Expert: Tom Carter ~ Travel China Expert - 4/18/2008

Question
Hi I am a Japanese writer and my website is www.kimura-books.com
I really would like to visit some publishing houses in Guangzhou or major literary agents to enquire about the possibility of having any of my books translated and published in Chinese. I am visiting Guangzhou May 3rd thru 7th and would appreciate any information on who I can see there from a Chinese  expert like yourself! Thanks so much for your help! Best Rei

Answer
Konichiwa Rei Kimura,

Where do you live in Japan? I am presently living here myself.

As for publishers, I honestly don't know any based in Guangzhou. While I was living in China I was based out of Beijing, and my own publisher is based in Hong Kong.

During my search for a Chinese publisher, I recall coming across dozens of publishers based in various provinces in China. The biggest problem was that either they didn't speak English and therefore could not read or reply to my query, or they were nickel-and-dime operations. So you see, even if you do locate a publisher in Guangdong, there's no guarantee that they will be a good choice.

My own literary contacts in China are limited, but I am happy to refer you to them, as I have personally worked with them in various capacities and can attest to their integrity:

Bruce Humes, Guangdong (might be your best bet since he reads/writes Japanese and Chinese and has edited many best-selling books): http://www.translatorscafe.com/cafe/profile/default.asp?LinguistID=3221

Blacksmith Books, Hong Kong:
http://www.blacksmithbooks.com/

Haven Books, Hong Kong:
http://www.havenbooksonline.com/

Creative Work Literary Agency, Hong Kong:
http://www.creative-work.com/

True Run Media/Immersion Guides, Beijing: http://www.immersionguides.com/

Foreign Languages Press, Beijing:
http://www.flp.com.cn/main/

Let them know that Tom Carter referred you to them. I can't promise they will be interested, but you should still try.

Lastly, here's a list of publishers throughout China, though I can't vouch for any of them:
http://www.china.org.cn/english/MATERIAL/133977.htm

Good luck on your search, and please keep me updated on your progress via my website.

Tom Carter
http://www.tomcarter.org

p.s. Thank you in advance for your support of my upcoming book, CHINA: Portrait of a People, the most comprehensive book of photography on modern China ever published by a single author.
http://www.blacksmithbooks.com/9789889979942.htm