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About the press

Baobab Press, an independent literary publisher based in Reno, Nevada, was founded in 2014 as an imprint of Sundance Books and Music. Its ethos is rooted in a commitment to publishing bold, lyrical, and culturally resonant works of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The press seeks to amplify voices that might otherwise remain unheard, with a particular interest in writers from the American West and beyond who challenge conventional narratives. By maintaining a curated list of just a few titles per year, Baobab Press ensures that each book receives the attention and care it deserves, reflecting a deep respect for the literary craft and the reader's intelligence.

Publishing focus

Baobab Press seeks books that communicate and support their themes through new and well-articulated means. They like risk. They like invention. More importantly, they look for a quality of thought that adds depth to a writer’s concerns. And although it is not an official requirement, they tend to select literary work with a strong sense of place at its core.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionShort Story CollectionsEssay CollectionsNovelPoetry Collections

Selected authors
Teresa Carmody, Kim Chinquee, Chloe N Clark, Andrew Colarusso, Brian Crane, Allison Pitinii Davis, Jesse DeLong, Dicus, Alexus Erin, Karen An-hwei Lee, Michael Martone, Russell Persson, Dani Putney, Varun Ravindran, Abraham Smith, Ryan Walsh

Calls & opportunities

3 listed

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31
Reading feeYes
Response timeGreater than 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Baobab Press accepts submissions during specific reading periods, typically announced on its website and social media. Writers should submit a cover letter, a synopsis, and the first 10–15 pages of their manuscript. The press values originality, strong voice, and a clear sense of place. Simultaneous submissions are accepted with notification, but multiple submissions are discouraged. Response times can be lengthy due to the small staff; patience is appreciated. Before submitting, familiarize yourself with the press's catalog to ensure your work aligns with its aesthetic.

Collections or novels that do not fall within the noted page ranges will not be read We appreciate cover letters but keep them simple Check for “Track Changes” in your documents before submitting Many well-written collections of poetry and short fiction are passed over because the entries do not demonstrate a range in tone You got this

Read official guidelines