Barrett, a publishing house based in Seville, Spain, is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a bold new initiative encouraging readers to engage in 'blind book buying.' The founders, Zacarías Lara and Manuel Burraco, who started their journey in self-publishing, have decided to keep the names of the authors secret for this year's publications in an effort to create an element of surprise and intimacy with their readers. This initiative is paired with their ongoing subscription program, allowing readers to receive new titles without knowing who the authors are beforehand.

This unconventional approach reflects Barrett's belief in the intrinsic value of literature beyond authorial fame. By removing names from the equation, they hope to challenge readers' preconceived notions about authorship, genre, and marketability. Their unique standpoint aims to foster a deeper connection between readers and the text itself, encouraging them to discover new voices and stories they might otherwise overlook based on author reputation alone.

Choosing a name inspired by Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd, who had a storied relationship with LSD and left the band early on, Barrett publishing embraces a spirit of experimentation and risks in their publishing choices. As they navigate this new phase in their business, the founders express that their venture has grown from the support of their community and that they look forward to exploring further innovative strategies to keep their publishing house relevant and engaging in the ever-evolving literary landscape.