About James P. Wagner (Ishwa) 
Our Publisher

James P. Wagner (Ishwa) is an editor, publisher, award-winning fiction writer, essayist, historian, performance poet, and alum twice over (BA & MALS) of Dowling College. He is the publisher for  Local Gems Poetry Press and the Senior Founder and President of the Bards Initiative. He is also the founder and Grand Laureate of Bards Against Hunger, a series of poetry readings and anthologies dedicated to gathering food for local pantries that operates in over a dozen states. His most recent individual collection of poetry is Everyday  Alchemy. He was the Long Island, NY National Beat Poet Laureate from 2017-2019. He was the Walt Whitman Bicentennial Convention Chairman and teaches poetry workshops at the Walt Whitman     Birthplace State Historic Site. James has edited over 130 poetry anthologies and hosted book launch events up and down the East Coast. He was named the National Beat Poet Laureate of the United States from 2020-2021. He is the owner/operator of The Dog-Eared Bard’s Book Shop in East Northport, NY. 

​Most Prolific Editor of Poetry Anthologies

James P. Wagner (Ishwa) has edited many poetry anthologies, including community anthologies, county anthologies, themed anthologies, and National and International anthologies. He has edited over 130 poetry anthologies to date and is considered by many to be the most prolific anthologist of poetry in the United States, perhaps beyond. 

(The closes comparative record is the Guiness World Record for most prolific editor of children's poetry anthologies held by Lee Bennet Hopkins at 113 anthologies.) 
​

​Best-Selling Poetry Editor

James has edited several amazon best-selling poetry anthologies. Including "A Wreath of Golden Laurels" "Grid Poems" "The Mondo" and several others which have held slots in the # New Releases on Amazon.com and other online retailers. His anthologies have collectively gone on to sell over 100,000 copies. 

National Beat Poet Laureate

James was named the National Beat Poet Laureate of the United States from 2020-2021.

He also served as the Long Island, NY, Beat Poet Laureate from 2017-2019.