DigitalKu

China Confirms It Will Open Publishing Market To Foreigners

Mon, 02 Aug 2004 12:30:00 GMT

The Chinese government has announced that in December it will open its publishing and distribution markets to foreign companies. Previously, this tightly controlled industry excluded even joint partnerships until this year. It is expected that many international publishing firms will rush to establish ventures in the world's fastest growing economy.

American Publisher Based In China

Wed, 01 Sep 2004 12:30:00 GMT

DigitalKu has established itself as one of the first foreign publishers located in the Northeastern region of China. The private American company expanded from its design and translation business to take advantage of the upcoming policy changes in China. Based in Dalian, ranked the 7th city in China, DigitalKu plans to be a bridge between East and West cultures by publishing books in both English and Mandarin Chinese, for distribution in China and internationally.

DigitalKu to Publish First Novel

Fri, 17 Sep 2004 12:30:00 GMT

DigitalKu will publish its first book of historic fiction in China, in both English and Mandarin Chinese. "Blue Sky Red Tears: Book One" is the first of a two book set that will go on sale in November 2004. It will be followed by a re-printing in English of a colonial city guide by the former Japanese Southern Manchuria Railway company, "Dairen: 1936."

Blue Sky Red Tears: Book One, A New Historical Novel

Tue, 28 Sep 2004 12:30:00 GMT

In 1904 the city of Dairen became Japan's first colony in Machuria. It was a foothold and example for the Empire's plans of territorial expansion. But the new prosperity was not shared by all of colony's citizens. "Blue Sky, Red Tears" follows the life of an illegitimate Chinese girl named Lin Baixue. Born from a secret affair between a high ranking Japanese official and his Chinese housemaid, Baixue struggles to find her identity within two societies that each view her as an outcast. Later when a brother is born, even his true relationship to Baixue is hidden so he can be raised as a Japanese citizen. As she comes of age in 1930s China and the secrets in her household continue to mount, Baixue dreams of a life in Japan on the eve a war that will envelop both countries.

Blue Sky Red Tears: Book Two, To Be Released in 2005

Fri, 08 Oct 2004 12:30:00 GMT

This second novel, from the two part set, is expected to be released sometime in late 2005. It begins years after the first book left off, when Baixue comes of age in Japan and uncovers the many secrets about her family, and how they have bound her life in a tragic web. Even her new Japanese identity becomes a harsh burden, as she is trapped by the very life she dreamed of. Baixue's only refuge from her abusive and forced marriage is in the arms of a childhood friend. She and the young German must hide their love as they struggle to escape the destruction of the War all around them.

Historical Novel To Go On Sale Globally

Thu, 14 Oct 2004 12:30:00 GMT

A paperback and softback edition of "Blue Sky Red Tears: Book One" will go on sale internationally November 1 in English and Mandarin Chinese. It is the first publishing effort from the newly formed DigitalKu, a private American company based in Northeastern China. A hardback edition is expected in December.

Sample Chapter Takes A Look At Colonial China

Wed, 20 Oct 2004 12:30:00 GMT

DigitalKu has released a sample chapter, as a free downloadable PDF file, of its new novel "Blue Sky Red Tears." The publisher stated that its plans to offer a complete eBook depended on the success and interest in this trial promotion.

China Bans New Historically Based Book

Mon, 01 Nov 2004 12:30:00 GMT

The Chinese government has announced that "Blue Sky Red Tears" is banned from sale in China, because it takes place during a sensitive time in the country's history. Even though the book is not political in nature, and does illustrate Japanese War Crimes, its subject matter deals with social issues that could stir long standing national wounds.. As a result, DigitalKu has put its plans to release a Mandarin Chinese version of the book set on hold. Its English version will still be sold outside of China and distributed internationally.

DigitalKu To Publish Dark Fiction

Fri, 05 Nov 2004 12:30:00 GMT

After creating political controversy over its first book in China, "Blue Sky Red Tears," DigitalKu plans to follow with an equally disturbing novel. "A Memory Without Pain" is a dark psychological horror story that takes place in 1989. It is a negative look at the mental health industry, and a social commentary on rural midwestern life, mixed with all the intrigue of a ghost story. The book does contain extended references to the Tiananmen Massacre, and DigitalKu has therefore not decided about publishing a Mandarin Chinese version. Such a version would face censorship in China.

Possible Delay For Second Historical Novel

Mon, 08 Nov 2004 12:30:00 GMT

DigitalKu has announced that the publishing of "Blue Sky Red Tears: Book Two" may be delayed. No new release date has yet been determined. The publisher said the decision came at the request of the author, who wanted an extension of the writing deadline, and not as a result of pressure from the Chinese government.

Popular Manchurian Novel Spawns Merchandise

Mon, 12 Nov 2004 12:30:00 GMT

Because of the success of DigitalKu's "Blue Sky Red Tears" historical novel, the publisher is offering various other promotional items for sale. These are based on the historic art of two book set. Plans for a coffee table-style "postcard book," based on the correspondences between the two main characters in the story, is in development.