Q&A

 

Why was Tigerbaum Publishing (Tigerbaum Verlag) founded?

Mainly so that "Yofi oder die Kunst des Verzeihens" could continue to be published. Despite two completely sold-out editions, in late 2011 the original publisher was not interested in a third.

Why not?

Many publishing companies suffer from an affliction: A book has to bring in big money in the shortest amount of time. It has to become a best-seller right away, without any promotion. If not, it’s rejected.

 

How many copies of "Yofi" (in English and Turkish: "Kofi") have been sold to date?

 

The printed German version is currently in its fifth edition. Over 12,000 copies have been sold. There is also the German ebook and the German audio book – as well as the Turkish, Serbian, Korean translation and the English ebook.

 

 

Your parable belongs to the genre of “life advice stories.”

Do you find that intimidating?

 

No, though I prefer the term “art of living.” It’s the same in every text genre. There is good and bad writing – parables and beast fables included. My goal is to write using simple language but still write something of substance. Neither dull nor shallow – books that are good for the heart and for the head.

 

Readers often compare “Yofi” ("Kofi") to “The Little Prince” and “Jonathan Livingston Seagull.” Deservedly so?

 

I am honored, of course. The three stories share their ability to touch a reader without veering off into kitschiness. Fans of “The Little Prince” will probably relate to “Yofi,” too. If you love “Jonathon Livingston Seagull,” you will enjoy Yofi.

 

The first edition of Yofi was illustrated.

Why isn’t the new addition?

 

The illustrations of the first addition had the following effect: People who picked it up never knew whether it was supposed to be for children or adults.

 

Who was it written for?

 

For the “child in the adult.” There’s no reason not to read it to young or very young people. If I had intended it to be a children’s story, though, I would have told it differently.

 

The first edition was touted by bookstores as a “gift book.” The new addition forgoes this label. Why?

 

If you enjoy reading a book yourself, you will enjoy giving it to others. In my opinion, it’s not necessary to point this out explicitly. “Gift book” sounds more like a product than a story that’s worth reading.

 

The book is dedicated to Clemens. Who is he?

 

My son.

 

Do you have a question for Oliver Bantle?

Send him an e-mail at:

 

info@tigerbaum.com

 

or

 

info@tigerbaum-verlag.de