A year back in time, Bug Productions received numerous requests from a-ha fans asking if the newly released novel “Drømmer om storhet” by the Norwegian writer Pål H. Christiansen was supposed to be translated into different languages. At the time, no such plans existed, so Bug Productions decided to carry out a marketing survey among the fans of a-ha, in the hope the results would be of useful and persuasive value to the writer and his publisher. As soon the survey was initiated, a large number of a-ha fans from all over the world responded. The survey also gained attention in Norwegian nationwide media. As a chain effect, the novel got additional publicity in newspapers, on radio, and on the internet. The results indicated which languages the book should be translated into, and as well in which countries a release of the book was demanded. What has actually happened since then? Bug Productions has asked the writer himself.


- “Some work has been done. The book has been sent to a number of publishers, especially in Denmark and Germany, but I am sorry to say that my publishing company lacks good contacts abroad. So far they have not succeeded.”

Has the survey had any impact of any kind?

- “Difficult to say. Germany is the only "a-ha-country" where several publishers have been contacted. I don't think we have reached the right people and companies there, yet.”

English appeared to be the most demanded language for translation, and the first test-translation of your book was done into this language. Have you had any luck yet, gaining attention from British publishers?

- “Very little work has been done, I'm afraid. It is extremely difficult to get in there. And the a-ha connection is not an obvious door opener in London.”

In which other countries has your book been promoted so far? And how is your book welcomed abroad?

- “At the moment we are working primarily with Germany and Brazil. Earlier some work has been done towards Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Island, Holland, France and USA. But, apart from Denmark, this means simply sending the book to a single publishing house and hope for the best. This is of course equal to nothing. Promotion in any further sense has not been done. This work I must do myself.”

Is the book test-translated into any other languages besides English?

- “These days, I have got test-translations finished in both German and Portuguese. These will soon be published on the web.”

The survey showed particularly large interest for your novel among a-ha fans in countries like Brazil, UK/Ireland, France, Germany and the USA. Is there still a chance this novel might be launched in these countries?

- “I hope so. I would really like to let a-ha-fans in these countries read the book. But, I need some help from people out there: names and addresses of people in publishing companies that might be interested. Contacts in papers or magazines that might write about the book. This is what we need now.”

You sound a bit disappointed with the progression, which is understandable. What do you think is the main barrier for launching this book abroad? Is the challenge an insusceptible market, or might you actually be facing a parallel to the approach highlighted in your own novel? Do you think Paul and Pål have got something in common?

- “First of all, I must say that lots of good books never get translated into other languages. Then, my style is something special that requires publishers that appreciate such a style. This takes time to find. I have noticed that most Norwegian reviewers didn't understand the book at all, while especially fans of a-ha from other countries reading the book in Norwegian really do see the point, appreciate the humour and find the story both entertaining and interesting. So, there is little help in the Norwegian reception in the promotion abroad.”

One last question: Have you considered the possibility of distributing your book abroad via your own publishing firm, Fabula? Would that be possible?

- “Yes, that is possible. But it would probably be expensive. I prefer to have local people securing the quality of the translation and the whole production and marketing.”

Or alternatively, what about offering an English version for purchase via the internet to at least meet the main demand among a-ha fans?

- “I am considering this possibility, but I want to wait and see what happens in the months to come.”


Please support the promotion of ‘Drømmer om storhet’, the book where Paul Waaktaar-Savoy takes part as a fictitious character! If you have got useful information to share with the author (like contact persons in publishing firms and magazines in your country), please do so by using this contact scheme:
http://www.phc.no/eng_kontakt.phtml This is not only a way to push translations we wish for, but also a way to give Savoy, which is just about to release a new album, some free PR.