by Erin K. Larson-Burnett
Texas has never been shy about scale. We build big, we think big, and we take pride in doing things our own way. Atmosphere Press was founded in Austin with that same independent spirit but with a clear purpose: to create a publishing model that protects authors, elevates craft, and competes at a national and international level.
We are proudly Texas-based, but intentionally not Texas-limited!
A Publishing Home in Austin
Being headquartered in Austin shapes how we work. We’re part of a thriving literary ecosystem — independent bookstores, universities, festivals, and organizations — and that proximity lets us create meaningful local opportunities for our authors: launches, partnerships, and speaking engagements. At the same time, we maintain the infrastructure to distribute and promote books far beyond state lines.
Our founder, Dr. Nick Courtright, brings a rare combination to the table: a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master’s from Texas State University in San Marcos, and a genuine love of helping writers build sustainable careers. He was recently named a finalist in the Entrepreneurial Vision category for the Greater Austin Business Awards, LA Weekly named him one of its “Top 15 Book Coaches to Watch,” and he’s been nominated for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. As the author of four acclaimed books himself, he understands both the art of the book and the business of getting it into readers’ hands — and that philosophy guides everything we do at Atmosphere Press.
Publishing Texas Authors with National Impact
We are proud to publish a growing list of Texas authors whose books resonate well beyond their home cities. Among them:
- Natalie Musgrave Dossett, author of Sarita, winner of the WILLA Literary Award
- Kellye Abernathy, author of The Aquamarine Surfboard, a BookLife Editor’s Pick
- Lucy Davila Hakemack, whose historical novel Remembering the Storm revisits the 1900 Galveston hurricane
- Amy J. Schultz, author of Mumentous, featured in The New York Times
- Doc Richter, author of Star of the County Down
- Darlene Greene, author of Big Momma Didn’t Say!
- Dre Hill, author of Crossroads
- Jerry Lovelady, author of Grief and Her Three Sisters
Whether fiction, poetry, memoir, or historical narrative, these writers prove that Texas stories can reach everywhere. Some place the Lone Star State at the center of their worlds; others carry its spirit into stories that resonate far beyond. What unites them is not where they come from, but the ambition they bring to every book!
Publishing Beyond Texas
While we’re deeply rooted in Texas, our authors live and publish across the United States and around the world. Their work has earned awards, critical recognition, and readership that transcends geography. A few of our standout non-Texas authors include:
- Helen Montague Foster, Lost Graces, Atmosphere Press Book of the Year
- Mark Elberfeld, Sour Cherries at Buc-ee’s, Atmosphere Press Book of the Year
- Daniel Victor, The Evil Inclination, North Street Book Grand Prize for Fiction
- Nate Oxman, The Philly Phenoms, 2025 American Fiction Award
- Martha Burns, Blind Eye, New Mexico-Arizona Book Award
- Annie Seyler, The Wisdom of Winter, IPNE Fiction Book of the Year
- M.Z. Medenciy, Island Eight, International Latino Book Award
These authors demonstrate that Atmosphere Press’ reach is global, supporting writers and readers no matter where they are.
Building Careers — Not Just Books
Publishing a book is a milestone, but building a career requires infrastructure. That’s why Atmosphere Press invests in programs that give authors practical tools and real community:
Our Virtual Summits bring together authors, editors, and publishing professionals for actionable sessions on craft, marketing, audience growth, and industry navigation. These are strategy-focused events designed to equip writers with knowledge they can immediately apply!
The Costa Rica Residency offers selected writers five days of focused oceanside creative time, combining editorial feedback, community support, and an immersive environment designed to push projects forward. Lodging is included; writers are responsible for travel and in-country expenses. Applications are open to motivated writers at any stage, and spots are competitive. Participants leave with tangible progress on their manuscripts and renewed clarity about their work.
Atmo: A Literary Journal highlights eight featured voices per issue, providing discoverability for both emerging and established writers. Each issue offers a curated mix of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, giving readers a taste of diverse literary voices while helping writers gain exposure and credibility. Atmo serves as both a platform and a proving ground — authors receive editorial feedback, publication experience, and the chance to connect with a wider literary community.
Each of these initiatives reflects Atmosphere Press’s core belief: authors deserve more than production services. They deserve partnership, education, and momentum!
Recognition & Momentum
Atmosphere Press’s work has earned recognition both inside and outside the literary world. We were recently named a finalist in the Small Business Excellence and Entrepreneurial Vision categories at the Greater Austin Business Awards. In 2025, we published more than 200 books and received nearly 20,000 manuscript submissions, clear markers of both creative output and operational scale. These accomplishments signal sustainability and capacity — the stability that allows us to invest deeply in editorial care, marketing, and international distribution for the writers we publish!
An Invitation to Writers’ League Members
If you are a member of the Writers’ League of Texas, you are already serious about your craft. Whether you are polishing a first manuscript or expanding an established career, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
Submit to Atmo. Attend a Summit. Apply for the Playa Flamingo Residency. Reach out for a transparent conversation about hybrid publishing that protects your rights and aligns with your goals.
We are proud to call Texas home, and we are equally proud that our authors’ work reaches readers far beyond it.
That balance — local commitment and global vision — defines Atmosphere Press!
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Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press, is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Texas with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories, which can be found online and in print.