FIL Program 2025 Program Search
FIL Professionals
International Authors Forum
What do authors live on?
International Authors Forum
What do authors live on?
The question may seem unnecessary in light of a historical reality in which the majority of writers who become authors do not make a living from their work—work that, like any other, should be their primary occupation.
The reality shows that only a small number of authors can sustain themselves through their writing, a situation rooted both in societal perceptions of writers and in the lack of regulations protecting them as workers.
This panel will discuss the labor conditions and social security challenges faced by literary creators, as well as potential actions to ensure that their intellectual work can be carried out under fair and dignified conditions.
Participants: John Degen, Paula Casal, Carlos Wynter Melo
Moderator: Jorge Comensal
Monday, December 01
10:00 to 11:50
FIL Professionals
International Authors Forum
Is self-publishing a viable option for authors?
International Authors Forum
Is self-publishing a viable option for authors?
Editing is a complex process involving a variety of activities carried out by professionals in fields such as editorial management, copyediting, typography and design, and proofreading—just to name a few tasks required to produce and publish a book. Yet the work does not end there; printing, distribution, and marketing are also necessary to reach the intended audience.
Today, however, more people are writing than ever before, and the dialogue seems so vast, particular, and diverse that publishers cannot keep up, nor does a large enough readership exist to absorb it all. This abundance and variety of texts appear to find an outlet on digital platforms, which offer a range of services and make any text available to a diverse audience.
But do these options answer the initial question? Does selling through platforms—which is often presented as a universal solution—allow writers to reach their audiences while retaining control over the use and exploitation of their work? Who performs the tasks traditionally handled by publishers, distributors, and bookstores? Digital platforms? Is editing the same as publishing? How much does it cost? Who benefits in this circuit? And now, with the advent of generative artificial intelligence, is this tool a support for authors or a competitor?
This talk seeks to probe the reality of those who write, their relationship with digital platforms, and with AI.
Participants: Rocío Martínez Velázquez, Carmen Rodríguez, Ana María Cabanellas
Moderator: Carlos Anaya Rosique
Monday, December 01
12:00 to 13:50
FIL Professionals
International Authors Forum
Are generative artificial intelligences tools or competition for creative individuals?
International Authors Forum
Are generative artificial intelligences tools or competition for creative individuals?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has entered every stage of the book production chain, and perceptions of it vary depending on the type of activity performed, according to a study conducted by CERLALC.
What is the reality faced by sectors focused on creative work—such as writers, translators, and illustrators—when it comes to the use of AI, compared to other actors whose activities are more related to the dissemination, distribution, promotion, and marketing of books?
Building on the CERLALC study, this session will bring together representatives from these sectors to share their perspectives and discuss the measures they are taking to protect their professional work.
Participants: José Diego González, Vivian Lavín, Myrian Bahntje, Alejandra Ramírez Olvera
Moderator: María Fernanda Mendoza Ochoa
Monday, December 01
18:00 to 19:50
FIL Professionals
International Authors Forum
Managing the use of images within literary works
International Authors Forum
Managing the use of images within literary works
Images are often present as part of literary works, sometimes supporting the text and other times carrying the main weight of the book.
When they are created as part of the publishing project, rights management is a familiar process for publishers. However, when the interest lies in using existing pictorial, photographic, architectural, design, or drawing works that may not have been previously published, many publishers are unsure or find it difficult to obtain the necessary permissions.
This talk will cover when authorization is required for use and the proper channels to obtain it, both for national works and those by foreign authors.
Participants: Elizabeth Ambriz, Quetzalli de la Concha Pichardo
Moderator: Grisel Vistrain
Wednesday, December 03
12:00 to 13:25