Arovell Verlag — Austrian independent publisher of contemporary German-language literature

Editorial program and formats

The program focuses on short prose, stories and poetry in German. Typical releases include debut volumes, collections of short texts and selected poetry, as well as occasional anthologies and themed editions. The press issues between ten and twenty new titles each year, a rate that reflects its role as a specialist house rather than a large commercial publisher. All Arovell book covers display paintings by Paul Jaeg, giving the list a coherent visual signature.

Key aspects of the catalogue:

• Short prose and narrative fragments suited to compact editions
• Poetry and lyric collections, often from emerging poets
• Collections, occasional translations and curated anthologies

Magazine and cultural activities

Arovell also publishes a periodic magazine that covers literature, music and visual art. The magazine informs readers about new books, upcoming readings and exhibitions and sometimes prints short extracts from recently published titles. It functions both as a promotional organ for the press and as a small cultural journal that reflects Arovell’s interdisciplinary interests in literature, music and image-making. For more on this side of the press see music and events and artistic projects.

History, organization and locations

Paul Jaeg founded the house in 1991 and continues to serve as its director. The headquarters are in Gosau in Upper Austria, and Arovell maintains branch offices in Vienna and Salzburg to manage relations with authors, booksellers and cultural institutions. The publisher is particularly active in organizing literary readings, concerts and exhibitions across the region, with frequent events in Upper Austria, Salzburg and Vienna.

Role, authors and reputation

Arovell operates as a platform for both established writers and newcomers. Some authors have published multiple books with the house, while others appear with their first collections. The press’s reputation rests on its consistent aesthetic — literary texts paired with Jaeg’s artwork — and its commitment to sustaining a regional cultural network through readings and the magazine. Though small in scale, Arovell plays a notable part in Austria’s contemporary literary ecosystem as a promoter of German-language literary voices and local cultural exchange.

Practical note: readers interested in current titles, submission guidelines or upcoming events should consult the publisher’s notices and the magazine for the most up-to-date information.