Publishing Mission to Head to Cuba in February 2016

A few spaces are still open to members of the book industry who are interested in taking part in the first U.S. Publishing Mission to Cuba, from February 12 to 17, 2016. The mission is the brainchild of Cevin Bryerman, executive vice president and publisher of Publishers Weekly, and Jon Malinowski, president of Combined Book Exhibit and PubMatch.

The trip will include the Havana International Book Fair and a two-day conference for U.S. and Cuban publishing executives, authors, and translators.

“This is an historic event,” said Bryerman.”U.S. publishers want to do business in Cuba, and Cuban editors and culture ministers want to promote the work of Cuban authors abroad.” Malinowsk noted that “a wealth of opportunities exists for U.S. publishers, authors and other members of the publishing community who want to tap this new, culturally rich market.”

In addition to publishers and authors, the trip holds appeal for literary agents, members of the media, book distributers and wholesalers, information and technology company executives, presidents of industry associations, booksellers, and other members of the book industry.

The mission’s two-day conference will focus on topics of interest to Cuban and American publishers, including editorial issues, particularly in academic and children’s book publishing, as well as digital publishing technology, copyright, and distribution. The conference will also include a gathering of Cuban and Cuban-American literary luminaries, as well as Cuban authors from other parts of the world and translators.

A licensed U.S. travel agency for Cuba, Cultural Island Travel, is handling the travel arrangements of the U.S. contingent, which is limited to 75 participants. The cost is $4,500 per person for the entire week. Publishing executives interested in being invited on the mission should contact Bryerman (212--377-5703; [email protected])  or Malinowski ([email protected]; 914-739-7575 ext. 6.)