Who’s Who in U.S. Spanish-Language Publishing—The Faces Behind the Books

From Criticas Magazine:

by Adriana Lopez — August 15, 2006

U.S. Spanish-language publishers and editors have been around since long before the Latin crossover boom began. But over the last several years, a new dynamic has emerged, forged by imprints such as Rayo and Vintage Español and the sophisticated distribution of Spanish houses such as Planeta and Santillana in Miami. The rise of Spanish-language programs cropping up all over from domestic houses means that editors must work even harder to find that next best seller and vie for competitive and limited shelving space in the marketplace. Houses are now allowing Spanish-language editors opportunities to take risks to reach the sometimes ambiguous Hispanic reader, nearly impossible a decade ago. In most cases, there’s money for acquisitions, marketing, and a support staff. Still, there are many obstacles: expensive translations, which increase cover prices; limited media to publicize or market authors who either don’t speak English for the mainstream or Spanish for Hispanic media; and the tricky art of deciding what book is culturally relevant for the U.S. Latino market.

Meet the Spanish-language book editors—fourteen hailing from multiple generations and making up a tossed salad of nationalities to counterbalance the stifling wave of English-only advocates and the lack of Spanish-speaking colleagues. Críticas set out to spotlight some of the market’s most innovative talents. But, of course, this is not the whole enchilada. For every editor mentioned here, there’s another Hispanic talent working close to them or at a competing publisher across the nation.

Read more here:
http://www.criticasmagazine.com/article/CA6362690.html

Spread the love

More Articles for You

On Growing up in East Harlem: Italian (Barese) and Puerto Rican Heritage

I was thrilled to chat with podcaster, and fellow author and family historian Bob Sorrentino earlier this month. During our …

Spread the love

Food Culture: The Best Podcast for “Top Chef” Fans

The food we eat, how we eat and prepare it is so intricately tied to our culture, our heritage and …

Spread the love

The “Frida In Her Own Words” Documentary Is Phenomenal

This lyrical animation inspired by her unforgettable artwork, drawn from her diary, revealing letters, essays, and print interviews for the …

Spread the love

Reading Haiti: 5 Books to Explore Its History and Culture

Edwidge Danticat is one of Haiti’s most celebrated authors. Her notable works include “Breath, Eyes, Memory,” “Krik? Krak!,” and “The …

Spread the love

Finding Relief: 5 Books to Help Manage Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can be challenging, but there are resources available to help navigate this journey. Whether you’re looking …

Spread the love

Frida Kahlo As An Iconic Disability Advocate

PBS is once again featuring Frida Kahlo in a new three part documentary series, airing now that seeks to to …

Spread the love