06/05/2026
Dear Friends, Family, and Clients,
My wife, Tobi, works with her mother and stepfather, who founded Red Hen Press over 30 years ago.
Today, Red Hen Press is a respected independent, nonprofit literary publisher based in Pasadena. It focuses on poetry, literary fiction, and creative nonfiction, publishing a small number of carefully selected books each year. Known for championing diverse and emerging voices, it also runs community programs like writing workshops in schools and literary events in Los Angeles. It’s widely regarded as a strong, mission-driven press within the literary world rather than a commercial publisher.
This past year Red Hen Press (Tobi and her team) have been swimming against a cruel current. Between national and local grant funding being cut, long-standing donors passing away, and severe vandalism attacks on their offices and event space - they face an uncertain future. I have met many authors of the press over the years at their events, who all share resounding love and appreciation for my wife and my in-laws...They are great people and are always going out of their way to make sure people feel respected and that their voices are heard...better yet, their stories told. They give when their resources are also strained and they rarely ask for help.
If you love literature and storytelling, I ask that you consider making a donation to Red Hen Press, and if you do not have the means...Please share this fundraiser with those you know who support the arts and the literary arts.
Read more about their campaign and donate here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/we-need-your-help-to-save-red-hen-press
with gratitude,
Emily Harper Petrie
A Message from Kate Gale, Publisher and CEO, and Tobi Harper Petrie, Deputy and… Red Hen Press needs your support for We Need Your Help to Save Red Hen Press
