Telling Stories: Yan Ge and HopeRoad Publishing

It's nearly November, so it's time for our next Author of the Month, and we're very excited to be welcoming Yan Ge to the project, and to Leeds! Recently chosen by People's Literature Magazine as one of 'China's Twenty Future Literary Masters', Yan Ge's writing is funny, warm, and insightful, turning a sharp eye on families, relationships, and small town life. She'll be joining us on Saturday November 1st for a public talk, alongside her translator Nicky Harman. This promises to be a fascinating insight into the process of writing and translating. It's free, and everyone is welcome! In the afternoon, we've got our translation masterclass, led by Nicky and Yan Ge, and we're really looking forward to seeing some of our Writing Chinese network there! At the end of the workshop, we'll be revealing officially opening our inaugural translation competition, so if you can't be there on the day, keep your eye on this space for more details...

Yan Ge's novella White Horse, translated by Nicky Harman, was released last week by HopeRoad Publishing, and we're delighted that Rosemarie Hudson, from Hope Road, has taken the time to answer a few questions. HopeRoad is an independent publisher, supporting voices that are often neglected by the mainstream publishing world. Here's what Rosemarie had to say:

Can you tell us a bit about what sets HopeRoad apart from other publishers?

There are so many writers, particular in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean who are writing amazing stories but find it extremely difficult to reach their audience. This is due mainly to the big publishing houses not affording them time and money.  HopeRoad was set up for the purpose of telling the stories of Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

Why e-books? What are the challenges and advantages of publishing this way? And do you see this as a future trend, particularly for world literature?

The advent of the technology drove me to decide on e-books over print although recently we have dipped our toes into paperbacks. There are more advantages than challenges when publishing e-books. The main advantages of digital publishing are the speed in which the book reaches the market, and the fact that your stock is not tied up in a warehouse. Also, of course, the book has a global reach and the cost is more affordable to those who can't afford print.  And of course the reader has so many choices of readers on which to download their chosen book.

How do you choose which titles to publish?

When choosing a title there are so many questions one has to ask.  Did I enjoy the read, will the buyer like it, will it sell? First and foremost, I must like the book.

We're really excited to have Yan Ge and her translator Nicky Harman visiting us in Leeds. Can you tell us a bit about how you first came across 'White Horse', and the decision to publish it?

We’ve worked with Nicky Harman before and she kindly introduced us to Yan Ge and her fabulous novel White Horse,  I am so delighted she did.

Thank you to Rosemarie for taking the time to answer our questions! Specially printed postcards with the e-book code for White Horse will be available to buy at our event on November 1st.