David B. Olsen
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davidbolsen.bsky.social
David B. Olsen
@davidbolsen.bsky.social
140 followers 170 following 6 posts
Acquiring editor for reference books and writing guides at the University of Chicago Press. Sponsoring editor for the Phoenix Poets book series. Legendarily unassertive online. https://press.uchicago.edu/books/editorbio/dolsen.html
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davidbolsen.bsky.social
Elliott Kalan's riotous guide to writing comedy, JOKE FARMING, is now available from @uchicagopress.bsky.social. And it's on sale, direct from the source: Use the code READING25 at checkout for 30% off its already low, low price of $19.95! press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
Joke Farming
The winner of four Emmys, a Peabody, and two Writers Guild Awards (all of which badly need dusting) explains his process for writing comedy without going insane.   Philosophers may debate the meaning ...
press.uchicago.edu
October 24, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Reposted by David B. Olsen
uchicagopress.bsky.social
The open submission period for the Phoenix Poets series is closing soon! We are accepting poetry manuscript submissions through October 31. Guidelines and more information can be found at phoenixpoets.org, and questions can be sent to phoenixpoets@uchicago.edu.
Book Series: Phoenix Poets
The book series Phoenix Poets published or distributed by the University of Chicago Press.
phoenixpoets.org
October 24, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Reposted by David B. Olsen
dukepress.bsky.social
Who Wore It Better, Met Gala 2025 celebrities or Duke University Press book covers?
Ava DuVernay or Work! by Elspeth H. Brown? #MetGala
Ava DuVernay poses on a blue floral carpet at a formal event, wearing a dramatic black-and-white gown with a full skirt and horizontal silver stripes, a white blouse-style bodice with puffed sleeves, a black wide-brimmed hat, and a netted veil. Her hands are on her hips as she stands confidently in front of a floral backdrop and photographers. Overlaid on the image is the book cover for Work! A Queer History of Modeling by Elspeth H. Brown, featuring a black-and-white photo of a poised Black model in a sheer, striped gown with outstretched arms. Ayo Edebiri stands smiling on a floral blue carpet at a formal event, wearing a striking black-and-white gown with a dramatic deep V neckline and an eye-catching red beaded design that loops around her neck and drapes down the front in a large U-shape. She pairs the look with a black floor-length coat with wide lapels and extended train-like sleeves. Behind her, photographers and onlookers are gathered near a wall of white flowers. Overlaid on the image is the book cover for Good Night the Pleasure Was Ours by David Grubbs, featuring a bold, abstract image of concentric black and red arcs on a white background above a stylized cityscape with train cars. Cardi B poses on a floral blue carpet at a high-profile event, wearing an opulent green velvet coat dress with intricate textures, beaded details, and ruffled trim in a slightly lighter green. The coat is open at the front to reveal black trousers or a skirt underneath, and she accessorizes with a dramatic afro hairstyle and a white flower brooch. She stands confidently against a backdrop of cameras and floral arrangements. Overlaid on the image is the book cover for Black Gathering: Art, Ecology, Ungiven Life by Sarah Jane Cervenak, featuring a ser ene photo of a Black woman standing in a shallow stream surrounded by lush greenery, wearing a green-and-white patterned dress and casting a fishing line, with forested hills rising in the background. Chappell Roan poses on a floral-patterned blue carpet at a formal event, wearing a vibrant, hot pink sequined pantsuit with a bold zigzag pattern. The flared pants have dramatic slits at the bottom, and the fitted jacket features a plunging neckline. Her voluminous red hair and theatrical eye makeup complete the striking look. Behind her, other attendees and photographers can be seen. Overlaid on the image is the book cover for The Queer Games Avant-Garde: How LGBTQ Game Makers Are Reimagining the Medium of Video Games by Bonnie Ruberg, featuring bold yellow and pink typography and an illustrated anthropomorphic figure in a dress with a snarling wolf head held aloft, dripping blood, in a surreal, graphic art style.
May 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Reposted by David B. Olsen
uchicagopress.bsky.social
Continuing our #NationalPoetryMonth celebrations, today we’re highlighting Chicago’s long-running and recently relaunched Phoenix Poets series, which features original poetry from emerging and established poets along with poetry in translation.

buff.ly/qIIcntv
A graphic that says “Poetry Month 2025: Phoenix Poets Series” and features covers of five books by Jonathan Thirkield, Nicolás Guillén (translated by Aaron Coleman), Jolanda Insana (translated by Catherine Theis), Farid Matuk, and Kristin Dykstra.
April 8, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Reposted by David B. Olsen
uchicagopress.bsky.social
To celebrate #NationalPoetryMonth, we’re excited to share a reading list of new poetry collections from UCP and our distributed client presses! Explore voices across centuries and continents, and join us all month as we highlight poetry.

buff.ly/YnTgmb1
A graphic that says “Poetry Month 2025” and features covers of twelve poetry collections.
April 3, 2025 at 7:02 PM
davidbolsen.bsky.social
Day 2 of #AWP25! Visit the @uchicagopress.bsky.social booth (622) for 30% off and free shipping in the US.
March 28, 2025 at 5:44 PM
davidbolsen.bsky.social
Next week: Poetry, champagne, and tinned fish at an #AWP25 offsite reading with poets from Fonograf Editions, Kuhl House Poets, The Paris Review, and Phoenix Poets at Kippered (361 S Broadway, DTLA)
March 21, 2025 at 8:01 PM
davidbolsen.bsky.social
In lieu of anything socially or professionally relevant, at least for now, here's a picture of my dog sitting in a chair.
November 14, 2024 at 2:45 PM