Who we are
Welcome to Ocote Libre Press, a literary press grounded in the strength of our roots, the power of storytelling, and the belief in cultura, movimiento, and solidarity. We are a space where stories from the Chicana/o, Latina/o, and Indígena communities converge with the diverse voices of writers from across the world. Our mission is to celebrate and amplify narratives that reflect the richness of human experience, in all its diversity, complexity, and beauty.
At Ocote Libre, we honor the voices that have often been silenced—those of our abuelas y abuelos, our people navigating migration and diaspora, and writers who speak truth to power. We also embrace the stories of communities around the globe, understanding that cultural connection and resistance are universal. From poetry to prose, from memoirs of the borderlands to the untold histories of our collective humanity, our books celebrate the beauty of Xicanisma and beyond.
our mission
Grounded in the power of culture, born of resistance, committed to our stories, Ocote Libre Press publishes stories that reflect the heart and fire of capturing moments toward a movement. We support seasoned and emerging storytellers who simultaneously write from a space of longing toward belonging while challenging the conventions of mainstream publishing.
We are more than just a publishing house—we are a cultural movement. Ocote Libre Press is dedicated to publishing voices that have been historically neglected by mainstream publishing and to fostering a literary landscape that is rich with stories of resistance, survival, love, and connection. While deeply rooted in Chicana/o, Latina/o, and Indígena literature, we also actively seek out authors from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, welcoming voices that reflect the full spectrum of human experience.
Ocote Libre Press embraces the intersectionality of identities and the diversity of human experience, striving to publish works that resonate with people from all walks of life.
We aim to amplify the voices of writers grounded in comunidad, whether their stories stem from el lado este, from urban centers, or from rural spaces. We seek narratives that challenge conventional thinking, ignite conversation, and promote solidarity among diverse peoples. By including writers from various cultural traditions, we create a space for cross-cultural dialogue and mutual respect.
We believe that literature is a tool for liberation, and through our publications, we aim to foster both personal and societal transformation.
a lEGACY GROUNDED IN MOVIMIENTO
We carry forward the legacy and inspiration offered by Raza-based presses like Aztlán Libre Press, Mango Publications, Chusma House Press who have long been champions of Xicana/o and Latina/o voices. Inspired by their legacy, we continue the work of amplifying the underrepresented and reclaiming our stories and histories. We also recognize that solidarity transcends borders, and we aim to broaden our scope by embracing diverse, cross-cultural perspectives from writers whose experiences may not share the same geographic or cultural roots but resonate with shared human struggles and joys.
OUR VALUES
Resilience & Resistance: Just as the ocote tree thrives despite adversity, we believe in the resilience of our communities and the power of storytelling as a tool for resistance. We carry forward the legacy of Xicanisma, while also welcoming new narratives from different corners of the world, united in our shared struggles for justice, dignity, and equality.
Cultural Pride & Cultural Exchange: We are deeply committed to preserving and celebrating the cultural narratives of Xicana/o, Latina/o, and Indígena communities. At the same time, we recognize the importance of learning from and connecting with cultures beyond our own. Our press is a bridge for cross-cultural exchange, bringing together diverse voices to enrich our understanding of the world.
Social Justice: Our commitment to justice is reflected not just in the stories we publish but in the voices we amplify. From issues of migration, identity, and racial justice to climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and more, we aim to be a platform for those who seek to change the world and create new worlds through the power of words.
WHAT WE PUBLISH
Ocote Libre Press is proud to offer a catalog that represents the vast spectrum of human experiences. We publish fiction, poetry, memoirs, essays, and works that intersect with the personal and the political. While we honor the stories rooted in Xicana/o, Latina/o, and Indígena cultures, we are also open to narratives that expand beyond these boundaries.
Our books explore themes such as migration, identity, resistance, community, love, and belonging. We publish stories that speak not just to our cultural histories but to the interconnectedness of all peoples. Through this cross-cultural and multi-genre approach, we aim to reflect the world as it is, and as it could be—a place of shared struggle, shared joy, and shared humanity.
ocote libre
Our name, Ocote Libre, speaks to our connection to both the natural world and the importance of freedom—freedom to create, to speak, and to be heard. The name Ocote Libre reflects this dual spirit: ocote, the resilient tree from our roots often used to spark a fire, and libre, the freedom to tell our own stories and claim our narratives. We publish with the knowledge that our words carry power—not only to heal and resist but to foster empathy and cross-cultural understanding.
GET INVOLVED
Ocote Libre Press is not just a publisher—it’s a community of writers, readers, activists, and creatives. Whether you’re an author with a story to share, a reader looking to discover new voices, or someone interested in supporting our vision, we invite you to join us in this literary movement.
Join us in reclaiming our stories. Join us in celebrating our differences and our common ground. Join us in telling the truth and shaping our worlds, one book at a time.