Origin and Purpose: The Yubartas Hispanic American Narrative Award(by Dejanira Álvarez and José Higuera)

The Yubartas Hispanic American Narrative Award, sponsored by the New York City International Book Fair and the publishers Laguna Libros(Colombia), Hueders(Chile), Peso pluma(Perú), Sigilo(Argentina), Dum Dum(Bolivia), Severo(Ecuador), Hum(Uruguay), Las afueras(España), Antílope(México) and Chatos Inhumanos(United States), not only seeks to encourage and promote Hispanic American literature, but also to reflect the vitality and diversity of the literary and publishing ecosystems in the region through 5 principles:

Hispanic unity and projection:This award represents a joint effort between different Spanish-speaking countries and cultures, uniting publishers from different corners of Latin America, Spain, and the United States, with the goal of providing the winning book with a platform for projection and broader recognition within the Spanish-speaking world.

Literary diversity: The call is open to a wide range of literary genres and styles, from the most traditional, such as the novel and short story, to those that challenge and expand the conventional boundaries of narrative. This diversity reflects the richness and variety of voices and forms of expression present in Hispanic American literature.

Recognition of the publishing industry: Independent publishers play a crucial role in promoting and disseminating new voices, perspectives, and literary styles. Every element of this industry from writers, editors, and designers to bookstores and readers, contributes in an essential way to the vibrant chain of literary production and circulation. The award values and recognizes this interconnected and collective work.

Metaphor and message:The humpback whale, with its impressive annual migration, serves as a powerful metaphor for the journey that books take: a long, often slow, but always purposeful journey to connect and enrich cultures. Furthermore, just as humpback whales cross borders and oceans, Hispanic American literature has the ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

Commitment to the environment: In times of climate crisis and environmental awareness, the spirit that unites these independent publishers reflects a genuine concern for our place in the world and the impact we have on it. By adopting the name of a majestic, migratory mammal, the award not only symbolizes the journey of literature, but also a call to responsibility and recognition of our interdependence with nature.

The Yubartas Hispanic American Narrative Award is not only a literary recognition; it is a statement of purpose, an invitation to celebrate and protect the richness of our literature and our planet, and a reminder of the deep and meaningful connections that exist between us, through words and beyond.