Founder, chair, and executive director

Recognizing a void in our region’s literary landscape, Jennifer Baum founded the GLLC in 2023. Her vision was clear: to establish a physical literary community that amplifies our region’s voices.

Her commitment to building this literary community stems from a belief in the transformative power of stories and the need for communal space where these stories can flourish.

Jennifer’s affinity for the art of storytelling grew at one of her first jobs at B Dalton, where she learned about the intricacies of the book retail space and honed her understanding of what makes a bestseller. Her career working with writers began as a writing consultant at Western Michigan University’s Writing Center. She graduated in 2003 with an English Literature degree from WMU and began working as an editor for local magazines and regional publications.

Fueled by her passion for independent publishing, Jennifer established Scribe Publishing Company in 2011, a traditional small press whose titles have won regional and national awards. Her dedication to sharing and preserving the craft of publishing led to nearly a decade of leadership roles within the Midwest Independent Publishers Association, including administering the Midwest Book Awards, a longstanding regional literary recognition program. In 2024, Jennifer will also open Scribe Books in Pontiac, Michigan. This used bookstore is designed to be an accessible community hub, offering a literary haven for a city that, until now, lacked a local bookstore.