About SRP

Ruth Thompson started Saddle Road Press in 2011 while living in Colden, NY. After two years, the press moved to Hilo, Hawai’i, where it operated until mid-2020, and then moved to Freeville, NY (near Ithaca).

SRP publishes full-length poetry collections, poetry chapbooks, literary fiction, essays, memoir, and hybrid forms, in both print and eBook editions.

As of mid-2026, our print list includes thirty-three poetry books, fourteen novels/story collections, five memoirs, five hybrid (poetry/prose) books, and another nine poetry and prose works in Kindle format only. Our print books are also available as Kindles.

Because SRP print books are distributed by Ingram, they can be ordered at independent bookstores, as well as through online retailers.

We do not sell directly to the public.

Each book in the site has an online purchase link, or (ideally) you can order from your local bookstore.

Submissions

Saddle Road Press will not be accepting submissions until late 2026 or 2027

Check this page for submission information.

We will be looking for collections of poetry and hybrid poetry/prose, collections of short fiction and lyric essays, and novels. We look for reflective, authentic literary voices embodying the rich, diverse history and heritages of the English language. Hard-copy or emailed submissions will be rejected without comment.

 

Staff

Ruth Thompson is the Editor-Publisher.

Don Mitchell is the designer and production person.

SRP uses external editors and readers as needed.

 

Contact

info@saddleroadpress.com

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The Hilo base, the staff, the Freeville base, and the Colden base.

SRP takes its name from the Saddle Road (as seen below) which crosses the Big Island of Hawai’i over a high central saddle between two 14,000 foot volcanoes, one active (Mauna Loa) and one long-dormant (Mauna Kea). Until recently, the Saddle Road was notoriously difficult: sharp, off-camber curves, potholes, rocky shoulders, rain, fog, brilliant sunshine, breathtaking vistas, thin air, and awe-inspiring volcanoes, one of which remains dangerous. Operating a small press is in many ways like driving the Saddle.