A new publisher of danmei in English has joined the industry: Hai Tang Books!
Hai Tang introduced themselves to danmei fans on December 14, 2024 in a Twitter/X post. The U.S.-based publisher is the English branch of Cherry-apple Cultural and Creative Limited / 海棠出版社 (Twitter/X), a Chinese bookseller. The company has already amassed over 3800 followers on the platform since their public debut.
Hai Tang has since revealed a few of their danmei licenses for upcoming English release—one modern-day romantic comedy, and two fantasy/xianxia works based in Ancient China:
- Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating (网恋翻车指南) by Jiang Zi Bei
- Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know (魔尊也想知道) by Cyan Wing
- To Marry a Demon (嫁魔) by Yang Su
All three series have promotional art by artist JulianLynnnn (Twitter/X), although Hai Tang has not disclosed whether they will also be the main artist for all three titles. Hai Tang has indicated that their releases will contain interior illustrations and accompanying merch. [source] None of the three series have release dates, though Hai Tang states they will all be released in 2025.
In response to questions, Hai Tang Books has clarified that they currently have physical-only licenses for their English-translated books in the United States and Canada. This means that, at this time, there will not be ebooks available, nor broad availability outside their contract territories. However, Hai Tang indicated interest in expanding into digital release as their business grows.
Hai Tang states it is working to expand their distributor list to have its physical books carried by online retail stores such as Amazon operating within North America. [source]
Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating
Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating (网恋翻车指南) is a danmei series written by Jiang Zi Bei. It began serialization on jjwxc in 2019 and ran for 120 chapters (including extras). It has since been adapted into an audio drama, which is available on MissEvan.
Jiang Zi Bei also wrote the series Limerence, which is available for purchase through Via Lactea.
The translation is credited to Juurensha, and editor credit goes to Divetus.
Hai Tang Books has not yet provided a summary for the work. The following summary is taken from DanmeiNews’ series catalog entry:
After his cousin was used and abused by a scumbag in a popular online game, Jing Huan joins the game to avenge her honor. Unfortunately, said scumbag is the top player, and his popularity with the player base seems to make him untouchable… But that’s nothing a voice-changer and a little catfishing won’t fix.
Source: Hai Tang Twitter/X [1, 2]
Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know
Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know (魔尊也想知道) is a danmei series written by Cyan Wing. It began serialization on jjwxc in 2019 and ran for 82 chapters (including extras). It has since been adapted into an audio drama, which is available on MissEvan.
The translation is credited to Yu Manman, and editor credit goes to Shukun Xue and Namio.
Hai Tang Books has not yet provided a summary for the work. The following summary is taken from DanmeiNews’ series catalog entry:
Wenren E, the leader of a demonic sect, is the romantic runner-up in a torrid romance novel. He has no idea why the female lead is more attracted to the physically and mentally abusive male lead than she is to him — but frankly, he also wants to know why he’s supposed to like her at all. While investigating the matter by obtaining a copy of the book, he discovers that his loyal subordinate Yin Hanjiang is far more attached to him than he previously realized…
Source: Hai Tang Twitter/X [1, 2]
To Marry A Demon
To Marry a Demon (嫁魔) is a danmei series written by Yang Su. It began serialization on gongzicp in 2020 and ran for 154 chapters (including extras). It has since been adapted into an audio drama, which is available on MissEvan.
Yang Su also wrote the series There’s Something Wrong with the Chief, which will be available for purchase in 2025 through Seven Seas Entertainment.
The translation is credited to XiA, and editor credit goes to Fussyrabbitsays. XiA has worked on many official English danmei releases, including Ballad of Sword and Wine, Nan Chan, Riverbay Road Mens’ Dormitory, Peach Blossom Debt, and Rose and Renaissance.
Hai Tang Books has not yet provided a summary for the work. The following summary is taken from DanmeiNews’ series catalogue entry:
Qi Yin would one day become a great demon who conquered the lands, though he was nothing but an abused and neglected child when the demon sovereign Fu Lan found him. With the help of his newfound companions, he trains to unlock his true potential.
Source: Hai Tang Twitter/X [1]
Hai Tang Books’ LinkedIn account lists two freelancers who’ve been working with the company since as early as March 2024. With a list of titles ready to announce and release dates of 2025, it’s evident Hai Tang Books has been preparing for quite some time, and many are excited to see what they have in store.
In a since-deleted Twitter/X post, Hai Tang Books also posted they had licensed the following series:
- A Certain Someone (某某, also known as Mou Mou) by Mu Su Li
- I Can Do It (我行让我来) by Jiang Zi Bei
- Mist (薄雾) by 微风几许
- Don’t Pick Up Boyfriends from the Trash Bin (不要在垃圾桶里捡男朋友) by 骑鲸南去
- The Approach (从万米高空降临) by 左岸
- The Blue Dust Trilogy (浅蓝系列) by 除徒
DanmeiNews will report on those titles as formally announced.
