Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Toby]

I am in the process of designing and first drafting an educational book aimed at young youngsters in Korea. Simple yet hopefully effective. Can anyone offer me any advice as to how about approaching publishers or getting it printed and the legalities that go with it? Thanks.

[matthews_world]

Good Luck!

I'd like to know the processes myself.

Try doing a search for K publishers on the internet.

[Gord]

I have a friend who works in the publishing industry and we had this conversation last year.

Basically no one will touch it as they already have all the English books they need. If you want it published, you'll have to do it yourself. But you can do a run of a couple thousand copies for under 5 million.

If I recall, the setup fee before a single book is printed is generally around 600-1M Won, and then you pay a per-book fee (with it getting cheap starting at 1500 copies or more).

But getting it into stores will be an issue as you'll need a distributer. A distributer will take a percentage of the book selling price and try to get it into stores. Once in stores, the store itself will demand a very high profit margin.

[mack the knife]

I've talked to a handful of folks who've made the mistake of publishing here in Korea. READ: MISTAKE. Go with 1stBooks in the States, or ANYONE ELSE, for that matter.

[Squid]

Just caught my eye this post...

I've had a few bits and pieces published, though not (Yet) here in Korea. I suppose the only advice I can offer is to get the draft finished, perform your edits and corrections and then shoot it off to the local publishers.

CLG's advice is ok, but i'd not invest that amount before having got at least some feedback- even if only rejection slips.

The hagwon I worked at last year (YBM) produces it's own material, as a lot of the larger chains do, so an approach to them, whilst not necessarily fruitful, may give you something of value.

Keep us posted.

Squid

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

Having written and published several books in Korea, some of what is written above has not been my experience. I have never paid a single won to have a book published. The publishers have assumed all the costs involved, including marketing and distribution.

The secret to making it become a reality (assuming the book is interesting and well-written) is to work with a Korean who knows the "lay of the land," so to speak.

It makes things a whole lot easier.

Good luck.

[Toby]

Mr.Kalgukshi.

Can you offer the name of someone who might be able to help me then?

[Squid]

Mr. K, I'd be interested to take a look at what you've done. PM me with details. Didn't figure on there being any writers on these forums.

Regards,

Squid