S2 Ep 4: Carmen Oliart, Sabina Editorial (Madrid, Spain)

Publishing houses. Big and small, they are the book makers, the ones who work with the authors we love to make their books and dreams come to life. They support writers throughout the exciting and perhaps sometimes terrifying journey of turning their work from a manuscript into a book, to be found on the shelves of our bookshops. Today we will enter the world of a small, artisan publishing house in Spain - Sabina Editorial, a publishing house passionate about books well made that talk about the things that matter. And that are written by women. The publishing industry is shifting and adapting, and the role of small independent publishing houses may be changing with it. Many writers are starting to look at small presses first, perhaps preferring the more advantageous contract terms they can offer. Small publishing houses can also be more focused and selective, dedicating themselves entirely to women writers, LGBTQ+ writers, or writers of colour. They can, perhaps more than large publishers, enjoy the freedom to take a risk on experimental writing or on a new form of poetry, bringing us new voices and different approaches from established writers. They are essential in keeping diversity in publishing alive. My guest today is Carmen Oliart, one of the women in charge of Sabina Editorial. Carmen has kindly agreed to give us an hour of her time to talk about what she does, what is important for her when deciding to publish a book and why feminine freedom is a concept we should care about.