We Are Front Porch
An Independent Editorial for Contemporary Southern Literature
About Us
We are an independent publishing house rooted in contemporary Southern literature. Our mission is to amplify the diverse and evolving voices redefining our region, to be a true partner for writers, and a trusted curator for readers.
Our Story Began on a Porch
The story of Front Porch began on a family porch in Tennessee, passed down through eight generations. It was there that our founder discovered the power of storytelling to challenge stereotypes and expand perspectives.
That legacy became the foundation of our mission: to create a home for the bold and progressive voices reimagining the South.
The Heart of Front Porch
At Front Porch, publishing is more than producing books; everything we do is grounded in our purpose and values. We believe in celebrating diverse voices, supporting bold storytellers, being rooted in place and identity, creating books with care, and cultivating an authentic community.
A Different Kind of Publishing House
In a publishing landscape defined by trends, algorithms, and endless choices, vital stories can often be the hardest to find. Front Porch was born from a simple but powerful idea: that there is a more thoughtful, human way to bring books to life.
The Front Porch Team
Front Porch is the result of the work of a passionate team. We are a collective of storytellers, creatives, and strategists united by a shared commitment to building a more transparent, equitable, and accessible publishing landscape.
John Talbott
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
John is the founder and curatorial heart of Front Porch. An educator, attorney, historian, editor, and writer, he is deeply committed to amplifying the authentic voices of the American South, through a human-centered approach to publishing.
"I started Front Porch to build the publishing house I always wanted to find; an alternative to traditional press and a true partner for the author. At Front Porch, we honor storytelling by crafting every book as a treasured artifact."
Ana Philibert
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Ana is the creative director and designer behind Front Porch's identity. Her role is to bring the brand to life by translating its philosophy into an immersive experience through branding, editorial and cover design, copywriting, and content creation.
“I am passionate about bringing brands to life through design and storytelling. My role at Front Porch goes beyond visual identity, it’s about creating an immersive experience that connects with people on a deeper level”.
Ulises Santamaría
COMMUNICATION STRATEGIST
Ulises is the strategic voice of Front Porch. With a foundation in journalism and digital media, his experience supporting cultural projects helps us guide our presence, our communication, and our mission to connect and bring people together.
"I believe empathy comes from genuine human connection. I care for our communication and actions to deliver trust, transparency and authenticity, so that we can build a community that celebrates creativity and connection”.
The Front Porch Circle
The People Helping Us Bring Our Mission to Life
The Front Porch Circle is a collaborative community of trusted writers, academics, artists, and passionate readers from diverse backgrounds. They are our sounding board, our first readers, and the critical minds who help us stay true to our vision and bring our mission to life.
The Chair
The chair on our logo is more than a symbol, it represents the chairs where our founder's ancestors sat on their porches to share life stories. It honors the timeless tradition of storytelling, a place where people have gathered for generations to share their experiences, struggles, and triumphs.
Our chair is an invitation to take a seat and share stories.
