— OUR STORY
Since its founding in 1976, Boa has published more than 300 books of American poetry, poetry-in-translation, and short fiction. Over that time, the press has published dozens of poets and authors whose books have been awarded or named finalists for more than 100 awards by such organizations as the Academy of American Poets, Poetry Society of America, PEN Center, National Book Critics Circle, The Publishing Triangle, Great Lakes Colleges Association, and the Jewish Book Council. Boa books are also regularly reviewed in national newspapers, magazines, and literary journals. On a regional level, Boa publications have won the Northern California Book Award for Poetry Translation, Minnesota Book Award, Maine Literary Award Winner for Poetry, The Colorado Book Award for Poetry, Writers’ League of Texas Book Awards, the Israel Prize in Literature, and the California Book Award among others.
And we’re just getting started! Below, you will find a timeline of some Boa highlights. However, the press’s real success lies with the countless readers whose lives have been touched by Boa books.
"We publish the books that need to exist."
Boa Editions, a nonprofit publisher of poetry and other literary works, fosters readership and appreciation of contemporary literature. By identifying, cultivating, and publishing both new and established poets and selecting authors of unique literary talent, Boa brings high quality literature to the public. Support for this effort comes from the sale of its publications, grant funding, and private donations.
Joe McElveney: Chair
Kathleen Holcombe: Secretary
Joe Klein: Treasurer
Ralph Black
Jonathan Everitt
Bonnie Garner
Charles Hertrick
Carly Logan
William Waddell
Bernadette Catalana, Esq., New York, NY
Christopher Dahl, Ann Arbor, MI
Gina Dinato
Stuart Dybek, Evanston, IL
Cornelius Eady, New York, NY
Carolyn Forche, Bethesda, MD
Jonathan Galassi, New York, NY
Leonard Goldberg, Harrisburg, PA
Paul LaFerriere, Belmont, MA
Aimee Nezhukumathatil, Oxford, MS
Dorrie Parini, Belmont, MA
David St. John, Venice, CA
Morrie Warshawski, Napa, CA
Support Boa Editions by purchasing books directly through our online bookstore.
Your support makes it possible for us to publish the voices that need to be heard.
Join us for readings, workshops, and conversations with our authors throughout the year.
Poet, translator and SUNY Brockport professor A. Poulin, Jr. (1938-1996) founds Boa. One year later, Boa’s first book, The Fuhrer Bunker: A Cycle of Poems in Progress by Pulitzer Prize winner W. D. Snodgrass, is published to great acclaim.
Yin by Carolyn Kizer wins the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. The collection is Boa’s 10th book to be published in its American Poets Continuum Series.
The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University purchases the first batch of Boa Editions publishing archives.
Lucille Clifton wins the National Book Award for her collection Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems 1988-2000, her 5th book published by Boa Editions. To date, Boa has published 10 poetry collections by Lucille Clifton.
The Boa Audiobook Series is established with the release of Kendra DeColo’s I Am Not Trying to Hide My Hungers from the World. More than 20 audiobooks are now available.
PUBLISHING
Interested in publishing, poetry, and bringing books to life? Apply for an internship with Boa Editions, an independent nonprofit press in Rochester, NY. Interns gain hands-on experience across book production, marketing, publicity, and development—working closely with new titles from leading authors.
Internships are in-person (no remote option) and typically run ~15 hours/week across 2–3 days, typically on a set T/Th schedule. Boa’s internship programs run on a trimester system: Winter/Spring (January–May); Summer (June–August); Fall (September–December).
While unpaid, interns receive complimentary books and valuable industry experience. College credit may be available; local students are encouraged to apply.
To apply, please email Boa executive director Peter Conners with your resume and cover letter (conners@boaeditions.org) during on of the following open application windows. For Winter/Spring, please apply between October 15th and November 15th. For Summer, apply between April 15th and May 15th. For Fall, apply between June 15th and August 15th.
Please Note: Applications sent outside of the current application window will not be reviewed.
Naomi Shihab Nye is the author and/or editor of more than thirty volumes including six collections of poetry from BOA Editions: Sidekick (2026), Red…
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