Kate Gale

Dr. Kate Gale is an American poet, author, librettist, and independent publisher recognized for her contributions to contemporary literary culture. Gale is co-founder and managing editor of Red Hen Press and editor of Los Angeles Review. She co-founded Red Hen Press in Los Angeles, initially selling nearly all her possessions to begin publishing poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Red Hen Press, a nonprofit based in Pasadena, California, specializes in poetry, literary fiction, and nonfiction. Under Gale's leadership, Red Hen Press titles have been reviewed in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and other major publications.

Gale holds a doctorate in English from Claremont Graduate University and has established a prolific writing career. She is the author of seven books of poetry, including "The Goldilocks Zone" from University of New Mexico Press, "Echo Light" from Red Mountain Press, and "The Loneliest Girl" from University of New Mexico Press. Her novel "Under a Neon Sun" was published by Three Rooms Press. She also has a memoir forthcoming from Zando. Gale's poetry has received critical attention for its exploration of personal and social themes.

In addition to her work as a poet and publisher, Gale is a librettist for the operatic stage. She is the author of multiple librettos, including "Rio de Sangre" with composer Don Davis, performed in part at Walt Disney Concert Hall; "Paradises Lost," co-authored with Ursula K. Le Guin and composer Stephen Andrew Taylor, performed in part at New York City Opera; "Kindred," adapted from the novel by Octavia Butler with composer Billy Childs; and "Inner Circle," adapted from the novel by T.C. Boyle with composer Daniel Felsenfeld. "Rio de Sangre" was showcased at Walt Disney Concert Hall, presented by New York City Opera VOX, and premiered with Florentine Opera Company in Milwaukee.

Gale's leadership in the literary community includes serving as editor of Los Angeles Review, president of PEN USA, and board member of the School of Arts and Humanities at Claremont Graduate University and the Poetry Society of America. She is chair of the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. Gale speaks on independent publishing at institutions such as USC, Columbia, and Oxford University, and teaches poetry at Chapman University.

Gale's personal history includes overcoming significant hardship, having grown up in a cult and later reclaiming her narrative through her writing. Her poetry collection "The Loneliest Girl" explores challenges faced by women, societal shaming, and the process of reclaiming one's story. Through her work with Red Hen Press and her own writing, Gale demonstrates a commitment to amplifying diverse voices and advancing American literature.