Global Times (GT) reporter Chen Chenchen interviewed Jonathan Karp (Karp), Executive Vice President and Publisher at Simon & Schuster.

GT: Attempts to produce "break-out" books from China, such as Jiang Rong's heavily promoted Wolf Totem from Penguin and Yu Hua's Brothers from Picador, have almost all resulted in mediocre sales. Why do you think this is?

Karp: The vast majority of US authors do not break out. We remain committed to publishing a diverse range of voices. Occasionally, we get lucky.

GT: In an economic downturn, what makes you confident that Americans will pay for a book by a young Chinese writer who talks about social problems in China?

Karp: US readers are intensely curious about China - its culture, its dynamism, and its future. Han Han is one of the most influential voices of China's emerging generation of writers, and we believe readers will value his perspective.

GT: It's not easy for Chinese writers to go global. But it seems that those who gain fame are often the ones who lash out at the dark side of the Chinese society. Some thus worry that writers like Han Han may unintentionally cater to and even reinforce foreign readers' stereotypes about China. What's your view?

Karp: Han Han is one of the most popular writers in China. We believe his appeal transcends the politics of China.

GT: How will reading Han Han enrich US readers' perceptions about China?

Karp: We believe Americans will appreciate his wit, irreverence, and cultural insights.

GT: Chinese is stylistically very different from English and difficult to translate. Han Han's style is very idiomatic and lively. What were you looking for when you chose a translator for the text?

Karp: We were looking for a translator capable of being faithful to Han Han's sensibility while also having an eye for what US readers will best appreciate.