Our press aims to produce books that engage intimately with the Chicago community and, in the process, give students in DePaul University’s M.A. in Writing and Publishing and English undergraduate programs hands-on, practical experience in book publishing. The goal of Big Shoulders Books is to disseminate, free of charge, quality works of writing by and about Chicagoans whose voices might not otherwise be shared. Each year, we aim to make small but meaningful contributions to discussions of injustice and inequality in Chicago. Big Shoulders Books celebrates the tremendous resilience and creativity found in all areas of the city.

About Our Funders

Big Shoulders Books is made possible thanks to the ongoing support of the William and Irene Beck Charitable Trust. 

Additional support for How Long Will I Cry? came from Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the Hive Chicago Learning Network and The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.

Additional financial, logistical and/or administrative support has been provided by the following organizations at DePaul University:

• Department of English

• College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

• Vincentian Endowment Fund

• Irwin W. Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning

• Egan Office for Urban Education and Community Partnerships

• Beck Research Initiative

• Women's & Gender Studies Program

• Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity

We invite you to join our community of sponsors to amplify unheard Chicago voices.