Texas Book Festival Launches New Publishing Imprint for Emerging Writers

New Imprint Introduced for Debut Literary Fiction

The Texas Book Festival has announced the launch of Burro Libro Press, a new publishing imprint dedicated to debut literary fiction. The initiative will focus on emerging writers with strong connections to Texas and is being developed in partnership with Deep Vellum Publishing, Letterpress PLAY, and the Tejemos Foundation.

Annual Prize Model to Select One Winner

The imprint will publish one book each year through an annual prize competition. Submissions will be reviewed by the editorial team at Deep Vellum Publishing, led by editor Jill Meyers, along with members of the festival’s author selection committee. Five shortlisted manuscripts will move forward for final evaluation.

Submission Window and Eligibility Details

The first submission period will run from June 1 to June 30. Writers do not need to currently live in Texas, but must have meaningful ties to the state through residence, upbringing, or personal connection. Judges will select the winning manuscript by the end of the year, and the publisher plans to release it in fall 2027.

Focus on Supporting First Time Authors

Texas Book Festival CEO Marianne DeLeón said the initiative is designed to support writers at the earliest stage of their publishing journey. She emphasized that the program aims to provide an entry point for authors struggling to publish their first book.

Author Benefits and Publishing Support

The selected writer will receive full editorial development from Deep Vellum Publishing, a publication contract under Burro Libro Press, a print run of 2,000 copies produced by Letterpress PLAY, a professionally produced audiobook, and a $5,000 cash prize. The 2027 Texas Book Festival Weekend will also feature the author.

Distinct Role in Texas Literary Ecosystem

Festival leadership said the new imprint will complement existing literary awards in Texas instead of replacing them. The goal is to help bridge the gap between unpublished manuscripts and professionally published books.

Collaboration With Deep Vellum Publishing

The partnership with Deep Vellum Publishing grew from an existing professional relationship. Festival COO Dalia Azim, who published her debut novel with Deep Vellum in 2022, played a key role in recommending the collaboration.

Design and Print Partnership With Letterpress PLAY

Letterpress PLAY will handle book production, ensuring a high quality physical edition. The festival described this partnership as an effort to highlight the artistic and tactile value of printed books.

Expansion of Festival Mission

The new imprint expands the mission of the Texas Book Festival beyond its annual event in Austin. The organization continues to grow its cultural and literary initiatives while supporting both writers and readers.

Honoring Founders and Future Growth

The announcement comes during a period of institutional growth for the festival, which recently honored co-founder Laura Bush with a Lifetime Achievement Award and launched a legacy fund to support long term accessibility of the festival.

Meaning Behind the Imprint Name

After extensive discussion, Festival CEO Marianne DeLeón chose the name “Burro Libro Press.” It reflects a simple and grounded identity, focused on carrying stories and making literature accessible to readers everywhere.

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