Small Press
openletterbooks.orgOpen Letter Books
Open nowAbout the press
Publishing focus
Open Letter is one of only a handful of nonprofit publishing houses dedicated to increasing access to world literature for English readers. Publishing 10 titles in translation each year and running an online literary website called Three Percent, Open Letter searches for works that are extraordinary and influential, works that they hope will become the classics of tomorrow.
Selected authors
Mercè Rodoreda, Dubravka Ugresic, Alejandro Zambra, Rodrigo Fresán, Quim Monzó, Ha Seong-nan, Can Xue, Marguerite Duras, Sara Mesa, Sergio Chejfec, Georgi Gospodinov
Calls & opportunities
3 listedManuscript submissions
Open Letter Books accepts submissions of full-length manuscripts translated into English. They do not consider original English-language works or partial manuscripts. Before submitting, familiarize yourself with the press's catalog to ensure your project aligns with their aesthetic and mission. Submissions should include a cover letter, a synopsis, the full manuscript, and information about the original work and its rights status. The press recommends that translators secure permission from the original rights holder before submitting. Due to the high volume of submissions, response times can be lengthy; simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify them promptly if the work is placed elsewhere. Open Letter prioritizes works that demonstrate literary excellence and cultural significance, and they encourage translations from underrepresented languages and regions.
Translations only. Submissions that are not translations may not receive a response.
Read official guidelinesBooks
11 itemsExplore titles from the press’s catalogue.