overlooked by larger commercial houses—writing that is patient, observant, and formally attentive. Its catalogue, though modest in size, reflects a consistent editorial vision: books that value precision over spectacle, and that treat language as a way of paying closer attention.
Publishing focus
Circling Rivers is an independent publisher of literary nonfiction and poetry by and about Walt Whitman.
Circling Rivers accepts submissions through periodic reading periods, typically announced on its website and social media. Before submitting, read at least one book from the catalogue to understand the press's aesthetic—work that is often lyrical, grounded in place, and attentive to sound and image. They welcome poetry collections (typically 48–80 pages) and short prose (novellas, essay collections, or linked stories). Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify them immediately if your work is placed elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter with your submission, and do not query about the status of your manuscript before the stated response time (usually 3–6 months). The press values patience and professionalism; a respectful, well-prepared submission is more likely to be noticed than a flashy one.