Book publishing isn’t generally considered a growth industry these days. But that’s not stopping Northern Illinois University Press from sprouting a new imprint. Switchgrass Books will focus exclusively on Midwest literature. Don’t let the prairie-inspired name fool you. The settings range from the bustle of Michigan Avenue to the quiet of an Iowa farm. Alex Schwartz is the director of NIU Press. He says it’s time for the heartland to get its literary due.

Music Button: Saxon Shore, “Tokyo 4:12am”, from the CD It Doesn’t Matter, (Broken Factory records)