Kyobo Bookstore Story Award, Submissions Open Until June 9... Total Prize Money 100 Million Won

13th Kyobo Book Centre Story Awards
Submissions Open Until June 9
Youth Novel Category Changed from Short Story to Full-Length Novel

Kyobo Book Centre is accepting submissions for the "13th Kyobo Book Centre Story Awards" until June 9. Studio S and Showbox are co-hosting the event, with To You Dream and the Korean Mystery Writers Association participating as sponsors.

The Kyobo Book Centre Story Awards contest has established a unique position among domestic novel contests by publishing high-quality novels through discovering diverse themes and a systematic doctoring system. In the past five years, about 2,000 entries have been received annually, with a record high of 2,908 entries in 2023.

There are no restrictions on eligibility; anyone, whether a new or established writer, can participate regardless of genre or theme. Submissions can be made through the official Kyobo Book Centre Story Awards website by June 9.

The selection process consists of three stages: preliminary, main, and final rounds. Twelve winning works will be announced in September. Of the total prize money of 100 million KRW, the grand prize for the mid-to-long novel category (1 winner) is 50 million KRW, the excellence award for the mid-to-long novel category (1 winner) is 10 million KRW, the merit award for the mid-to-long novel category (4 winners) is 5 million KRW each, the merit award for the short story category (5 winners) is 2 million KRW each, and the excellence award for the youth mid-to-long novel category (1 winner) is 10 million KRW. Winners will receive support for publishing in print and eBook formats, as well as opportunities to expand into various secondary content such as films, dramas, and webtoons.

This year, the "Youth Novel" category has been changed from short story to mid-to-long novel. This change reflects the recent growth trend in the English-language Young Adult (YA) content market and aims to discover works with more solid character development and narratives. Through this, Kyobo Book Centre plans to strengthen connections not only in publishing but also with various content platforms such as video adaptations and webtoons.