actually publishing a book that says anything bad about china would possibly lead to you never be allowed back in china. because china is a childish country . a book is very different from posting on a website. any moron can figure that out

Publish it under a pseudonym or a similar non-descript name. Then it won't be you that "disappears."

I too am writing a book about life in China. It chronicles the various life experiences and backgrounds on workers throughout the mainland and special administrative areas. I also considered what would be the consequences of having it published, being blacklisted is a potential outcome.

For my book, I act as a biographer, only drawing modest outlines of life. However, I often get people to be very candid with me about many topics that would not otherwise be open for discussion. I would publish under alias, in my case, my publisher outright recommended that. The Chinese don't take criticism and openness very kindly. So be smart and don't let your book show up on the NYT Best Sellers list. (I'm a scientist. If I got blacklisted 70% of my research goes out the door. So yeah, be smart.)

I guess it depends on A) How good your book is. And B) How badly you want to sell books.

If you don't mind being forced to leave China, then you can count on the Streisand Effect to propel book sales. But if you don't want to be forced to leave China, be careful not to shit where you eat.

If you are intent on writing this book, take a more balanced approach. Use what we call the "negative sandwich." That is, write something positive about China, then the negative aspect you want to raise, then end with something positive. Like when you are firing someone from a job. You want to leave them with some dignity, and lessen the likelihood of repercussions

Additionally, support any statements you make with quotes from newspapers, magazines, reports, etc. This way, it appears that you are not the one running China down. It also gives credibility to your work, rather than appearing to be just a personal tirade against China.

hghgg

Remember CHINABOUNDER! Though he was a crass a$$ and his "hiding" somewhere else in Asia was more for dramatic effect.

Remember CHINABOUNDER! Though he was a crass a$$ and his "hiding" somewhere else in Asia was more for dramatic effect.

Some time ago I was asked by a local newspaper [in China] to express my  views and how I see the city as a foreigner. Since I had been visiting four consecutive years I was in a position to observe many changes. Realizing how sensitive China is about any criticism, I tried to write in the 'negative sandwich' way, citing the good and some changes that were not so good. My articles was accepted, but then it was suggested I take out any negative comments [even though correct observations] before some city government officials would become aggravated and would force me to leave China prematurely. Anyway, I refused and so this article never made it into the newspaper.

Dude, loads of people have written books like this, Jan Wong wrote extensively about Tiananmen and she was never banned. As long as you're not calling for some kind of rebellion you're not going to be blacklisted.

Good luck ,wish your new book will publish.I am your first fan.

Tonight I was discussing a similar topic like this with an American colleague.  For those of us in China at present, it has become clear that contrary to what many might have expected, the winds have started to blow in a far more conservative direction -- VPN's rarely work these days, google and many other places have become unreachable, etc., etc., and the newspapers have started printing what I can only call dinner left-overs from the 1950's.

Actully criticism is ok. You can not call for rebellions or ask for people to unite against government e.t.c. china is ranked 176 out of 180 countries for control over media. Still. Better keep these stories for your friends back in USA. Than you can say or publish whatever you want.