Canary Islands Bookstore Expands into Publishing to Boost Local Literary Scene

The rise of new publishing ventures from local businesses is a sign of a thriving cultural scene in the Canary Islands. Recently, El Barco de Papel, a bookstore in El Sauzal, officially expanded into publishing. The launch of its new imprint was a major success, drawing 831 manuscript submissions during its first open call last December.

This move reflects a wider trend in the Spanish book industry, where bookstores are increasingly taking on publishing roles to gain more independence and help shape what readers discover. According to project director Nauzet Pérez, the transition was a natural step, as the bookstore already employed staff experienced in proofreading and design. The publisher follows a "kilometer zero" approach, focusing on local production by using printers in Tenerife and working with authors based in the archipelago.

The imprint’s first collection features four diverse titles: El monstruo cobarde, a children’s book by Diego G. Reinfeld with illustrations by David G. Reinfeld; Llantos de sirena, a work of poetic prose by Yolanda Espinosa; A ti y a mí nos unió el volcán, a romance novel by Gara Alom set during the 2021 La Palma volcanic eruption; and Triana 1899, a historical thriller by Annika Brunke based on a true crime. The publisher plans to release four more books by the end of the year, with launches set for September and October.

Beyond publishing, the bookstore aims to strengthen its role in the community by launching its own literary awards this November. The competition will feature three categories—general, Canarian authorship, and children’s/young adult—with winners decided by the store’s best-selling titles, effectively making the customers the jury. This initiative builds on the cultural momentum the El Sauzal team started in 2025, when a digital project involving Lana Corujo’s Han cantado bingo engaged nearly 40,000 people. By diversifying its business, the bookstore is cementing its position as a key player in the Canary Islands' literary landscape.