Modern translated classical novel publications and changes in publishing distribution & reading environment: Focusing on ‘Millie’s Library’, the book subscription platform

Abstract

This paper is to examine empirically the pattern and distribution status of modern translations of classic novels in book subscription platforms, and to explore the revitalization plans of modern translation and distribution of modern translations of classical novels in the future book subscription platforms. This is considered one of the significant ways to increase even slightly the frequency of encounters between modern readers and classical novels now and in the future in a reality where the number of modern readers enjoying books through e-books is increasing among the gradual decline in overall reading rates. In addition, as a characteristic of book subscription platform, in the fact that the readers can use the books provided on the platform unlimitedly through the application by the payment of a certain fee, I think it could make the readers feel more at ease in terms of economics or convenience for their accessibility to the modern translations of classical novels. For this, the ‘Millie’s Library’, which begun to provide a monthly subscription service for the first time in Korea and provides a wealth of general books including novels, was first chosen as the main object of analysis. Prior to explore the future directions, I looked into the current state of modern translations of classical novels, which are currently distributed through ‘Millie’s Library’, a book subscription platform. As of August 2023, there were 329 modern translations of classical novels of 81 works which are distributed in ‘Millie’s Library’. It has been confirmed that various types of subtypes of classical novels are being translated into modern times, and a significant number of e-books published after 2020 are being distributed. Meanwhile, it was found that classical novel e-books with an e-book viewer function are being distributed compared to those without that, and there are many cases in which information about the translator is not recorded. Based on this, I considered about ways to revitalize modern translation and distribution of modern e-books of classical novels in conjunction with a book subscription platform. The plan for publication of the modern version is as follows: First, it is necessary to provide information on the translator, authorized translator, catalogue raisonne, and original script in the fact there is a need to expand the distribution of qualified modern e-books. Second, it is necessary to consider the form and function of being distributed e-books in terms of readability within the subscription service. Third, it is necessary to expand the categories and publishing media of modern translation publications like short contents such as Chatbook or Docent book. Next, the activation plan for distribution is as follows: First, it is necessary to verify the content quality and to expand the sharing through continuously securing qualified contents and consumers within the platform. Second, it is more actively necessary about curation methods like a curation of web novels or own humanities books within the platform.