Bloomers: Literature as a Therapy in Post-COVID Reality

ended

Bloomer is an optimist, opposite from doomer: both, they see world as chaotic place. But where doomer sees abyss, bloomer sees an opportunity. So, in accordance with the name of our publishing house, we have decided that in this harsh (post-)COVID times we must take uncompromisingly optimistic stand and the best tool that we know efficiently to use is a literature. Main objectives and activities are to translate, edit, print, produce hard-copy and electronic books, distribute and promote 7 titles of high artistic and social relevance in order to show European linguistic and cultural diversity. Also, to increase transnational circulation of writers, translators and workers in culture and raise their professional profile – 2 authors will be our guests in Serbia, others will be guest on our podcast Happy Mondays, as well all translators, graphic designers, book bloggers, etc. We have innovative marketing and distribution campaign GOING DIGITAL, GOING WORLDWIDE which will ensure greater visibility of everybody involved, continuity of promotion during eventual lockdowns, faster, more cost-effective and transnational book distribution through print-on-demand. We will translate into English, publish book/catalogue with excerpts from work of 7 interesting emerging Serbian authors. This project aims to tackle certain cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, raising awareness about environmental issues and inclusion of marginalised groups. Last but not least, it will contribute to a process of recovery after the pandemic by spreading optimistic message through literature. Results of this project will benefit large readership in Serbia, ex-Yu region, Spain and our diaspora around Europe which counts in millions, 14 authors, 8 translators, 20 book bloggers which we will invite to take part in our promotional activities as well academics. Also 7 directly involved European countries will benefit, and 6 indirectly involved through our distribution strategy.