Every company usually stands for something. To reach audiences, especially its intended one, it takes time and persistence. Fabian Flores Publishing, a new Latinx-focused publisher, is a company that centers the Latinx community. The founder, Norma Fabian Newton, a former attorney and New York Times published writer, chatted with Latinx in Publishing recently to discuss all things Fabian Flores.
YVONNE TAPIA: Thank you for speaking with me today, Norma! It’s exciting to see the roots of your company begin to flourish.
NORMA FABIAN NEWTON: Thanks Yvonne, I really appreciate it!
YT: What inspired you to start Fabian Flores Publishing (FFP)?
NFN: The roots of Fabian Flores go back a long time. As a child, growing up as a first-generation Indigenous Latina immigrant, I never saw my experience reflected in books. It was very rare to see anything close to my story, or to see my community, represented in books. This reality remained constant over the years. After I had my children and began looking for Latinx books to read to them, I realized that nothing much had changed: there was still a [lack] of Latinx books. I really wanted to do something to help change the future for them, and for our community. I wanted to create something different. I wanted to shift the way the industry does business with regard to our community.
YT: What’s the company mission?
NFN: The main company mission is to center and amplify the U.S. Latinx experience. We seek to publish work that reflects our community’s beautiful and nuanced existence in this country. The hope is to change the publishing infrastructure. Our goal is to be in relationship with community organizations and allies to help bring more Latinx stories to readers.
YT: When did you become aware of your love for literature?
Norma Fabian Newton, image from the Publisher.
NFN: I have loved words and books since before I culd actually read! I started reading when I was four and I’ve been reading since. Even to this day, often times I’m all ‘Hmm do I stay home and read a book or do I go out?’ haha.
YT: Haha, it’s true and it’s the difference between watching a movie and reading a book, or similar. Speaking about having to decide, are you focusing more on Latinx writers, illustrators, etc.?
NFN: Fabian Flores aims to amplify the work of Latinx writers, illustrators, photographers, and publishing professionals. I’m interested in publishing children’s books, adult books, and everything in between. The list will be varied, and the goal is to publish in different formats and genres.
YT: What does success look like for the company?
NFN: Success means that we are able to publish a number of compelling, dynamic, and moving stories. That we are able to help center and really advocate for Latinx writers and creatives. Success means that we are contributing to the industry pipeline in a significant way, that we are partnering with organizations and businesses that to help advance the mission. Success means that there is more access to Latinx stories.
Un cafecito, delicious concha, and a great book. Image from the Publisher.
YT: What do you hope readers will get out of FFP books?
NFN: I hope readers are inspired and moved by our books. I hope readers get to see themselves in these stories.
YT: For younger audiences that may not know; could you please elaborate on what “hope to change the publishing infrastructure” means?
NFN: We plan to include Latinx stakeholders at every stage of the book publishing process. The way the publishing industry currently functions leaves a lot of room to include Latinx people. We aim to shift the way business is done by consciously hiring community members and partnering with organizations that value diversity.
YT: What’s next for Fabian Flores Publishing?
NFN: Our next window to submit will open in Fall of 2021, so make sure to follow us on social media for more details. As we continue to build, we’re also actively looking to collaborate with individuals and organizations interested in advancing Latinx books.
YT: Is there anything else that you’d love audiences to know about FFP?
NFN: We are just so excited to help amplify Latinx books and reimagine the publishing landscape.
YT: I really appreciate your time with us Norma, I’m excited for everyone to know about Fabian Flores Publishing even more, and for your upcoming works.
NFN: Thank you so much, Yvonne!
For more information about Fabian Flores Publishing visit their website and follow them on Instagram @fabianflorespublishing and Twitter: @fabianfloresbks. Discover more on social via #FabianFlores and/or #FabianFloresPublishing!
Yvonne Tapia is a Mexican-American professional from East Harlem, New York. She earned a BA in Media Studies and Psychology from Hunter College. Additionally, she has worked in the educational and media fields through various outlets. With a long-term enthusiasm for children’s media, she has been involved at Housing Works Bookstore and Latinx in Publishing. She currently works on the Marketing and Publicity team at Levine Querido. Yvonne is excited about the power of storytelling, and to engage content awareness in underrepresented communities.
