Guillermo Schavelzon: “It’s magnificent that writers gain readers and lots of money”

Buenos Aires is buzzing with literary excitement as the International Book Fair celebrates its 50th anniversary, and we are thrilled to host Guillermo Schavelzon, a distinguished figure in the global publishing world. Schavelzon, a renowned literary agent and former editor with a career spanning decades and continents, brings a wealth of experience from founding publishing houses in Argentina and Mexico, and establishing a prominent literary agency in Barcelona.

His participation is not just a series of talks; it's an opportunity for Argentine writers, editors, and readers to gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of the literary market. Schavelzon's discussions on securing fair contracts for authors, navigating new market trends, and understanding the impact of algorithms are particularly relevant in today's evolving publishing landscape. His memoir, "El enigma del oficio," offers a personal glimpse into the life of a literary agent, a profession often shrouded in mystery.

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From the moment I was invited, something I feel as an honor, I haven't stopped working, I have four participations in the Fair and one at Malba, all with demanding interlocutors.

From our perspective at La Nación, Schavelzon's presence underscores the importance of international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the literary sector. His observations on the Spanish market being ten times larger than the Argentine market highlight both the challenges and the potential for growth within our own industry. We are eager to learn from his expertise and to foster a more robust and equitable environment for writers and publishers alike.

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Authors are as harmed as translators, proofreaders, designers, and editors. And on top of that, publishing houses are losing profitability. All of this is modified by modernizing the m