Sunday Mornings at the River is an indie poetry press run by a poet. It’s aim is to provide a home for poets outside the traditional publishing world.
“The name came long before the meaning. Only recently did I understand it: Sunday Mornings at the River is about rest in a world that does not allow it. Not rest as luxury, but as survival. As refusal. As remembering who we are when we are not producing, performing, or apologising.”
Founded in 2012 by Rebecca Rijsdijk, Sunday Mornings at the River publishes poetry that names what others won’t. Inspired by Salman Rushdie’s belief that poetry should “name the unnamable, point at frauds, take sides,” this is a space for work that doesn’t look away. That resists silence. That makes itself heard—whether through grief, anger, hope, or all of the above.
We centre voices long ignored by the literary world: working-class poets, women, people living with illness, and anyone told their stories were too raw, too much, or not enough.
This press is run independently by one person. No committees, no industry polish. Just a commitment to publishing work that shakes something loose in the reader—and sometimes, in the world. Rebecca, hailing from a working-class family and serving as the editor-in-chief, deeply understands the importance of lifting the voices of marginalized groups, including women and individuals with chronic illnesses. At Sunday Mornings at the River, the emphasis on equality and inclusivity is paramount. The press positions itself as a counterbalance to the traditional publishing industry's gatekeeping, aiming to offer a platform where those often sidelined by conventional outlets can have their voices heard and appreciated.
Perhaps poetry won’t save us. But it can witness, challenge, soothe, provoke. And sometimes, it can make space for someone to keep going.
That’s what Sunday Mornings at the River is for.
So welcome to the little spot where the tree’s roots touch the river, we saved you a seat in the sun.
Masthead
Sunday Mornings at the River is a solo-woman indie poetry press based in Eindhoven, founded by Rebecca Rijsdijk and her trusty sidekick, Bobbie the Schweenie dog. Together, they publish poetry that promotes the voices of marginalized groups and creates a healthy literary community.
Rebecca Rijsdijk is a bookmaker, storyteller, poet, and nurse based in Eindhoven. Her poetry took root during her time at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, where she earned her Bachelor of Design. What began as a personal practice of survival turned into a body of work—four poetry collections so far—focused on trauma, memory, and healing. Her writing has been described as raw, powerful, and unflinching.
In 2012, she founded Sunday Mornings at the River, an independent poetry press committed to publishing voices often left out of the mainstream—working-class poets, women, and those living with illness or grief. As editor-in-chief, Rebecca works closely with each poet, not just editing, but designing, communicating, and carrying the work all the way through to print. Every book is made with intention.
Outside of publishing, she works in healthcare. Her experience as a nurse shapes how she sees the world: up close, and without illusion. Both her care work and her poetry are grounded in the same belief—that everyone deserves to be seen, and that even in broken systems, small acts of honesty can make a difference.
She believes poetry should not look away. It should connect, challenge, and remember.
And maybe, when we need it most, it should help us keep going.
Bobbie the Schweenie dog is the co-founder of Sunday Mornings at the River. Bobbie's role in the press is to provide moral support, keep the team's spirits up, and offer feedback on the latest poetry collections (usually by wagging his tail or tilting his head).
When he's not busy inspiring the poets, Bobbie enjoys long walks, chasing squirrels, and taking naps in the sun. He also has a particular affinity for chewing on pens and curling up next to the team during editing sessions.
Despite his lack of opposable thumbs, Bobbie is an essential part of the Sunday Mornings at the River team. His unconditional love and unwavering support keep the press running smoothly, and he's always there to lend an ear (or a paw) when the poets need it most.
Special thanks to…
Sunday Mornings at the River wouldn't be possible without the help of the dedicated individuals who have contributed their time and energy to help build the press. We would like to give a special shout-out to the people below, who have provided invaluable support, whether it's through, blogging, proofreading, editing, or spreading the word about our press. We are grateful for their former contributions and are proud to have them as part of our literary community. Thank you Kate MacAlister, Sean Felix, Corinne Owens, Leanne Kuiper, Kate Gough, August Hawley, Sophia-Maria Nicolopoulos, Sarah Herrin, Emma Williamson, Rebeca Scurtu and Sanne Poppeliers.
Support the Press
Sunday Mornings at the River is built from my work as both a carer and poet. Funded entirely by my day job, it’s a labour of love—offering a home for powerful voices often overlooked by mainstream publishing. If you would like to support, you can buy us a beer. Your ‘beers’ directly helps publish raw, necessary poetry and sustain a space where art and honesty matter. Every donation fuels the press. Thank you for keeping this dream alive.