Latinx in Publishing (LxP): What do you do?
Stefanie Sanchez von Borstel (SSVB): I am a literary agent, co-founder of Full Circle Literary, and author/artist advocate. I represent picture books, middle grade, and nonfiction books.
LxP: How did you get started?
SSVB: Growing up I spent hours in public libraries. My dad would take us every weekend and free afternoons. I probably read every book at the San Pedro Library in San Antonio --I loved books, but had no idea how books were published!
In high school and college, I had tons of internships/jobs at a library, a museum bookstore, an arts nonprofit, a film talent agency, and finally in editorial at a small press (now part of Penguin) that published humor/novelty books like MadLibs. Next, I worked at Harcourt in trade marketing/publicity for 8 years and then for an author’s attorney/literary agent. In 2005, I co-founded Full Circle Literary with Lilly Ghahremani. I love working with book creators, and as an agent it’s great to be able to work with many different people at publishing houses (editorial, design, contracts, marketing/publicity, sales, rights).
LxP: Do you have any tips for those who are getting into the industry?
SSVB: If you’re thinking about working in publishing, try working at a library, bookstore, community center, museum, magazine/online media, or anywhere you’ll be around writers, artists, storytellers. Try lots of different things to see what resonates with you.
I didn’t take the typical path to a career in publishing by moving to NYC or enrolling in an expensive publishing course. I made my own path into publishing with hands-on experience--looking for any opportunity around books that I could find in Texas and California! I’m deeply committed to discovering and developing Latinx, BIPOC and underrepresented writers so that young readers everywhere, no matter where they live or who they are, find themselves in the books they read.
LxP: What book are you currently working on or reading?
SSVB: Just back from a family vacation in Texas I picked up a copy of LOTERIA REMEDIOS by Xelena Gonzalez, it’s a collection of affirmations inspired by Loteria and came packaged with the game so it was perfect for summer traveling!
I also love reading middle grade with my son, right now we’re reading A WISH IN THE DARK by Christina Soontornvat. Also reading an advance copy of WHEN THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN by K. Ibura (coming Nov 2021) and a submission starring Esperanza Mae Windbornee.
Stefanie Sanchez von Borstel is co-founder of Full Circle Literary, an entrepreneur, and mom with 25+ years of experience in trade book publishing. Prior to agenting, she worked in editorial, publicity and trade marketing with Penguin and Harcourt Children’s Books. She enjoys tapping her publicity and marketing background to champion writers and artists. Stefanie represents children’s books from toddler to teen, and select adult nonfiction.
