Industry Talks: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Micro Presses
Join us at Hugo House’s Lapis Theater for Industry Talks: Careers in the Literary Arts, an engaging evening that explores the many professional paths within the world of writing, publishing, and literary production.
This event brings together authors, editors, publishers, literary agents, and other industry professionals for insightful conversations about their work and the evolving landscape of the literary arts. Attendees will gain exposure to the diverse opportunities available across the field—whether in creative writing, editing, marketing, or event programming and learn how different roles contribute to the broader literary ecosystem.
The evening will feature a talk, followed by an open Q&A session and networking opportunities, offering a welcoming space for writers, readers, and anyone passionate about storytelling to connect and exchange ideas.
Who Should Attend:
Members of the public interested in literature, writing, publishing, and creative careers.
Author-Educator Shaun Anthony McMichael dishes on his experiences in the wild west of publishing: the world of micro presses. Having published 3 books with 4 different presses, he’ll unpack his experiences submitting, reviewing contracts, and gearing up for publication. He’ll also share selections from his books, which will be available for purchase. These include The Wild Familiar: Washington State Stories (Cowboy Jamboree, 2024); the poetry collection Jack of All… (New Meridian, 2024); and the novel Whistle Punk Falls (Street Legal Cinemas, 2026).
Schedule:
6:30—Hugo House Intro
6:35—Industry Professional Intro
6:40-7:40- Lecture
7:45- Q&A
8:00-8:30pm—Meet and Greet / Networking
The House bar will be open to serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.Shaun Anthony McMichael
Shaun Anthony McMichael is the author of the novel WHISTLE PUNK FALLS (Alternative Book Press, 2025), THE WILD FAMILIAR short stories (CJ Press, 2024) and the poetry collection JACK OF ALL…(New Meridian Arts, 2024). Since 2007, he has taught writing to students from around the world, in classrooms, juvenile detention halls, mental health treatment centers, and homeless youth drop-ins throughout the Puget Sound region. Over 120 of his poems, short stories, and reviews have appeared in literary magazines, online, and in print. He lives with his wife and son in Seattle where he attends church most Sundays. In addition to teaching English to immigrants and refugees at a public high school, he hosts an annual literary arts reading series, Shadow Work Writers. Visit him at his website shaunanthonymcmichael.com.
