“Set in early 20th C. Chicago, my debut novel demanded I do extensive research. So that I had all the tiny details right, I asked Izidora, who is Chicago-based, to run a reality check on my manuscript. She became as invested in my work as I was, meticulously fact-checking even the smallest details, approaching the task with great care, precision, and an intuitive sense of what I needed to complete this demanding part of my novel. I thoroughly enjoyed our collaboration.”

Violeta Radkova, Author, “And Their Bed Is Verdant”

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that having Izidora as my mentor during EKF’s 6-month Translation Academy was one of the most positive experiences I’ve had in my translation career. I left our 1:1 sessions with newfound confidence and plenty of ideas on not only how to further develop my translation skills but also on strategies to contact publishers and make the all-important connections within the industry. Izidora is very creative, composed, encouraging, and readily on hand with constructive advice on all things translation. She is a wonderful mentor who listens carefully and engages with her mentee’s particular needs.”

Yana Ellis, Award-Winning Translator

“I invited Izidora to Oberlin to visit my translation workshop, speak about the books she’s published, two of which are on my syllabus, and meet with my students. She engaged with the students about her work in a thought-provoking way, inspiring them to produce excellent writing throughout the semester."

Stiliana Milkova, Professor of Comparative Literature, Oberlin College

“Izidora's command of both English and Bulgarian is nothing short of masterful, and her boundless knowledge of the idiomatic nuances of each language allowed my short stories to flow across cultures. With her refined stylistic intuition and impeccable ear for tone, she transformed the translation process into an art form, capturing not only the words but the very spirit of the original text.” 

Guerguan Tsenov, Author, “A Portrait of a Man Without a Body or a Soul”

"I'm fortunate to teach one of Izidora's translations on my syllabus for a course on contemporary international literature at the University of Chicago, where I have invited her more than once to speak with my students about her work. I've found Izidora's candor to be a real asset in connecting with undergraduates, and her experience translating from a minority language makes her exceptionally well-professionalized to advise emerging writers and translators on the realities of the global literary marketplace."

Annie Janusch, Lecturer, University of Chicago