Industry Talks: Not Just for Scholars: University Presses and the Trade Publishing World
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 moderated discussion, 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.
Event Schedule:
· 6:30 PM: Hugo House Intro
· 6:35 PM: Industry Professional Intro
· 6:40-7:40 PM: Lecture
· 7:45 PM: Q&A from the audience
· 8:00 PM-8:30 PM: Meet and Greet/Networking
When thinking of possible publishers for their work, authors new to the publishing world often overlook university presses, thinking they publish only scholarship. But many university presses have a long a history of publishing trade books—books written for a general audience—including poetry, fiction, memoirs, essay collections, writing guides, cookbooks, and hiking guides. Elise McHugh, who has worked at the University of New Mexico Press for nearly twenty years, will discuss her work, why writers should consider university presses as a great fit for their work, and how university presses operate in similar, and slightly different, ways from their trade publisher counterparts.
Reduced admission to this event is made possible with support from 4Culture.
The House bar will be open to serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.Elise McHugh
Elise M. McHugh is a writer, teacher, and editor based in Washington State. Originally from New Mexico, she is a senior acquisitions editor for the University of New Mexico Press. McHugh has published poetry and nonfiction in numerous venues, including New Mexico Magazine and ABQ InPrint and has taught poetry and publishing classes and workshops in a variety of settings. She holds an MA in creative writing from the University of New Mexico.
In this beginner-friendly writing class, we’ll focus on generative writing through poetry prompts. The session will begin with introductions and a short warm-up, after which we’ll read two separate poems and write in response. At times, you'll have the opportunity to share words and ideas with other writers in small groups. You'll leave with 2-3 new drafts of poems. Designed for all writers, this group supports poets as well those working in other genres, as the skills practiced in poetry can be thought of as “cross-training” for memoir and fiction, too.
About Write with Hugo House
Write with Hugo House is a free drop-in writing circle for adults of all ages and genres of writing. Bring something you’re working on, or just come ready to write. You will have the opportunity to share your work and get feedback—but only if you want to (no pressure). You can also use this time to increase productivity on your current work in progress, surrounded by fellow writers.
Jeanine Walker
Jeanine Walker is the author of The Two of Them Might Outlast Me (Groundhog Poetry Press, 2023) and the recipient of a 2025 microgrant for Korean poetry translation from Seattle City of Literature. Her poems and translations have found homes in Poetry, Denver Quarterly, Pleiades, Poetry Northwest, Prairie Schooner, and elsewhere. She is the former host of Cheap Wine & Poetry and Cheap Beer & Prose and loves to make an audience feel welcomed. She teaches poetry at Hugo House.
Describe your teaching style.
Positive, fun, and generous, I love to make my students feel welcome and let them know it's important to me that they're there.
