Did Russia’s Spotlight at the London Book Fair Generate Business for You?

In Discussion by Edward Nawotka

Russia Market Focus, London Book Fair

By Edward Nawotka

Russia is taking several star turns at book fairs as “guest of honor” — first in London earlier this month and next year at BookExpo America. The country’s literary reputation overseas is largely based on classic texts and a handful of translated authors who have broken through — Boris Akunin, Viktor Pelevin, Tatyana TolstayaLyudmila Petrushevskaya, and Lyudmila Ulitskaya — to name only a few. There are dozens more potentially suitable for translation. In addition, the country has a large and productive publishing industry that offers opportunities for foreign publishers and a burgeoning digital scene.

Our feature story today profiles the career and writing of Vladimir Sorokin, a “living classic” in Russia and one of the latest Russian authors to reach the USA in translation.

So, tell us, did Russia’s appearance as “guest of honor” at the LBF entice you enough to strike a new contract for translation or a business relationship? Or do you have plans to do so in the future? Let us know in the comments and tell us about your most exciting discovery from the Russian literary scene.

About the Author

Edward Nawotka

A widely published critic and essayist, Edward Nawotka serves as a speaker, educator and consultant for institutions and businesses involved in the global publishing and content industries. He was also editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives since the launch of the publication in 2009 until January 2016.