While we hear of the need for diverse books and that Latinos are a growing demographic, getting a book published by a reputable press can be a daunting task. First you write the book or craft a book proposal, then you must find an agent by submitting queries and samples of the manuscript so that the agent can then send the manuscript to the bigger publishing houses or even smaller presses. This process can demoralize even the most positive individuals. For Latino writers the climb can be so steep, it might seem impossible.
I approached a handful of literary agents who represent Latino authors and asked them what it is they are looking for when considering work by a Latino writer.
Here is what they said:
Laura Dail Literary agency represents Guillermo Arriaga, Academy Award nominated screenwriter of “Amores Perros,” “Babel,” and “21 Grams.” She most recently signed up the stunning memoir of José Carlos Agüero, the son of Shining Path radical left-wing insurgents in Peru.
Laura Dail estimates that about 15 to 20 percent of their writers are Hispanic or Latino. ” She most recently signed up the stunning memoir of José Carlos Agüero, the son of Shining Path radical left-wing insurgents in Peru. Laura Dail estimates that about 15 to 20 percent of their writers are Hispanic or Latino.
“I’m fluent in Spanish and have translated several books from Spanish to English. I feel like this gives me an opportunity to read some extraordinary material in its original Spanish and help bring it to English readers,” Dail says.
Her words of encouragement to Latino writers seeking representation: “Good comps always go a long way, but query letters are a challenge for every writer and whole books are written about it. But Hispanic authors can know that book publishing has woken up and we want to find and develop and promote diverse voices and stories and perspectives.”
To read full article: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/tips-5-literary-agents-representing-latino-authors-n535341
