No Need for New Year's Literary Contests... Brunch Gaining Attention as a Gateway for Writers

The writing platform 'Brunch' is gaining attention as a gateway for emerging writers. While the momentum of traditional New Year's Literary Contests has waned compared to the past, Brunch's prominence continues to rise. Writers selected as authors (10 people) on Brunch receive prize money (5 million won each) and publishing opportunities, and with marketing support from well-known publishers, they gain significant attention as notable figures in the publishing world.

Brunch, as a writing platform, provides a space for writing to those appointed as authors through a series of processes. The service started in June 2015 with 100 authors, and over six years, it has grown significantly to currently have about 49,000 authors. Up to the 8th round, around 260 award-winning works have been produced. Writers can submit entries without limit by writing 10 to 30 pieces on various themes. During the eight rounds held so far, bestsellers such as '90 Nyeonsaengi Onda' (Whalebooks), 'Murehan Saramege Useumyeo Daechohaneun Beop' (Gana Publishing), and 'Hamateumyeon Yeolsimhi Sal Ppeonhaetda' (Woongjin Knowledge House) have emerged. Additionally, just last year, 63 Brunch Book works were transformed into secondary works on platforms like Tal-ing, Millie's Library, Willa, and Melon.

Publishing is selected through internal screening by partner publishers. In each round, ten publishers each select one author, totaling ten authors, to publish their works. The participating publishers vary slightly each round, and for the upcoming 9th Brunch Publishing Project announcement on the 15th, the participating publishers are ▲Munhakdongne ▲Minumsa ▲Bookie ▲RH Korea ▲Across ▲Wisdom House ▲Changbi ▲Hummingbird ▲Humanist ▲Heureum Publishing.

Notably, many writers consider Brunch as a gateway to becoming an author. One applicant for the 9th Publishing Project said, “While few people know authors who debuted through traditional New Year's Literary Contests, Brunch Book award winners enjoy considerable fame,” adding, “Unlike the New Year's Literary Contests, the production of standalone books with marketing support is a major merit.”

From the publishers' perspective, Brunch is a place to discover raw talent. A representative from Minumsa, participating in the Brunch Publishing Project for the third year, stated, “After publishing 'Feeling Like Having a Younger Sibling' last year, we introduced 'The Sadness of Young ADHD' this year, which received a good response. Especially, 'The Sadness of Young ADHD' sold over ten thousand copies,” adding, “Since New Year's Literary Contests focus on poetry and novels, Brunch serves as a good channel to discover writers and authors in other fields. We view continuous participation positively.”

A Brunch representative said, “Publishers and staff participating as judges in the Brunch Book Publishing Project are widely recognized figures in the publishing industry. I believe the comprehensive support for award-winning works, including marketing such as exhibitions at Kyobo Bookstore, is reflected in the results,” adding, “The number of applicants is increasing every year. About 2,500 entries were submitted for the 7th round, and this increased to about 3,700 for the 8th.” However, they noted, “It seems inappropriate to compare Brunch directly with New Year's Literary Contests,” explaining, “Brunch's characteristic is that users who always want to write and read good writing in a mobile and internet environment gather in one place.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.