Sunday Mornings at the River is an indie poetry press run by a poet. It’s aim is to provide a home for poets outside the traditional publishing world.
Sunday Mornings at the River, founded by Rebecca Rijsdijk in 2012, stands as an indie poetry press with a mission to nurture a robust literary community where poets can truly thrive. Inspired by Salman Rushdie’s belief that the role of poetry is to "name the unnamable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world and stop it from going to sleep," as quoted from The Satanic Verses, the press is committed to publishing poetry that resonates with this ethos and seeks to make a positive impact on the world.
Rebecca, hailing from a working-class family and serving as the editor-in-chief, deeply understands the importance of lifting the voices of marginalized groups, including women and individuals with chronic illnesses. At Sunday Mornings at the River, the emphasis on equality and inclusivity is paramount. The press positions itself as a counterbalance to the traditional publishing industry's gatekeeping, aiming to offer a platform where those often sidelined by conventional outlets can have their voices heard and appreciated.
For those interested in delving deeper into the philosophy and operational dynamics of Sunday Mornings at the River, Rebecca Rijsdijk has shared insights in a blog article dedicated to community transparency, reflecting the press's open and inclusive approach.
Masthead
Sunday Mornings at the River is a solo-woman indie poetry press based in Eindhoven, founded by Rebecca Rijsdijk and her trusty sidekick, Bobbie the Schweenie dog. Together, they publish poetry that promotes the voices of marginalized groups and creates a healthy literary community.
Rebecca Rijsdijk is a bookmaker, storyteller, and poet based in Eindhoven. Her passion for poetry was born during her studies at the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Design. She has since published four collections focused on trauma and healing, and her poetry has been described as powerful and raw.
Rebecca founded Sunday Mornings at the River, an indie poetry press, in 2012 to create a supportive community for poets to express themselves freely. As the editor-in-chief of the press, she works closely with poets to develop their craft and bring their work to life. She also designs covers and book interiors for the press and markets, communicates, edits etc.
Rebecca's love for poetry stems from her belief in its power to connect people and bring about positive change.
Bobbie the Schweenie dog is the co-founder of Sunday Mornings at the River. Bobbie's role in the press is to provide moral support, keep the team's spirits up, and offer feedback on the latest poetry collections (usually by wagging his tail or tilting his head).
When he's not busy inspiring the poets, Bobbie enjoys long walks, chasing squirrels, and taking naps in the sun. He also has a particular affinity for chewing on pens and curling up next to the team during editing sessions.
Despite his lack of opposable thumbs, Bobbie is an essential part of the Sunday Mornings at the River team. His unconditional love and unwavering support keep the press running smoothly, and he's always there to lend an ear (or a paw) when the poets need it most.
Special thanks to…
Sunday Mornings at the River wouldn't be possible without the help of the dedicated individuals who have contributed their time and energy to help build the press. We would like to give a special shout-out to the people below, who have provided invaluable support, whether it's through, blogging, proofreading, editing, or spreading the word about our press. We are grateful for their former contributions and are proud to have them as part of our literary community. Thank you Kate MacAlister, Sean Felix, Corinne Owens, Leanne Kuiper, Kate Gough, August Hawley, Sophia-Maria Nicolopoulos, Sarah Herrin, Emma Williamson, Rebeca Scurtu and Sanne Poppeliers.
Support the Press
Sunday Mornings at the River is a labor of love, born from my hands and heart, as a one-woman indie poetry press. It's a dream made real through my dual life as a carer and a passionate advocate for poetry. Every poem published and every voice uplifted here is powered by my commitment to offering an alternative platform for poets. This endeavor, funded solely by my day job, stands as a testament to the belief that poetry deserves a spotlight, away from the commercial constraints of traditional publishing.
Your support has an incredibly personal and impactful resonance. It directly aids in the creation of our quarterly anthologies, the promotion of chapbooks, and the nurturing of a community that values poetic expression. Balancing the roles of carer and publisher, I strive to ensure that Sunday Mornings at the River remains a welcoming space for poets to share their work with the world.
Your donation, no matter its size, is a vital contribution to this mission, helping to cover the essential costs of publishing and promoting the voices of poets who might otherwise go unheard. It's a gesture that supports not just the continuation, but the growth of this unique space in the literary landscape.
Thank you for considering a donation to support this journey. It's a solo venture, but with your help, the impact can be vast, ensuring that poetry finds its way from our pages to the hearts of readers everywhere.