Networks and Collaborative Alliances towards Latin America

Networks and Collaborative Alliances towards Latin America

Edgar García-Valencia, Veracruzana University

After considerable discussion in the past four years about “nearshoring”—relocating business operations to a nearby country in a response to offshoring—is it possible to establish publishing alliances, and not only with publishers, but also with printers and other partners, to establish closer or more specific collaborations? Partnerships in print-on-demand and with bookstores are avenues that are being explored in Latin America and have the potential to work for content in all languages. Going beyond exports of US books from the U.S. to Latin America, how do we frame the potential for Latin American books in the U.S., where a sizable market for Spanish-language books exists? This presentation examines the potential, and the challenges, for increased distribution and collaboration.

Edgar García-Valencia, Veracruzana University, was previously director of two of Mexico's largest and oldest university presses, the Centre for Research and Higher Studies in Social Anthropology (CIESAS) and Veracruzana University Press, from 2004-2021. Additionally, he co-founded and coordinated Altexto, the Mexican Association of University Presses. He works at Universidad Veracruzana, focusing on image, culture, and publishing practices, both past and present. He also consults on digital publishing for various institutions in Latin America.