In 2024, DownEast books will launch a new literary journal, The Maine Standard, The Nine Poets Collective will be featured with selections of poems that speak to each of their “Obsessions” with an introduction by presidential inaugural poet, Richard Blanco. On January 14th join us to celebrate the upcoming launch of The Maine Standard with readings from The Nine Poets Collective.

Learn more about the Nine Poets here.

About The Maine Standard:  Maine has always been steeped in ingenuity and boldness. Perhaps it is the mix of granite coast and balsam breezes that gives rise to this inspiration, but whatever it is, the state has long held an abundance of world-class writers and artists. Honoring this deep tradition of great writing, The Maine Standard is an annual journal celebrating the uniqueness of Maine, the unusual and the unexpected. Perhaps our founder Duane Doolittle said it best: “We don’t pretend that we can define this evocative term, Down East . . . All that we can honestly say is that we are tuned to this particular parcel of land, and that we like its music.” 

The Maine Standard publishes stand-out writing that captures the true character of Maine, writing that sings! Pre-order your copy here.