China to be guest of honor at BookExpo America

Wu says he hopes the effort for the 2015 BEA will help elevate global influence of Chinese publications, and "besides cultural and publishing exchanges, it will further enhance mutual understanding and trust between the two people".

Kritenbrink believes "the common love for literature is one of the many things that unites the US and China". He says people in the US have enjoyed reading works by Mo Yan and Ha Jin.

"This initiative will lead to greater business and publishing opportunities for both countries, as well as wider literary experiences for both readers," Kritenbrink adds.

"Promoting that type of mutual understanding (in literary exchanges) only makes our bilateral relationship even stronger," he says.

With an ideal of promoting Chinese books and authors globally, China has been actively involved in important international book fairs. It was the guest of honor of the 2009 Frankfurt Book Fair and market focus of the 2012 London Book Fair.

Chinese publishers are excited to embrace one of the world's largest presentations of books, especially of English titles. Besides, the US market offers plenty of chances to introduce translated titles to the rest of the English-speaking world.

"US publishers and readers care more about a good story and quality writing. By breaking down many existing barriers, BEA is delivering a platform that will be a genuine showcase for Chinese publishers," Rosato says.

"It also can ensure there are quality translations from Chinese publishers that US publishers did not have the resources or ability to evaluate previously," he adds.

Rosato suggests "Plan, plan, plan and then plan some more" for Chinese publishers who're preparing for their BEA appearances.

"The more events they are able to plan in advance, the more they will increase their success - many times over," he says.