Getting into poetry can feel like discovering a secret club that you absolutely do not feel cool enough to be at! But poetry and poets, especially in Pittsburgh, are abundant and often legendary. Many poets put out their work through small and indie presses, making it a bit more difficult to discover. Have no fear though! We are here to guide you on your journey to learn more about contemporary poetry and have an impressive collection at CLP to explore.
Why read small? Small and independent presses often feature new narratives from unheard voices that sometimes get lost in work by the big five publishers. Supporting indie and small presses is especially important now, as many operate as non-profits and are facing funding setbacks due to the clawing back of the National Endowments for the Arts grants.
Want to get into the habit of reading small? Below is an introduction to a few small, independent and academic presses who frequently publish award winning poetry. Don’t forget our PGH favorites Leftie Blondie Press who publish handmade chapbooks from local poets that make terrific gifts.
This is not by any means a comprehensive list, as we are quite a literary city. Check out some of these titles and then hit up your nearby local bookstore to buy your favorites! Looking to discover more poetry? Fill out our recommendation form and our amazing staff (many of us are also poets!) will curate suggestions just for you.
- Indie Press Spotlight – Poetry Edition – Copper Canyon
- Indie Press Spotlight – Poetry Edition – Graywolf Press
- Indie Press Spotlight – Poetry Edition – Red Hen Press
- Indie Press Spotlight – Poetry Edition – Milkweed Editions
- Indie Press Spotlight – Poetry Edition – Alice James Books
- Poetry: Bilingual Editions
- Local Indie Spotlight – Eulalia Books
- Locally Made Spotlight – University of Pittsburgh Press Poetry
- Locally Made Spotlight – Carnegie Mellon University Press