Santiago Kahn - La parte maldita - Editorxs Tomando Vermú a Pie

Starting Over: What Would You Do Differently?

Reflections on Fear and Growth in Publishing

• The speaker reflects on their initial fear in the publishing industry, suggesting they would approach things differently by being "less fearful" and more adventurous in seeking out established writers.

• They attribute their early hesitance to a lack of awareness about the potential reach of their work and uncertainty about their capabilities alongside their partner Alejandro.

• The conversation highlights how their background as avid readers limited them to familiar circles, making them doubt whether they could attract attention from broader audiences.

• The speaker notes that the publishing landscape has changed significantly since they began, with independent publishing becoming more professionalized and accessible over time.

• They discuss overcoming misconceptions about the financial barriers to publishing, realizing that quality work can be produced without needing vast resources.

Building a Collaborative Foundation

• The relationship between the speaker and Alejandro is explored; they were friends before becoming business partners, having met while studying communication at university.

• Their friendship laid a strong foundation for collaboration, which was initially driven by curiosity rather than a clear vision of turning it into a career.

• Early projects included radio initiatives that fostered teamwork before transitioning into editorial work, emphasizing experimentation over commercial intent at first.

• There was an initial naivety regarding what it meant to be an editor; they did not foresee it becoming a sustainable livelihood but enjoyed the process nonetheless.

Aspirations and Realities in Publishing

• Initially, there was no concrete plan for making editing a primary source of income; it started as an exploration rather than a business venture.

• They considered self-publishing as an option but soon realized the complexities involved in controlling production processes effectively.

• A desire to publish specific works led them to confront market realities; they often felt late to opportunities for significant publications like "Marxism and Literature."

• Their journey illustrates how engaging with contemporary literature expanded their understanding beyond classic authors, shaping their editorial choices moving forward.

Independent Publishing Challenges and Insights

The Accessibility of Publishing

• Discusses the challenges of publishing lesser-known authors, emphasizing the importance of recognizing value as readers and taking initiative in publishing rather than waiting for established figures.

Reflection on Past Mistakes

• Reflects on the time taken to activate ideas and acknowledges that there were many options leading to errors in decision-making regarding book quantities.

• Highlights a common debate about how many books to print, expressing a belief in producing more copies despite potential risks.

• Shares experiences of overproducing certain titles, leading to financial losses when reprinting became necessary due to increased costs.

Growth Through Experience

• Admits personal growth from past mistakes, particularly regarding inventory management and the consequences of overcommitting to specific titles.

Current Landscape of Independent Publishing

• Identifies gaining reader trust as a significant challenge for independent publishers amidst an era where reading is prevalent but competitive.

• Notes that while many people are reading, it’s crucial for independent publishers to earn their place in readers' schedules and preferences.

Building Trust with Readers

• Emphasizes the need for independent publishers to establish identity and reliability so that readers can confidently choose their publications without concern for quality gaps.

• Discusses strategies like mixing well-known authors with new ones to build credibility within their catalogues.

Role of Booksellers

• Describes booksellers as vital gatekeepers who help connect readers with appropriate literature based on personal recommendations.

• Stresses the importance of building relationships with booksellers as they play a critical role in promoting independent titles effectively.

Communication Strategies

• Highlights the necessity for effective communication between publishers and booksellers, ensuring that unique offerings are recognized amidst numerous other titles available.

• Points out that good marketing must accompany quality content; otherwise, even excellent books may go unnoticed by potential readers.

Feedback Mechanisms

• Mentions incorporating reader feedback into future publications through interactive elements like QR codes within books, enhancing engagement and responsiveness.

Catalog Management

• Discusses ongoing efforts to refresh catalogs while maintaining literary integrity—focusing on meaningful narratives rather than transient trends or fads.

Literature and Its Impact

The Depth of Literature

• The discussion highlights the multifaceted nature of literature, emphasizing that it encompasses more than just beauty; it addresses significant themes such as intersectionality, racism, and gender violence in a moving manner.

Challenges in Publishing

• There is a concern about the eclectic nature of some book catalogs, which can make it difficult for booksellers to understand and communicate what is being proposed.

National vs. International Literature

• The conversation touches on the distinction between national authors whose works resonate with local idiosyncrasies versus international novels, suggesting that while local stories may be less exportable, they are impactful and relatable.

Importance of Catalog Clarity

• A clear catalog presentation is essential; it should not require extensive explanation for readers or booksellers to grasp its essence.

Reader Engagement through Predictability

• The predictability of certain publishers (like Anagrama) creates a bond with readers who know what to expect from their selections, enhancing trust in the editorial process.

The Role of Editors and Distribution

Advice from Experienced Editors

• A key piece of advice shared was the importance of self-distribution for aspiring editors to avoid repeating past mistakes made by others in the industry.

Communication with Booksellers

• Emphasizing communication with booksellers is crucial; understanding their needs helps ensure successful distribution and sales strategies.

Misconceptions About Editing

• There are common misconceptions about editors being wealthy or detached; instead, they often work closely with manuscripts and need to be aware of practical aspects like inventory management.

Feedback Loop Importance

• Establishing a feedback loop between editors and booksellers allows for better decision-making regarding formats and other logistical considerations based on real-world experiences.

Building Knowledge Over Time

• New editors are encouraged to build knowledge gradually about their market dynamics rather than relying solely on initial assumptions or romanticized notions about publishing.

Learning from Mistakes

Embracing Errors as Learning Opportunities

• Recognizing that mistakes will happen is part of growth; each error provides valuable lessons that contribute to future success in publishing endeavors.

Exploring New Ideas

• Aspiring editors are encouraged to explore their unique visions while learning from established practices within the industry.

Future Goals and Aspirations of the Publishing House

Expansion into Latin America

• The publishing house aims to expand its reach in Latin America, starting with the publication of works by notable authors such as Carlos Yujimito from Peru and Socorro Venegas from Mexico.

• There is a recognition that independent Argentine publishing has limited distribution across Latin America, which they consider an important area for growth.

Focus on Quality Translations

• While European markets may be more economically beneficial, the focus remains on enhancing Latin American literature. They emphasize quality translations that resonate with local audiences.

• Upcoming projects include translating works by Thomas Downey and Leopoldo Brizuela, indicating a commitment to both new publications and literary rescues.

Long-term Vision for the Publishing House

• In ten years, they envision a larger catalog that reflects their current intentions but with more titles demonstrating their mission.

• The vitality of reading persists despite production crises; thus, their role as curators and promoters of new authors is seen as crucial for future growth.

Collaboration with Translators

• The team collaborates closely with translators like Inés Harland, aiming to build long-term relationships while also exploring new talent in translation.

• They are interested in writers who can also translate, believing this dual role enhances the quality of translations tailored to specific audiences.

Challenges in Translation

• Translating literature involves challenges beyond mere fidelity to the original text; it requires adaptation to fit cultural contexts where books will be read.

• A discerning readership demands high-quality translations that reflect local nuances rather than generic adaptations from other Spanish-speaking regions.

Building a Literary Community

• The importance of nurturing local talent alongside international authors is emphasized; successful collaborations can create a vibrant literary community.

• They liken building their team to assembling a sports team where both established stars and emerging talents contribute to collective success.

Anecdotes and Insights on Growth

• An anecdote about approaching prominent figures like Kim Kate illustrates the initial hesitance but eventual success through strategic planning and ambition.

• Reflecting on past experiences reveals how taking calculated risks has led them toward achieving significant milestones in their publishing journey.

Reflections on a Pivotal Moment in Decision-Making

The Importance of Taking Risks

• The speaker reflects on the moment they decided to commit to a strong foreign currency rate, emphasizing the need for courage and openness to others' ideas.

• There is an acknowledgment that uncertainty often accompanies decision-making, but it can lead to significant outcomes when one takes the leap.

A Foundational Anecdote

• The discussion shifts to a foundational anecdote where the speaker recalls a pivotal moment of realization with a colleague about their potential.

• This moment marked a turning point, suggesting that they could pursue their ambitions and achieve greatness together.

• The speaker describes this experience as both daunting and exhilarating, highlighting the importance of taking bold steps towards one's goals.