About Airlie Press
Founded in May 2007, Airlie Press consists of six members, all active poets. Each member shares in the editorial and book production responsibilities of Airlie Press and serves for a three-year term. All funds earned through book sales and contributions go toward creating new books of poetry.
Airlie titles have received significant recognition, including finalist for the Oregon Book Award, finalist for the da Vinci Eye Award in Design, and short list for the Eric Hoffer Book Award, among others.
Airlie Press is supported by individual book sales, by contributions to the press from its supporters, and by the donation of time by all the poet-editors of the press.
Our Mission
We are a nonprofit publishing collective dedicated to cultivating and sustaining fine contemporary poetry. We produce beautiful and compelling books by Pacific Northwest poets and offer writers in the region a shared-work publishing alternative. We also celebrate work by poets around the world through our annual Airlie Prize.
How We Work
Our process involves the submission of a full-length manuscript of poetry during an annual open submission period and an interview for our finalists with current press members. Of the submissions we receive, we evaluate manuscripts thoroughly and select promising work by authors willing to collaborate with our consensus-based group. As a press, we commit to participate in the ongoing conversation and practice regarding inclusion and equity. To this end, we encourage submissions from underrepresented voices and poets from marginalized communities.
Airlie members meet once a month on Sundays to discuss and delegate current tasks pertaining to the preparation of manuscripts for book production. This involves careful editorial discussion of the selected manuscripts as well as a review of our production schedule. Editorial communication continues beyond meetings for the purpose of sustaining a clear and inclusive consensus-based process.
Distribution
Airlie Press is committed to ensuring that its titles reach the widest audience possible. Our books are professionally designed, edited, and printed; authors receive 25 complimentary copies of their work and are able to purchase additional copies at wholesale prices. All titles are available online through the Airlie website; they are also available to retailers through our national distributor, Asterism Books; Amazon; and Bookshop.org. The press maintains individual contact with independent bookstores to make sure its titles are available for purchase throughout Oregon and Washington.
How We Support Our Authors
When authors commit to a three-year term with Airlie Press, they gain valuable editorial experience and a nurturing community of skilled poets. Our press thrives on the gifts of time and talent of its members; here are just a few of the ways we aim to return the favor.
Marketing & Events
Airlie promotes new titles through a variety of promotional activities. While our marketing budget is small, the press knows the value of attending literary events, and we make use of our extensive literary contacts to set up readings for authors. We have a presence regionally at the Portland Book Festival and nationally at AWP. We also promote our titles through our newsletter to our list of supporters and through social media.
Reviews & Awards
The editorial staff oversee the submission of titles for book competitions and awards, including the Oregon Book Awards, the Pushcart Prize, and many more. Review copies are distributed widely to an array of media outlets, for reviews and interviews to promote authors and their books.