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About the press

Spurl Editions is an independent publisher founded in 2014 by the writer and translator Edward Gauvin. Operating out of Los Angeles, the press is dedicated to publishing literature in translation, with a particular emphasis on French-language works that challenge conventional narrative forms. Its catalogue includes authors such as Marcel Béalu, Emmanuel Bove, and Jean Ferry, often presented in meticulous editions that highlight the translator's art. The press's ethos is one of literary recuperation and cross-cultural exchange, bringing overlooked or marginalized texts into English for the first time or in new translations. Spurl Editions operates with a clear mission: to expand the Anglophone literary landscape by introducing voices that have been neglected by mainstream publishing, thereby fostering a more diverse and nuanced understanding of global literature.

Publishing focus

Spurl Editions (est. 2015) is an independent publisher of unusual literature and photography, specializing in works fitting for “our current decrepit and apocalyptic world.”

FictionNovellaShort Story CollectionsNovel

Selected authors
Luigi Pirandello, Thomas Bernhard, SLA, Michel Leiris, Hervé Guibert, Barbara Payton

Calls & opportunities

3 listed

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31
Reading feeNo
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsNo

Spurl Editions accepts submissions of literary translations, primarily from French, though other languages are considered. They seek complete manuscripts of novels, novellas, short story collections, and essays that demonstrate literary merit and a unique voice. Before submitting, familiarize yourself with their catalogue to ensure your work aligns with their aesthetic. Submissions should include a query letter, a synopsis, a sample translation (typically 10-20 pages), and the original text. They prefer electronic submissions via email and encourage translators to include a brief bio and any relevant publication credits. Response times can vary, so patience is advised. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify them promptly if your work is placed elsewhere.

We love the unexpected, the peculiar, the seedy, and the absurd. We’ve published French, Italian, and German literature in translation, surreal Hollywood memoirs, radical political writing, and more, including a forthcoming new American novel. If you are interested in submitting your work to us, please familiarize yourself with our titles and email us a description of your work; fiction and translation proposals always welcome.

Read official guidelines