Teyah Parent, features editor

At Augsburg University, students are getting the opportunity to experience the literary publishing industry firsthand through Howling Bird Press, a student-run publishing house that puts aspiring editors, designers and literary professionals at the forefront of producing and distributing books. Unlike the many literary publishing houses found at universities nationwide, Howling Bird Press gives students the opportunity to participate in the entire publishing process, from selecting manuscripts to marketing the finished product.

“Howling Bird Press is unique in that it is a student-run press,” said Publisher Sacha Idell. “There are many student-led literary journals at universities across the country, but there are vanishingly few presses where students take the lead on acquisition and marketing.”

Students are responsible for selecting, acquiring and editing the manuscript published each year. Their involvement also extends to designing book covers, typesetting pages, managing metadata and developing marketing strategies to generate publicity for their publications. While responsibilities may shift depending on student interests each year, the experience offers a comprehensive introduction to the publishing industry.

Beyond its educational mission, Howling Bird Press has developed a distinct literary identity, one characterized by a willingness to take creative risks and an awareness of its social responsibilities. According to Idell, independent presses occupy an important space in the literary world by providing opportunities for writers whose work might not align with the commercial publishing industry’s expectations.

Idell went on to explain that “small presses are inherently a labor of love, rather than a commercial enterprise.” Without the same commercial pressures facing larger publishers, smaller operations can explore unconventional manuscripts and reach niche audiences. Many also utilize contest-based acquisition models, allowing manuscripts to reach different readers, which encourages a wider range of literary aesthetics.

“At its best, small presses allow for some democratization of art while still applying a rigorous editorial process and institutional support,” Idell said.

Working with manuscripts over the years has also influenced Idell’s understanding of what makes literature memorable. In particular, he has developed a greater appreciation for stories that embrace sweetness and sentimentality without sacrificing complexity. Although these qualities can sometimes be dismissed as cliché, successfully incorporating them into literature can leave a lasting impression on readers.

That openness to different forms of storytelling reflects what continues to make literary publishing exciting: the opportunity to encounter unfamiliar perspectives and ambitious artistic experiments.

For students interested in entering the publishing industry, Howling Bird Press provides more than an opportunity to develop technical skills. It allows them to build relationships with authors and witness the transformation of a manuscript into a professionally produced and distributed book. The experience also offers insight into the collaborative effort behind an author’s success, something readers rarely see when picking up a finished publication.

For those hoping to pursue publishing professionally, Idell emphasized the importance of gaining experience wherever possible. Whether through bookselling, volunteer opportunities or internships. Above all, he encouraged aspiring publishing professionals to remain curious and read extensively. “Reading more is never a bad thing, at least to me.”

Through Howling Bird Press, Augsburg students have the opportunity to put that passion for literature into practice, helping bring new voices into print while discovering their own place within the publishing world.