Hey, what does the name ‘Soda Buddhi’ mean?
The founders were both bespectacled in elementary school. They grew up in Southern India, where it was common to be called “soda buddhi” by other kids, a mocking nickname likening thick eyeglasses to soda bottles (kids can be mean, yes!). Fun fact: “buddhi” has two meanings in Indian languages:
- buddhi oil or kerosene lamps were used to illuminate before electricity was commonly available
- buddhi also means wisdom
We reclaim the word “Soda Buddhi” and wear it as a badge of honor.
Addendum: Our South Indian readers may prefer the spelling “buddi”, but the pronunciation is confusing for English speakers, so we think “buddhi” was the way to go!
I have always wanted to read a particular book from a South Asian author who writes in my native tongue, but never had access to the English translation. Is there a way for me to submit suggestions?
You’re our people! Thank you. We would love to crowdsource title suggestions. Head to our Crowdslush page. Please share your suggestions for titles that are in the public domain and from emerging authors alike. Bear in mind that we are a micropress and can realistically select 2–3 titles every year.
I am a reader and I’ve shared suggestions. Is there a way for me to track the status of my readerly submissions?
Yes, we hate submitting forms into the void, so we won’t let that happen to you. Each submission has a 4-week timer for our publisher to review and respond. If your suggestion moves into active book development, we will give you a formal shoutout in the book’s colophon!
How do you define South Asian literature?
We are looking to publish translations from any language from these South Asian countries: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, and Afghanistan.
I am a literary agent and represent translators. How do I submit manuscripts?
Great. Head over to our Submissions page and fill out the short form. We look forward to reading your submission.
I am a translator and I have a manuscript ready to query. I do not have an agent. How do I submit manuscripts?
Welcome! Head over to our Submissions page and fill out the short form. We look forward to reading your submission.
I am a published author and I think my book might be a good fit for your press. Can I submit my book for consideration?
Not at this time. We are prioritizing direct submissions from translators and agented submissions. You are welcome to submit your title using our Crowdslush page.
Can translators use AI for translating works?
No. We do not publish any translation that uses AI. Machine-generated translation can't be protected by copyright.
Do you publish translations of translations?
We do not publish translations based on existing translations. Translators will work from the original source text.