By publishing poetry exclusively, the press brings as many volumes of poetry to American readers as major publishers. To date, that includes some 90 books by poets such as Thomas Kinsella, Derek Mahon, John Montague, Michael Longley and Nuala N Dhomhnaill. Muldoon's poetry has also been published by the Wake Forest Press. It is the only press to have published Irish poetry almost exclusively. At least once a year, Johnston travels to Ireland and Northern Ireland, seeking new poets to publish.
Poetry is very much a part of the popular culture.
In late night talk shows in Ireland, poets often appear with rock stars and other celebrities, Johnston said. The press has published two volumes of poetry by Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill, who writes in Gaelic, the traditional language of Ireland. As a small independent publisher and two-person office, the press has experienced small but steady increases in sales over the years. Through the work of manager Candide Jones, Wake Forest Press also coordinates reading tours, bringing not only the written words, but living Irish poets to this side of the Atlantic. Irish poets published by the press frequently launch their books with appearances at Wake Forest and also travel throughout the United States.