“A poem cannot stop a bullet. A novel cannot defuse a bomb. But we are not helpless. We can sing the truth and name the liars.”
~Salman Rushdie
Why we need to write
Sligo Creek Publishing is an independent, traditional publishing house dedicated to amplifying voices that believe in fundamental human rights, celebrate diversity as a source of creativity, and honor the transformative power of storytelling.
We seek writers who, in the spirit of Jack Kerouac’s vision, are “mad to live, mad to write” — creators driven to explore the boundless potential of stories and to share truth with urgency and heart. We champion work that resists the commonplace and instead burns with originality, compassion, and artistic courage.
We are not a vanity press. We operate as a selective publisher committed to editorial quality, thoughtful curation, and long-term literary impact.
At Sligo Creek Publishing, we celebrate the art and craft of writing in all its forms. A great story carries poetry; a great poem tells a story. We publish work that resonates on the page and in the voice, vivid in image and musical in rhythm.
Our focus extends to the vibrant literary community of the Washington, DC area — a region alive with passion, creativity, and stories waiting to be told.
Sligo Creek Publishing was founded by Alan Abrams shortly before his 75th birthday with a simple belief: every submission deserves thoughtful attention. The press was created as an alternative path — a place where writers are read carefully and valued as creators, not just entries in a queue.
As a boutique publishing house, we keep our calls for submissions focused and intentionally prioritize poets and writers from the DC metropolitan area. This region pulses with extraordinary poetry and storytelling, both written and spoken, and Sligo Creek Publishing takes an active role in supporting its literary community. We proudly champion local voices and partner with independent bookstores and organizations such as Day Eight.
We aim to remain small but impactful, curating and publishing work that challenges, connects, and sets hearts and minds alight.
What We Are About
ABOUT ALAN ABRAMS
After leaving art school, Alan embarked on a cross-country journey, riding a cobbled-together BMW motorcycle and working in motorcycle shops and construction sites along the way. His career later evolved into building design, where he earned recognition as a Fellow of the American Institute of Building Design.
Now, Alan lives a quieter life in Silver Spring, Maryland, with Janet Kinzer, drawing inspiration from his experiences and the world around him.
