Ana María Cabanellas began her career as a lawyer and notary before founding the family–owned publishing company of law books Editorial Heliasta as a partner. In 1979, Ms Cabanellas became President of Editorial Claridad, which specializes in dictionaries, as well as fiction, philosophy and history. In 2006, Ms Cabanellas founded UnaLuna, which publishes children’s books and in 2018 Tobogán that publishes children activity books.

Ms Cabanellas has been extremely active in industry associations as President of CADRA (Argentina’s RRO), President of the Cámara Argentina del Libro, President of GIE, and President of IPA from 2004–2008. She still works with these associations.