If you're a fan of speculative fiction, you've likely noticed how the genre landscape has shifted over the past decade. Amongst traditional space operas and post-apocalyptic novels, something quite different has emerged --- books where characters live by gaming rules, with precise character progression systems and step-by-step plot development. This genre, called LitRPG, was born in Russia, though few people know its origins.
"In 2013, we noticed an intriguing trend", says Alexey Kalmykov, who was then producing book series at EKSMO Publishing. "Writers were increasingly incorporating gaming elements into their fiction. However, each approached it differently, without any unified framework". Together with his colleagues --- Dmitry Malkin, head of the science fiction department, and writer Vasily Makhanenko --- the publisher decided to do more than simply publish these books --- they set out to establish a proper genre with its own rules and conventions.
It might have remained a local experiment for the Russian market. But the innovative publisher saw further: "Gamers worldwide speak the same language. Character progression, levels, quests --- these concepts need no translation or explanation. That meant the genre had the potential to become truly international".
Entry into the international market through Amazon proved this hypothesis correct. LitRPG didn't merely find its audience --- it created an entirely new niche in modern speculative fiction. Today, it's a recognised genre with millions of readers worldwide, its own bestsellers and cult authors. And it all began with a simple observation of changing reader interests.
The success of LitRPG in the international market presented Alexey Kalmykov with a fresh challenge: how to adapt content for readers from different countries whilst maintaining its unique appeal?
"Each market demands a distinct approach", the publisher explains. "American readers, for instance, favour detailed descriptions of gaming mechanics and clear character progression systems. European audiences focus more on plot and character development. In Asia, the emotional elements and philosophical undertones are particularly valued".
Following LitRPG's success, it became clear that a completely new publishing model was needed for international operations. In 2015, Alexey Kalmykov established Magic Dome Books agency in Prague, initially intended to help Russian-language authors reach Western markets. Within months, however, the agency had transformed into a fully-fledged international publishing house.
Today, Magic Dome Books works with authors from the USA, Britain, Germany and numerous other countries. "We don't simply translate books --- we help writers adapt their stories for different audiences", the founder explains. "Sometimes this means substantial textual revision, sometimes subtle fine-tuning. The crucial thing is maintaining the author's voice whilst making the story accessible to readers from different cultural backgrounds".
To achieve this, the publishing house created a specialised editorial structure: two teams of editors work with texts in different languages, whilst an international network of 50 translators helps not merely translate but 'transplant' stories into new cultural soil. "Good translation goes beyond word replacement. It's cultural adaptation, requiring deep understanding of both cultures", Alexey Kalmykov emphasises.
"Entering a new market is only half the battle", the publisher shares. "What's far more crucial is building an active community of readers and authors". This approach has enabled Magic Dome Books to do more than just publish books in different languages --- it's allowing them to shape new markets entirely.
The German market experience proves particularly illustrative. Rather than simply releasing a few translated titles, the publishing house created a complete ecosystem: from carefully curated book selections to a specially assembled team for German audiobook production. "We realised German readers particularly value audio quality. So we brought together a team of professional voice actors, directors and producers. Within a year, this approach doubled our company revenue".
Yet it's vital to consider not just cultural nuances but business peculiarities of each market. In the USA, the publishing house operates primarily through Amazon and focuses on digital formats. In Europe, collaboration with local publishers and bookstore chains takes precedence. In Asia, mobile formats and social networks play the key role.
"The crucial understanding is that each market is alive", Alexey Kalmykov emphasises. "It's constantly evolving, and one must not only monitor these changes but anticipate them". This becomes particularly important when launching new formats and genres, when one must create trends rather than merely follow them.
Beyond commercial publishing, Alexey Kalmykov has contributed to academic discourse on modern publishing trends. His research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Czech Library Herald and Polish Association of Scientific Editors' journal. These academic publications explore the transformation of traditional publishing models in the digital age and the emergence of new literary genres across different markets. 'Academic research helps me step back and analyse industry trends with more rigour,' the publisher notes. 'It's another dimension of understanding how the publishing ecosystem evolves.'
"Managing creative people from different countries is like conducting an orchestra where each musician plays in their own style, yet together they must create a harmonious piece", Alexey Kalmykov explains. This is precisely the challenge facing Magic Dome Books, where authors, editors and translators from across the globe work together.
How is this achieved? The publishing house has created a system that combines strict quality standards with creative freedom. Authors know exactly what's required of their texts whilst retaining the freedom to express their unique style. Editors follow unified working principles whilst considering local market specifics. Translators become more than mere translators --- they become co-creators, adapting works for their respective audiences.
"We experimented considerably before finding the right balance", the publisher reflects. "For instance, we learned that you can't simply transplant a successful working model from one market to another. What works brilliantly with American authors might not suit Europeans. It's not just about language differences --- it's about different approaches to creativity, different understandings of success".
Feedback plays a crucial role in this system. Editorial teams constantly exchange experiences, analyse reader reactions, and adjust their working approaches. A significant source of insights comes from the world's largest LitRPG community, established by the publishing house on Facebook. "Direct dialogue with readers from different countries gives us unique insight into how content is perceived across cultures. This helps us remain flexible, respond quickly to changes whilst maintaining high quality standards across all regions", Alexey Kalmykov notes.
"The future of publishing lies in a multi-format approach", Alexey Kalmykov asserts. "Simply publishing good books is no longer sufficient. We need to create content that easily adapts to different formats and cultural contexts".
At Magic Dome Books, this isn't mere rhetoric. The publishing house actively develops its audio division, experiments with new formats, and constantly studies shifting reader preferences across different markets. "We're witnessing the blurring of boundaries between formats. A reader might begin with an e-book, continue with an audiobook during their commute, then return to a traditional printed version in the evening. This needs to be a seamless, organic experience".
The founder emphasises that technological changes are just one part of the picture. "The crucial thing is understanding that behind any trends are real people with their own needs and preferences. We can employ the most advanced technologies, but at the core there must always be a good story that resonates with readers, regardless of their cultural background".
In his view, the next major trend in publishing will be creating global stories with local resonance. "Imagine a book that deeply resonates with readers in New York, Berlin, and Seoul, yet allows each to find something uniquely relevant to their own culture. That's what we're striving towards".
"Publishing has always been about storytelling. But now we're learning to tell these stories in new ways, utilising all available formats and technologies", Alexey Kalmykov concludes. "Yet it's crucial to remember that any innovations, any trends, must serve the primary goal --- helping authors find their readers, regardless of the language they write in or the country they live in. This is the future of international publishing --- the ability to unite creativity, technology, and cultural understanding".