Airlie Press consists of six members, all of whom contribute to the editorial and book production responsibilities of the press and serve for a three-year term. To learn more about joining the press, see our Open Reading Period page.
Airlie Members
Current Members
Daneen Bergland, Ching-In Chen, Irene Cooper, Joy Manesiotis, Valerie Witte, Nicole Zdeb; Intern: Karina Agbisit
Members Emeriti
Deborah Akers, Chris Anderson, José Angel Araguz, Jon Boisvert, Brittney Corrigan, Amelia Díaz Ettinger, Cecelia Hagen, *Donna Henderson, *Matridarshana (Jess) Lamb, Gary Lark, Stephanie Lenox, Annie Lighthart, *Carter McKenzie, Karen McPherson, Jessica Mehta, Anatoly Molotkov , Darlene Pagán, Jennifer Perrine, Jennifer A. Reimer, Tim Shaner, Connie Soper, *Anita Sullivan, Kelly Terwilliger, Tim Whitsel, Dawn Diez Willis
*Founding member
Advisory Board
Judith Barrington, Barbara Drake, Ruth Gundle, Dorianne Laux, Naomi Shihab Nye, Paulann Petersen, Martha Rhodes, Maxine Scates, Chase Twichell, Ingrid Wendt, Eleanor Wilner, John Witte
What Our Authors Say
“My time at Airlie Press was a foundational moment in my literary career, and it’s an experience that I have no doubt will continue to resonate. As an editor, I broadened my poetic community and sensibilities and learned the value of collaborative problem solving and empathy-driven conversations. As an author, I felt that my work was treated with respect, curiosity, and above all a desire to create a beautiful book that contained poems that were as strong as they could possibly be. Airlie’s mission to uplift the voices of poets is dear to my heart, and I was happy to have the opportunity to give back to other writers and readers during my time with the press. I’m honored and humbled to be a part of the Airlie Press family, and I’m excited for all of the poetic perspectives that will continue to be added to the catalog and editorial board for years to come.” ”
“I submitted to Airlie because I liked the idea of a collective, and the amount of say and support it would give me for my book. I’ve deepened some existing friendships and formed new ones, all through our mutual love of poetry and good books—what could be better than that?”
“Poetry for me means more than just the writing of poetry—it also means engaging in the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the art. Along with the opportunity to see my manuscript published, I see working with Airlie Press as a chance not only to learn more about the publishing business in a collaborative setting, but also to get to know the region’s poetry community better.”
“I have become increasingly convinced of and committed to the idea that our literary communities must find ways to support and sustain themselves through collaborative effort, access and involvement. I have been inspired and heartened by Airlie’s initiative in creating a press that is run collectively by its authors and that offers a publishing venue for Northwest poets. The seven titles already in print have established Airlie’s reputation as a publisher of high-quality books of poetry, both in content and production. I am particularly enthusiastic about the fact that Airlie takes a consensus-based approach and involves its author-members in all stages of the editorial and book production process.”