Teresa Mlawer is one of the most recognized and respected women in the Hispanic publishing industry. A frequent presenter at global industry conferences and events, Teresa was recently chosen one of the “Top 50 People in Spanish-Language Publishing” by an international network of publishing professionals. For 31 years, Teresa has attended every Liber edition and was interviewed by ARS to talk about this past Liber and her new consulting activity.

What are your impressions of this past LI BER 2013 in Madrid?

I thought the fair this year was subdued with not very many people in attendance. While this is perhaps not a positive sign for the Spanish book industry, it gave each and every one in attendance more time to look at new titles and conduct business conversations, without having to rush because the next person in line was standing just a few feet away from you. While I did not see a huge number of new titles, I did see some very good new books coming out. Perhaps, in hard times, the publishers feel that they have to be more selective in what they publish. Overall, it was a good fair for me.

In your opinion, compared with past years, how has SALON LIBER evolved?

Over the years, and I have attended every single LIBER since its inception, I have seen significant changes, both in the way new books are displayed and presented, and in the overall coordination of the Fair. However, this last LIBER was a bit of a disappointment regarding the logistics and planning for the group of librarians attending LIBER. The location of the fair was far, and taxis, from most hotels, amounted to 16-20 Euros each trip. I think it’s important to keep the bus service for librarians, and I hope the economy will improve enough next year that you will be able to invite more librarians, and include some educators as well.

You hold a very important role within the world of books in Spanish in the United States. Could you describe for us your current professional responsibilities for those who aren’t familiar with them?

For over 38 years, I have been promoting the sale of Spanish language books in the United States throughout the school, trade and library markets. When I retired from Lectorum in August of 2012, I started my own consulting company, Teresa Mlawer Publishing Solutions, to work with publishers, both in the US and overseas, who may need my services in the editorial and/or marketing areas. I also help school districts around the country identify books, both fiction and non-fiction, to be used as supplementary materials for their curriculums. Most recently (four weeks ago) I accepted a job as Director of Educational Partnerships with Rosen Publishers, in New York City. My role will be to work with the Director of World Languages to develop more materials for the teaching of World Languages. I also plan to create partnerships with publishers and school districts to promote the learning of other languages, especially Spanish.

What opportunities for Spanish publishers do the Common Core presents?

There are many opportunities for Spanish publishers when it comes to the New Common Core State Standards. As you know, the new CCSS requires that the students become more proficient in social studies, science and math. Therefore, there is a great demand to identify good non-fiction books for grades K-12, in those areas. For example, the San Diego County Office of Education is in the process of compiling the list of recommended titles for the new CCSS. I am working with them and making recommendations so that a final list can be uploaded to their website and made available to all schools districts around the country.