From the Boston University journalism program, student Andrew Sears profiled Loom Press for author Jay Atkinson’s summer course. Thanks to Andrew and Jay for turning the spotlight our way.
Paul Marion is a man of many talents: Loom Press founder, poet, writer, publisher, and fifth-generation Lowellian. But for Marion, it’s never been about the titles people know him by. Instead, it’s about the literary impact he’s left on the region his family has called home since the 1800s.
Loom Press is an independent small press founded in Lowell, Massachusetts. In 1978, Marion’s press began publishing works from poetry to fiction to cultural studies. Residing in the Merrimack Valley, Loom Press has focused on showcasing authors and perspectives in New England. “Literary writing, poetry especially, was often first supported by small independent presses,” Marion said, citing his inspiration to promote local voices.
David Daniel, a novelist, journalist, and friend of Marion, said he often refers to Marion as the “Lowell Connector,” referencing the highway that connects Route 3 to the city. The nickname, Daniel said, comes from the connections and passion Marion has for the Merrimack Valley area.
“He has taken the bull by the horns where there was a lack of publishers who were very often dealing with local writers,” said Daniel on Loom Press’ impact on the community.
Writers published by Loom Press often develop a personal relationship with Marion. Instead of viewing publishing as a business transaction, Marion looks to earn the trust and respect of local writers to foster community among the Merrimack Valley’s literary scene.
Susan Gaylord, a visual artist, collaborator, and friend of Marion since the 1980s, said Marion’s selflessness is what sets him apart from other publishers. “Ego is not a part of what he does,” said Gaylord. “He’s not looking to put his stamp on anything he publishes by someone else, but instead helps them refine their voice.”
Above all, Marion’s focus is on authenticity. Loom Press has a history of publishing works related to the historical significance of the region, pride within local heritage, and firsthand accounts of lived experiences, such as Marion’s acclaimed book Portraits Along the Way, published last year.
With a political science degree from UMass Lowell, Marion's passion for writing stems from his political orientation and enthusiasm for the First Amendment. Believing in the importance of self-expression, Marion said his political background, combined with the idea of small press publishing, inspired him to start Loom Press.
According to Marion, he began his career in 1978, publishing a distinctive product of the small press publishing world, known as a “literary broadside”. From there, Marion said business began to evolve, with the publication of more small books and standard paperback volumes. Since then, Loom Press has published anthologies and over 55 books in total.
Approaching the 50th anniversary of the Loom Press, Marion said he “still has some gas left in the tank.” While he envisions retiring in the next ten years, Marion said his focus is on preserving Loom Press’ mission for long after he’s gone.
Marion’s influence on the Merrimack Valley community is not limited to paper. In the 1980s, Marion helped pioneer and co-found the yearly Lowell Folk Festival, showcasing traditional folk music and attracting tourists from around the world.
“If you look in any US history book, it was the first major industrial location in America with the mills,” said Marion. In the 1980s, Marion worked to create Lowell National Historical Park. He said this exciting time fostered great pride, seeing Lowell among notable sites such as The Grand Canyon, The Statue of Liberty, and other historic sites.
For his friends and other local Lowellians, Marion was one of the faces of the modernization of the city. “Lowell has changed so much over the years, and Paul has been a part of it,” said Gaylord.
“Lowell was in the midst of an economic and cultural revival during this time, after decades of the area languishing,” said Marion. The combination of his family’s history and the renewed energy of younger generations revitalizing Lowell made the case for him to stick around.
Passionate about Lowell, Marion co-edits The Lowell Review, a yearly collection of poems, tributes, reflections, and photography dedicated to the Merrimack Valley region. The review, Marion said, has been another outlet for him to give back to the community.
“It’s a very high-quality literary magazine that focuses on writers in the Merrimack area, and Paul got me onboard as a contributing editor,” said Daniel on his experience with The Lowell Review.
For Marion, The Lowell Review was yet another way to give back to the community. Similar to Loom Press, his common theme of selflessness extends beyond prestige, with the end goal of elevating local voices and keeping the Lowell spirit alive.
By Andrew Sears, June 2025
Sources:
Paul Marion, Loom Press Founder, Author, Poet - marionpf@aol.com
David Daniel, Author, daviddaniel67@gmail.com
Susan Gaylord, Visual Artist, - skgaylord@makingbooks.com