Six Ft. Swells Press is a small publishing house that specializes in After-Hours Poetry. It is poetry for truck-stops, bowling alleys, soccer moms and barrooms. We strive to create connection through common experiences, stressing an economy of language. We are attracted to lean, clear, straight forward lines that tell a story. Our philosophy is, if the poet has to explain their poem to the audience, then the poet has failed. If multipage, spiritual and/or political rants are your style, we wish you luck elsewhere. We are here to change hearts, not headlines. Our goal is to make poetry accessible, interactive and fun. Poetry for non-poetry fans.

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After-Hours Poetry consists of writing that is direct and raw. The poems tend to be observational and confessional in nature. They aim for the reader's heart. Often utilizing an economy of language that is concise and exemplified in the short poem. The subject matter deals with the common struggles and sensuality of human interactions, drawing from those tender, shiny or darkest moments; first kisses, final goodbyes, the quiet of the morning or the busted glass sounds the night before, the beauty and the brokenness, lust and libations, toasts to fleeting victory and tenderness of absolute defeat.

After-Hours poets are unafraid to expose the hope, heartbreak and humor of a moment; even if the heartbreak or savage humor is at their own expense. the poet revels in the gut punches and the glory of every situation. There are no shadows or secrets that an After-Hours poet will not shed light upon for the sake of a good story.
Submissions Policy
Six Ft. Swells Press does not accept unsolicited material or manuscripts. However, those who feel that your poetry absolutely fits our brand and choose to send something in anyway, please note that we may or may not read your material but if we do you may receive a reply stating our thoughts on you and your poems for good or ill. We encourage you to buy some of our books to understand the type of material we look for and because it is the cool thing to do.​

Please check out our Links We Love page for other poets and presses we consider part of the After-Hours Krewe.
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