Projects to promote Chinese writers

Visitors line up for calligraphic work by the Chinese artist Fan Dachuan at the 2012 London Book Fair. China was honored as the Market Focus country for the fi rst time, with books about Chinese language and learning calligraphy being popular at the fair.[BAI XU / XINHUA]

China Classic International

Launched in 2009, the project features translations of contemporary literature and academic books. With special funds of 60 million yuan ($9.6 million), it aims at selling copyright overseas.

So far, it supported the publication of more than 900 titles through 350 agreements, according to GAPP, including Wolf Totem, and Under the Hawthorn Tree.

GAPP also runs a Mutual-translation Project with 50 countries, including the US, Turkey and Greece.

China Book International

First launched in 2006, CBI tried different approaches in promoting Chinese writers and books abroad, before hitting on a successful formula. They offer support and funds to Chinese and foreign publishers for translating and promotion of Chinese literature. They have a "hands-off" approach, encouraging publishers to operate according to the market rules.

CBI, co-organized by the State Council Information Office and GAPP, reached 341 agreements with 111 publishers from 29 countries in 2012, according to CBI office, covering 18 languages. Its upgraded project reached 23 agreements with 19 publishers in 10 countries in the year, covering eight languages.

Wang Feng, from CBI, told China Daily that in 2013 the project will perfect its operations and focus on promoting books or series that can be turned into a brand.

100 works

The Chinese Writers' Association is promoting its translation project of 100 works of contemporary Chinese literature. The project was launched in 2006 and features works by established writers such as Wang Meng and newer writers.

It has also run an International Seminar for Sinologists and Translators every two years since 2010, offering a platform for foreign translators to communicate and meet with Chinese writers.

                                                                                             - Mei Jia