Microcosm Publishing
Microcosm Publishing is one of the longest-running independent publishing houses in Portland, OR—with a second home in Cleveland, OH—and they’ve been proudly defying publishing norms since 1996. What began in a bedroom closet with a milk crate full of zines has grown into a full-fledged, fiercely independent publisher known for its bold, empowering, and radically accessible books.
Specializing in topics like DIY skills, gender, bicycling, food, mental health, and social justice, Microcosm is on a mission to help people make positive change—first in themselves, then in the world. Their books and zines uplift marginalized voices, unearth hidden histories, and equip readers with tools to live more intentionally and authentically.
Still scrappy at heart, Microcosm prints all its books in the U.S., works with twice the industry average of women authors, and prioritizes hiring people with disabilities and those historically excluded from publishing. They’re not just publishing books—they’re rewriting the rulebook.
If you’ve ever felt like the world wasn’t built with you in mind, Microcosm has a book that will speak directly to you. Maybe even save your life. Just like they set out to save their own.
