Where Literature Finds Its Voice
About Letras Ausentes
Letras Ausentes is Portugal’s bold, independent publishing house, founded by a passionate woman who believes every story deserves to be heard. We seek literature that speaks across time and borders, bringing readers books that challenge conventional thinking and stir genuine emotion.
Elevating Unheard Voices
Our Purpose
We exist to amplify voices that have been marginalised: the writers who’ve been overlooked, the translators who’ve gone unrecognised, and the stories mainstream publishers won’t touch. These are our people, and these are the books we champion. Literature holds the extraordinary power to reveal hidden truths and connect us to lives beyond our own. Every book we publish has something urgent to say, something that lingers long after the final page.
Portuguese Roots, Global Reach
Portugal grounds us, but our vision extends far beyond its borders. We look for works that move fluidly between languages and cultures and that speak to universal human experiences while honouring their unique origins.
With support from the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, our international publishing efforts help bring Portuguese literature to global audiences and make space for cross-cultural literary exchange, building meaningful connections between traditions.
Books that speak to the heart, across ages and languages
What You'll Find in Our Catalogue
Poetry Collections:
From emerging voices to rediscovered masters who deserve fresh attention.
Translated Literature:
Portuguese literature, thoughtfully translated for global readers.
Children’s Literature:
Books that spark imagination and invite young readers to ask big questions.
Special Editions:
Unique bilingual editions, curated anthologies, and rare finds.
What Drives Us
We’re committed to preserving Portugal’s literary heritage while opening it to new directions. Every book we publish reflects our belief in cultural diversity, artistic integrity, and literary excellence.
We actively seek out underrepresented voices and create space for meaningful dialogue between writers and readers. Our independence is fundamental; we publish based on literary merit and cultural relevance, not commercial trends.
The Story Behind Our Name
Letras Ausentes—“Absent Letters”—perfectly describes what we do. We uncover the stories that have been forgotten, the voices that have been silenced, and the books that should exist but don’t. We bring them to life on the page.
These are the missing pieces of our literary landscape—absent letters finally finding their way home.
