‘Adults’ and ‘Literacy’ – Wants for better communication
<Vocabulary study for adults>, <Literacy for adults>, <Writing skills for adults>… Recently in Korea, the keywords ‘Adults’ and ‘Literacy’, which enhance relationships with people and speaking & writing skills, are standing out both in practical books and humanities books at bookstores. And up until this summer, the number of publications related to vocabulary, literacy, writing, and grammar was 116 having an increase of more than 40% year on year. <Korean nuance dictionary>, which explains the difference in nuance and helps spruce up the language in use, is one of the books many readers are buying. It shows there is a demand for writing and speaking skills to be used throughout social life with grace. In recent years, there have been issues of misunderstandings or happenings caused by bad comprehension due to Sino-Korean words, idiomatic expressions, and unfamiliar vocabulary among various generations and classes. This trend seems a reflection of the frustrating mind of many readers for that and their wants for having good comprehension to communicate well on social issues, beyond the simple understanding of text and words.

A new trend in ‘writing’ and writing techniques
Besides traditional writing books dealing with the writer’s attitude and skills, many new books about writing techniques, in between humanities and practical books, that pinpoint the needs of writers in each genre, are showing a strong presence. The number of writers registered on writing platforms online has increased a lot throughout the world as well as in Korea. Web novels in particular, have established themselves as an important form and a genre of literature, having a wide readership, perhaps larger than that of traditional novels. In addition, genre novels that do not belong to traditional novels, like sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and healing books, have also become popular. And the number of ‘creators’ who earn money by developing various content on YouTube has increased as well. In line with this environment, more and more publishers are publishing various writing books tailored to various readers. We, Will Books, have published dictionary series for writers including <Trauma dictionary> and <Dilemma dictionary> as well as other series including <How to make my writing a work>, and are receiving good responses from the market.

Steady popularity of books on money and investment, and recent change
Along with the global trend of quantitative easing during the pandemic and the popularity of books for studying money and investment has continued for more than 2 years in Korea. However, since the middle of this year, global inflation emerged and the decline in the stock, real estate, and coin market became noticeable. The popularity of those practical how-to-invest books has waned a little accordingly. Instead, books that talk about fundamental principles, as well as the mental management for investment, are becoming striking.

Even in this difficult time, we are trying to discover original titles or manuscripts that readers are likely looking for. Because, even in a recession, there are readers who still look for books when they face issues and emotions that they think are important. We are proud to say that the above-mentioned <Q&A books for adults> and dictionaries for writers like <Trauma dictionary>, <Dilemma dictionary>, and <Character’s vocations dictionary> have established a fairly solid position in line with this. We will keep searching for answers to any specific requests readers might make.

It is necessary, as unbiased as possible, to imagine, search, and get close to the readers who will welcome each book. In Korea, when publishing books, the most common image of readers is wandering around bookstores in downtown Seoul, such as Gwanghwamun, trying to figure out what book to buy, but actual readers could find books in unexpected places. It could be a YouTube channel or an online shopping mall that each one subscribes to, or, a sandwich shop or a yoga center that each one frequents. We will make each of them discover the existence of books in their usual spaces or platforms.