Ana Schnabl, a Slovenian novelist, editor, and critic, recounts her experience at a US writers' conference in Texas (YYYY-MM-DD). She describes a conversation with a representative from a major publishing house who advised her to focus on stories and themes specific to Balkan culture and history, emphasizing "culturally or historically problematic—or better, traumatic" subjects. Schnabl argues this reflects a broader pattern: US and UK publishers often prioritize narratives that reinforce stereotypical perceptions of the Balkans as a region defined by tragedy and trauma, neglecting stories that explore universal themes without explicitly addressing regional conflict or historical events. She cites examples of Slovenian writer Nataša Kramberger, Croatian writer Luiza Bouharaoua, and North Macedonian poet Kalia Dimitrova, whose works might be overlooked due to their lack of focus on explicitly "Balkan" trauma.

The expectation that Balkan authors must focus on regionally specific trauma to gain publication in English limits the diversity of voices represented and reinforces harmful stereotypes. While acknowledging the importance of regional context, Schnabl calls for publishers to engage with a wider range of narratives from the Balkans, including those that don't fit neatly into preconceived notions of the region. The success of authors like Georgi Gospodinov, who won the International Booker award, demonstrates that such stories can resonate with a global audience.

Impact Statement: The publishing industry's perpetuation of stereotypes about the Balkans hinders the representation of diverse voices and limits the understanding of the region's complex cultural landscape.