Tilted Axis aims to challenge traditional publishing norms with unique stories from diverse cultures.
A Bold Venture: Tilted Axis Expands Innovative Literature to the U.S.
A Bold Venture: Tilted Axis Expands Innovative Literature to the U.S.
The British publisher’s commitment to experimental translated works is transforming the American literary landscape.
In a significant move for the literary landscape, the British independent publisher Tilted Axis is set to unveil a robust collection of experimental translated literature in the United States. The publisher, renowned for its dedication to groundbreaking and subversive works, is making waves with their unique selections that often challenge the status quo in major publishing.
Kristen Vida Alfaro, the publisher at Tilted Axis, emphasized the risks associated with the type of literature they curate, stating, “The kind of literature we’re publishing can be a risk for major publishers.” This bold approach has not only garnered critical acclaim but also led to significant awards, showcasing the importance of diverse voices and narratives in a predominantly English-speaking market.
One striking example of this innovative endeavor comes from translator Jeremy Tiang, who discovered a compelling book titled "Delicious Hunger" while browsing in a Singaporean bookstore. This collection of stories, written under a pen name, delves into the author's tumultuous experiences as a guerrilla soldier with the Malayan Communist Party amidst the jungles of Malaysia and southern Thailand. Recognizing the potential for this unique narrative to resonate with readers beyond Singapore, Tiang submitted it to Tilted Axis, which quickly embraced the work.
The English translation won the English PEN Translates Award, marking a milestone as the first title from Singapore to receive this prestigious honor. Despite initial challenges in securing a publisher in the U.S. — encountering 29 rejections from American publishing houses — the recent move by Tilted Axis to expand into North America has changed the narrative. “Delicious Hunger” is set to hit U.S. shelves this June, among nearly 20 offerings from their diverse catalog.
The first wave of titles is expected to create a substantial impact on American readers who are increasingly seeking diverse and unconventional narratives. With Tilted Axis taking the bold step to bring these stories to the forefront, the literary world is poised for an exciting transformation, encouraging exploration of voices and experiences that have historically been marginalized in mainstream literature.
Kristen Vida Alfaro, the publisher at Tilted Axis, emphasized the risks associated with the type of literature they curate, stating, “The kind of literature we’re publishing can be a risk for major publishers.” This bold approach has not only garnered critical acclaim but also led to significant awards, showcasing the importance of diverse voices and narratives in a predominantly English-speaking market.
One striking example of this innovative endeavor comes from translator Jeremy Tiang, who discovered a compelling book titled "Delicious Hunger" while browsing in a Singaporean bookstore. This collection of stories, written under a pen name, delves into the author's tumultuous experiences as a guerrilla soldier with the Malayan Communist Party amidst the jungles of Malaysia and southern Thailand. Recognizing the potential for this unique narrative to resonate with readers beyond Singapore, Tiang submitted it to Tilted Axis, which quickly embraced the work.
The English translation won the English PEN Translates Award, marking a milestone as the first title from Singapore to receive this prestigious honor. Despite initial challenges in securing a publisher in the U.S. — encountering 29 rejections from American publishing houses — the recent move by Tilted Axis to expand into North America has changed the narrative. “Delicious Hunger” is set to hit U.S. shelves this June, among nearly 20 offerings from their diverse catalog.
The first wave of titles is expected to create a substantial impact on American readers who are increasingly seeking diverse and unconventional narratives. With Tilted Axis taking the bold step to bring these stories to the forefront, the literary world is poised for an exciting transformation, encouraging exploration of voices and experiences that have historically been marginalized in mainstream literature.
