Burro Libro Press

Why the name Burro Libro Press?

• The name Burro Libro Press came together slowly over months of conversation and a certain amount of play. It began with an affection for vintage denim, well-loved books, and the idea that what we carry in our back pockets says something about how we move through the world. We kept returning to the image of pocket-sized books, those small novels and paperbacks tucked into the back pocket of our jeans. And from now on, we will only be able to find these small treasures at used bookstores. As the idea evolved, we began playing with language, and we love to incorporate Spanish whenever possible. We arrived at Burro Libro through a mix of humor, affection for double meanings, and a nod to the physicality of books and bodies in motion. We wanted the name to reflect our hopes for the imprint, something unpretentious and committed to creating and carrying stories wherever people go. Please note: The book will not be pocket-sized!

Who is eligible to apply?

• The Burro Libro Press Publishing Prize is open to writers working in English who have meaningful ties to Texas, including through residence, upbringing, or other significant personal connection to Texas. The prize is for the publication of a debut work of literary fiction. Employees, members of the Board of Directors or Board of Advisors of Texas Book Festival, and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply. We will only review the first 500 manuscripts submitted. So submit early.

Will there be a cap on the number of manuscripts submitted here?

• Yes. We received such a wonderful response to the public announcement and press release about the imprint launch that we will cap manuscript submissions to the first 500 submissions.

What do you mean debut author?

• Can I have published a book of a different genre? Unfortunately, no, we really want this opportunity to support someone who has never published a book with a traditional or hybrid publisher before.
• Can I have self-published a book? Totally fine. Going from self-published to being published by a press is a huge and meaningful leap, and we absolutely welcome those submissions.
• We are seeking unpublished literary fiction manuscripts. Previously published full-length manuscripts and works in translation are not eligible. However, individual excerpts may have previously appeared in magazines, anthologies, or chapbooks under 48 pages, provided the manuscript as a whole remains unpublished.

Does the author need to reside in the state, or simply have Texas ties?

• The author does not need to reside in the state of Texas. The writer should have meaningful ties to Texas, either through residence, upbringing, or other significant personal connection to Texas.

Does my manuscript need to be anonymous?

• Yes. Manuscripts must be submitted anonymously. Please do not include your name or identifying information anywhere in the manuscript file.

What kinds of manuscripts are eligible?

• We are seeking unpublished literary fiction manuscripts.
• Previously published full-length manuscripts and works in translation are not eligible. However, individual excerpts may have previously appeared in magazines, anthologies, or chapbooks under 48 pages, provided the manuscript as a whole remains unpublished.

Does my manuscript need to be anonymous?

• Yes. Manuscripts must be submitted anonymously.
• Please do not include your name or identifying information anywhere in the manuscript file.

How do I submit my manuscript?
Submitted manuscripts should:

• Include consecutive page numbers
• Be between 40,000 to 110,000 words
• Use a standard 12-point font
• Be double-spaced

What additional materials are required?
Each submission must include:

• A plot synopsis of no more than 250 words
• A cover letter that includes a list of publications, if applicable

How do I submit my manuscript?

• All submissions must be made electronically through Submittable here.

Is there a submission fee?

• Yes. A $10 submission fee is required for each entry.

Can I submit more than one manuscript?

• Yes. Multiple submissions are allowed, but each manuscript must be submitted separately and accompanied by its own submission fee.

Are simultaneous submissions allowed?

• Yes. Simultaneous submissions are welcome. 
  

What do I do if my manuscript is accepted elsewhere? 

• If your manuscript is accepted elsewhere, please withdraw it promptly through Submittable.

Is the use of AI permitted?

• No. Manuscripts generated in whole or in part using artificial intelligence are not eligible for consideration.

What is the timeline to learn if my submission wins?

• Submissions portal open: June 1-30, 2026
• Announcement of Finalist: at Texas Book Festival 2026 on November 14th and 15th, a small team from Texas Book Festival, Deep Vellum Publishing, Letterpress PLAY, and Tejemos Foundation will announce the five finalists live during the Festival. In addition, the Texas Book Festival team will send an email to all authors who have submitted their manuscripts on November 15th announcing the five finalists. 
• Winner announcement: Finally, by January 31, 2027 those five finalists will be narrowed down to one author whose book will be published as the inaugural Burro Libro Press title.