Industry Talks: Traditional Publishing IS Possible: A Cheat Sheet
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:
· 6:00 PM: Doors open
· 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
Many writers have abandoned hope of signing a traditional publishing deal, because the process seems difficult, slow, and bewilderingly complicated. In this talk, Peter Mountford will discuss how he’s published and helped recent clients ink deals with Big 5 and smaller presses (even if they don't have a “platform”).
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.Peter Mountford
A popular developmental editor and writing coach who has helped hundreds of clients finalize and publish their work, Peter Mountford is the author of the novels A Young Man's Guide to Late Capitalism (2012 Washington State Book Award in fiction), and The Dismal Science (NYT editor’s choice), as well as a collection of short stories, Detonator (silver medal in the 2025 North American Book Awards). His work has appeared in Paris Review, the New York Times (Modern Love), Ploughshares, NYT Magazine, The Atlantic, The Sun, Guernica, and he is a regular contributor to Writer's Digest. He's currently on faculty at UNRT's low-residency MFA program. His former clients and students have published widely and include two recent New York Times bestsellers.
Teaching Style and Philosophy: I believe the best I can do for students is help free them from the tyranny of talent and the whims of inspiration, which are fair-weather friends. Instead, I want you to hone your personal aesthetic, and to develop an authorial voice, and most importantly develop fluency with the elements of craft. One you can control what's happening on the page with ease, producing publishable work is no longer a mysterious fluke, but a familiar and non-scary process.
Website: petermountford.com
