Literary Arts and Ooligan Press (part of Portland State University’s graduate program in Book Publishing) are seeking submissions from writers of color for the Oregon Writers of Color 2020 Spring Showcase.

The showcase features many of Oregon’s most talented diverse writers and is designed to connect these artists with the publishers seeking to hear their voices. This is the fourth installment of this series, which is intended to evolve beyond an annual event and promote a larger, more holistic conversation and tangible results for diversity in book publishing.

Publishers are often the link between writers and readers, and with both sides advocating for more diversity in books, publishing professionals have an enduring responsibility to sustain conversations and catalyze action toward intersectional representation and inclusion. Years of unequal representation in literature will take time to change, but Literary Arts and Ooligan Press vow to accelerate the transformation by helping to dismantle white bias and privilege in the culture of publishing by amplifying, spotlighting, and celebrating the undeniable talent of diverse voices.

Submissions from writers of color in Oregon will be accepted starting today through Thursday, March 12. The submission should be about one page (no longer than 500 words) and can be a work of poetry, fiction, literary nonfiction, drama, or young readers literature. If selected, we will ask you to read your work at the showcase. With an hour of readings followed by an hour for mingling and connecting with local publishing industry professionals, this is an entertaining and enriching night for all attendees.

This event will be held on May 20, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Literary Arts space in downtown Portland (925 SW Washington Street). If you are interested in participating in this event, please email your submission to Ooligan Press at alumni@ooliganpress.pdx.edu by March 12.