Andrei Yanushkevich: I understand very well that in order for the publishing house to continue to work, it is necessary not only not to stop, but also not to slow down. The fact that we are abroad is no reason to give up, even in the new circumstances, because our enemies are just waiting for it, dreaming of the next proof that "lonely Belarusians" have nothing to do. That is why we think about the prospects, we see them clearly, everything does not always look positive, but, as a certain politician used to say, "the process is under way".
Today I can really make everyone happy with the news that we have signed a contract for the publication of Stephen King's first book! This author needs no introduction. I won't tell you yet what book it is. I can only say that the translation is in progress and I really hope that in December 2023 we will present the book to our Belarusian readers. And this is only the beginning of the publication of Stephen King's works.
Because of the author's decision there are no reprints of his books in Russia at the moment. I think we should take the initiative and give Belarusians the opportunity to read the works of the King of Horrors in the Belarusian language -- it would be great.
Euroradio: Have Stephen King's books been published in Belarus before? How relevant are his books today?
Andrei Yanushkevich: This is the first experience. Before, even pirated, unlicensed editions of his books were not published in our country. I can give you a statistic: even if you take Russia (and books from the Russian market come freely to Belarus), Stephen King has been the No. 1 best-selling author in our eastern neighbor for many years. That is, his books have sold the largest number of copies. The fact that a writer who's been writing for 40-50 years is still relevant is a phenomenon.
Euroradio: So far you've kept the title of the book a secret. Can you at least tell us if it will be something new or something that has already been published in other languages?
Andrei Yanushkevich: No, I am not going to say anything. I really want more people to come to the book exhibition that will start on April 21st in Bialystok. Let it be an additional motivation for them. The name of the translator will also be kept secret.
Euroradio: Stephen King refused to publish in Russia, but responded positively to the proposal from Belarus. How did this happen?
Andrei Yanushkevich: Yes, it was an interesting experience, because Belarus is often called a satellite country of Russia. Unfortunately, our state walks in the same harness with its neighbor.
