"I Love Reading Stuff that Comes In." A Chat with Deryck Robertson, Editor-in-Chief of Paddler Press

"It's a gut feeling."

Apr 07, 2026

Hallo! I come with a new editor interview freshly in the books!

Before I jump in, I wanted to share that I received notes from a few writers this past week who had work accepted in magazines after watching my interviews with the editors and realizing their work could be a good fit. This makes me so happy! I never know who watches and when, so it’s always so nice to hear that not only are many of you viewing these, but that these videos are helping you place your work! Huzzah!

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Deryck Robertson, Founding Editor of Paddler Press.

At Paddler Press, we are outdoors people. The Put In is where the trip begins. The Trip Log is a reminder of where we’ve been, the details of The Journey. The Portage is where we get out of our boats, stretch our legs, and carry our junk to the next put in. The Campfire is where we drink coffee, tell stories (for the umpteenth time), laugh, and many times, just sit and reflect.

Deryck started Paddler Press during those isolated Covid days when so many of us were craving connection. His first call for submissions was for poetry related to the Canadian artist Tom Thomson. (Deryck lives in Ontario.) He ended up receiving submissions from all over the world, and had such pleasure compiling the magazine, that he decided to keep it running.

Today, Paddler Press publishes poetry, creative nonfiction and visual art. Though they “are outdoors people,” and Deryck is an avid canoer (hence all the canoe references), work submitted to this magazine need not be explicitly outdoorsy. They publish three issues per year, two of which are themed. Submitted work should adhere to the theme, even if it’s in a loose or creatively interpreted way.

All work at this magazine is read by Deryck. For poetry, he responds most favorably to “emotion,” “connection,” and poems that are “story-driven,” “accessible,” and which “draw you in.” Mostly, what he accepts is based on “a gut feeling.”

For creative nonfiction, submissions should be under 1,000 words. In this category Deryck seeks work that reads like memoir. He favors “honesty,” a sense of “here’s what happened,” while also “not just reporting on the facts.”

His advice to writers is, “Stick to the theme” and “don’t make it overly complicated on the page.” And, of course, if you’re not sure whether you’re work will fit here, just try! You’ve got nothing to lose.

Deryck is a retired teacher who taught 7th and 8th graders for 27 years. When reading submissions, he encourages readers—and himself—to spend time with each work. Don’t put something down because you “don’t get it.” Sometimes it takes effort to understand, especially with poetry, and Deryck hopes to bring that level of care to all work submitted and published here.

What kinds of work would Deryck specifically like to see more of? What’s the deal with their Fattest Bear Contest? What else should submitting writers know about this magazine?

For all that and more, do tune in! This one is free for all to watch, share and enjoy.

Paddler Press is open three times per year, with their next reading period beginning April 15th. They have themed submission calls so be sure to check the site. There is no fee to submit.

To everyone who came out today, thank you for joining! Your faces are the kind, calm clarity in my hectic, whirling and windy day!

And, thank you to Deryck for taking us behind the scenes of another lovely little magazine.

Happy viewing!