Challenges and Rewards of Running a Reading Series

This ep is for anyone who ever wondered how to host a good reading or read from their own work because there is just not a lot of info out there. Join us for a fast-paced conversation with the writer and cultural worker Sarah Rose Etter, who may or may not be the best reading series host of all time (we say yes but she’s modest). We use the beloved series TireFire in Philadelphia as a case study to consider what it’s like to host a reading series, give some good advice and tips for those interested to start one, and talk about what makes for a great reading. Shout out, too, to the other luminaries of TireFire: Christian TeBordo, Annie Liontas, Jaime Fountaine, and Mike Ingram. Our discussion explores volunteerism, a taxonomy of contemporary literary readings, we talk money, how to build and connect with your audience, and how for better or worse “no one else is going to show up and sell your book for you.”

Check out Sarah’s new novel Ripe! And her 2019 The Book of X is out from the great Two Dollar Radio.

And if you’re in northeast Ohio, join us at the Lighthouse reading series in the fall and spring.