Limited editions exclusively available at samll, independent bookstores
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"Record of a Journey to Mujin," left, and "No Longer Human" Courtesy of Minumsa
By Kim Jae-heun
Mimumsa, one of the largest book publishers in Korea, has released two special edition books only available at small independent bookstores.
The publisher announced Saturday they will sell “Record of a Journey to Mujin,” by Kim Seung-ok and “No Longer Human” by Osamu Dazai, at some 130 small bookstores nationwide for the first time.
The two special editions cannot be purchased at giant bookstores or online booksellers, which the publisher has printed only two thousand copies of each book.
The CEO of Editing Culture Laboratory Eun-su suggested the idea to revive small bookstores across the nation while questioning concentrated discount promotions available only at giant bookstores.
Small, independent bookstores have had a difficult time speaking in one voice as each runs its business differently and they are geographically scattered. However, the project has helped minor booksellers to form a network.
Mimumsa said this is an attempt to boost traffic at small bookstores by giving readers reasons to go to them. It hopes the project paves the way for more frequent collaborations with local book retailers.
“We hope this event can bring more special collaborations between publishers and retailers in the future and vitalize local small bookstores,” said a Minumsa official.
The trend of giant book publishers attempting to work with small bookstores has been increasing recently.
Munhakdongne Publishing has closed a sales contract by subscription with small bookstores for the highly-anticipated news novels, “Killing Commendatore” by Haruki Murakami and “Outside is Summer” by Kim Ae-ran.
Popular Korean writer Kim Young-ha has begun his “guerrilla” book signing events for his new book, “Only Two Persons,” at random bookstores last week, revealing the exact location to his fans each morning.