For independent authors, getting visibility in foreign markets can represent a real career springboard.
Such an expansion, however, is not limited to the work of translation, which is essential, of course. In fact, it is crucial to translate the book into the language of the country where the author wants to be published. It is still necessary to find a local publisher who is willing to work with the author. And it is precisely at this level that Amazon Publishing, more specifically AmazonCrossing, a branch of the world-famous Amazon, has decided to intervene.
At present, these are some 150 works that have passed through the hands of this translation publisher, which is among the biggest in the United States. The authors who have benefited from the service are those for which Amazon holds the rights. The selection of works does not take into account the original language. It may be a question of a work in French, German or any other European language, just as it can be a work by an independent American author.
For next year, Amazon Publishing has set itself a goal of publishing 90 acquisitions whose original language is English (versus 50 acquisitions for the current year). The publishing house is also looking to lure in independent French authors. In this context, a translation of texts into English will serve as a prize to the winners of self-publishing.
The US market is not the only one that should be conquered through this cross-border expansion, says Judith Curr, an editor with Atria Books. In the French language, for example, Africa represents a vast opportunity that should be exploited.
Turning to self-publishing, like Kobo did, may also provide some visibility worldwide.