Dallas, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Deep Vellum Bookstore & Publishing Co. in Dallas expands its Commerce Street location, continuing its mission to promote international literature and support local authors. Founded by Will Evans, the nonprofit emphasizes accessibility to diverse literary works while hosting events for community engagement. Recognized as a runner-up in the Best Bookstore category for 2025, Deep Vellum aims to sustain its unique inventory and programming by relying on donations rather than bestsellers.
Dallas — Deep Vellum Bookstore & Publishing Co. is expanding its presence on Commerce Street in Dallas, reinforcing a long-term mission to bring world literature to America while supporting local writers.
What happened
Deep Vellum Bookstore & Publishing Co. was founded by Will Evans. The bookstore is located on Commerce Street in Dallas. Deep Vellum opened its bookstore in 2015 after starting its publishing arm in 2013. The organization operates as a nonprofit and relies on donations rather than aiming for bestsellers to sustain its operations.
Why it matters
The organization’s stated goal is to broaden readers’ access to international literature and to create avenues for Dallas authors. The goal of Deep Vellum is to bring world literature to America and to publish Dallas authors. As a nonprofit organization, Deep Vellum relies on donations, rather than aiming for bestsellers to sustain its operations. That model shapes inventory and programming choices and supports a publishing approach that does not remove books from availability when sales are low.
Key operational approach
Deep Vellum operates under a model that allows every author it has published to remain available in the store, regardless of sales volume. Deep Vellum claims to have more books in translation from more languages and countries than any other publisher in the industry. Evans had initially been inspired to focus on translation after realizing many great international books were not available in English. Evans believes that it is equally difficult for Dallas authors to get published as it is for authors from locations like Kiev, Ukraine.
Community and programming
The bookstore hosts many free events, such as author Q&As, and presents author, translation, and community-focused programming intended to bring readers together around books and ideas. Evans emphasizes the importance of curation and community that small independent bookstores can provide. He wants to see more independent bookstores and publishers in Dallas until every community has access to its own bookstore. Evans aims for literature in Dallas to reflect the diversity of its communities through various genres and topics.
Access and formats
Evans enjoys audiobooks and offers free electronic versions of the paper books sold in the store. The availability of multiple formats and free digital copies is part of the organization’s effort to lower barriers to reading and to encourage wider engagement with its titles. He has a positive view of Amazon, stating that it is fine where readers engage with books and ideas.
Recognition and local context
Deep Vellum participated in the Best of Dallas 2025 recognition, finishing as the runner-up in the Best Bookstore category. The Best of Dallas 2025 issue highlights the literary culture in the city and aims to unify the narrative of Dallas beyond just business growth. The upcoming issue features interviews with other notable figures in Dallas’s book world, including Akwete Tyehimba from Pan-African Connection and Cassie Nova, a former drag storytime star.
Long-term ambitions
Leadership has described ambitions that extend well beyond immediate sales and recognition. Evans aspires for Deep Vellum to have its books read for 500 years. That long-range ambition is paired with practical steps: maintaining inventory across titles, hosting free public events, and investing in translations that are rarely available in English.
What to expect next
Readers can expect ongoing free events, continued emphasis on translated works, and steady efforts to represent Dallas authors alongside international writers. Deep Vellum’s combination of publishing and retail is designed to keep diverse books in circulation and accessible to local communities.
FAQ
Q: Who founded Deep Vellum Bookstore & Publishing Co.?
A: Deep Vellum Bookstore & Publishing Co. was founded by Will Evans.
Q: Where is the bookstore located?
A: The bookstore is located on Commerce Street in Dallas.
Q: When did Deep Vellum open its bookstore and when did it start publishing?
A: Deep Vellum opened its bookstore in 2015 after starting its publishing arm in 2013.
Q: What is the goal of Deep Vellum?
A: The goal of Deep Vellum is to bring world literature to America and to publish Dallas authors.
Q: Why focus on translation?
A: Evans had initially been inspired to focus on translation after realizing many great international books were not available in English.
Q: How does Deep Vellum compare in translations?
A: Deep Vellum claims to have more books in translation from more languages and countries than any other publisher in the industry.
Q: How does Deep Vellum treat authors and inventory?
A: Deep Vellum operates under a model that allows every author it has published to remain available in the store, regardless of sales volume.
Q: Is it hard for Dallas authors to get published?
A: Evans believes that it is equally difficult for Dallas authors to get published as it is for authors from locations like Kiev, Ukraine.
Q: How is Deep Vellum funded?
A: As a nonprofit organization, Deep Vellum relies on donations, rather than aiming for bestsellers to sustain its operations.
Q: What public programs does the bookstore offer?
A: The bookstore hosts many free events, such as author Q&As.
Q: What are some of Evans’s stated priorities and views?
A: Evans aspires for Deep Vellum to have its books read for 500 years. Evans enjoys audiobooks and offers free electronic versions of the paper books sold in the store. He has a positive view of Amazon, stating that it is fine where readers engage with books and ideas. Evans emphasizes the importance of curation and community that small independent bookstores can provide. He wants to see more independent bookstores and publishers in Dallas until every community has access to its own bookstore. Evans aims for literature in Dallas to reflect the diversity of its communities through various genres and topics.
Q: Did Deep Vellum receive any local recognition recently?
A: Deep Vellum participated in the Best of Dallas 2025 recognition, finishing as the runner-up in the Best Bookstore category. The Best of Dallas 2025 issue highlights the literary culture in the city and aims to unify the narrative of Dallas beyond just business growth. The upcoming issue features interviews with other notable figures in Dallas’s book world, including Akwete Tyehimba from Pan-African Connection and Cassie Nova, a former drag storytime star.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founder | Deep Vellum Bookstore & Publishing Co. was founded by Will Evans. |
| Location | The bookstore is located on Commerce Street in Dallas. |
| Publishing start | Deep Vellum opened its bookstore in 2015 after starting its publishing arm in 2013. |
| Mission | The goal of Deep Vellum is to bring world literature to America and to publish Dallas authors. |
| Funding model | As a nonprofit organization, Deep Vellum relies on donations, rather than aiming for bestsellers to sustain its operations. |
| Inventory policy | Deep Vellum operates under a model that allows every author it has published to remain available in the store, regardless of sales volume. |
| Recognition | Deep Vellum participated in the Best of Dallas 2025 recognition, finishing as the runner-up in the Best Bookstore category. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dallas Observer: Deep Vellum’s Will Evans Talks of Books and Culture
- Dallas Observer: Best of Dallas 2025
- Chicago Bears: Highlights of Caleb Williams
- Dallas News: NHL Top 50 Players List
- CultureMap Dallas: Best High Schools
- Wikipedia: Dallas
- Google Search: Deep Vellum Bookstore
- Google Scholar: Deep Vellum Publishing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bookstore
- Google News: Deep Vellum
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