I just wanted to make beautiful books. I’ve always loved books, and the idea of creating more beautiful ones was compelling enough to get started. But over time, my priorities shifted. Now it’s really about giving people a voice, and making that voice permanent in print. For a long time, I didn’t have a voice or didn’t choose to use it. Now I want to make sure I’m creating space for others to share their.
In this episode of Loblolly Press In Conversation, we sit down with Lib Ramos, founder of Good Printed Things, an indie press based in Greenville, South Carolina. This episode dives into what it means to build something meaningful from scratch—how chapbooks, collaboration, and Southern design sensibilities can create space for voices that deserve permanence in print.
We talk about the creative and logistical challenges of running a press, how collaboration between small publishers can push us to do better work, and the story behind our first joint project: A Field Guide to North American Trees by Garrett Ashley, a poetry chapbook that serves as a companion to his forthcoming full-length collection Habitats.
We also explore what makes a chapbook special, the ripple effect of beautiful small things, and how poetry rooted in place opens us up to new ways of seeing and feeling. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or someone dreaming of starting your own press, this one’s for you.
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📚 September and October are big months for Loblolly Press!
We’ve got three new titles in the world:
The Computer Room by Emma Ensley (short stories, Asheville-based debut)
Proud Roads by Kelly Riedesel (poems on the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene)
A Field Guide to North American Trees by Garrett Ashley (poetry chapbook in partnership with Good Printed Things)
Plus: It’s the one-year anniversary of If Lost by Clint Bowman, and we’re kicking off a fall tour to celebrate. Stay tuned for upcoming event announcements.
💌 Support the podcast and Loblolly Press at loblollypress.substack.com. Paid subscribers hear episodes like this first and get early access to books, discounts, and behind-the-scenes updates.
Episode Credits:
🎤 Hosted by: Andrew Mack
👥 Guest: Lib Ramos
🎧 Produced by: Loblolly Press
🎶 Music: Summersteen by Tony Sopiano
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