Kakao overhauls Brunch writing contest with independent judging, fewer top prizes

Kakao has unveiled a revamped format for its Brunch writing contest.

The company announced Monday that it will hold the 14th Kakao Brunch Writing Contest under a fully restructured judging and selection system. Brunch is a writing and content publishing platform operated by Kakao.

The contest's name has changed from "Brunch Book Publishing Project" to "Brunch Writing Contest." Kakao said it aims to move beyond the old model — which focused solely on connecting writers with publishers — and transform the event into a competition where winning carries clear, distinct value. The company also said it plans to build a consistent body of award-winning works that reflects Brunch's own editorial identity.

The selection process has also been significantly overhauled. The previous structure, in which affiliated publishers participating in the judging both selected and published the winning works, will be replaced by an independent panel of outside experts. Kakao said it plans to reveal the final-round judging panel when it announces the winners in early February next year.

The prestige of the grand prize is also expected to rise. Previously, 10 grand prize works were selected each year. This year, a total of four works will be chosen — one each in the fiction, essay and poetry, general, and rookie author categories. Kakao said it will support the selected works from publishing arrangements through to promotion.

Finally, the publishing connection system has been restructured. Under the old model, authors signed one-on-one contracts with the affiliated publishers that participated in the judging. Starting this year, Brunch will introduce winning works to multiple affiliated publishers, allowing authors to receive offers from several houses. Kakao said the new approach lets authors choose the publisher that best understands their work.

The revamped contest officially opened through Brunch on Monday morning. Submissions will be accepted for eight weeks through Oct. 18, and the final winners will be announced in early February next year.

"With this overhaul, the Brunch Grand Prize winners mark a new beginning for the body of award-winning works that Brunch will build on its own," said Lee Seung-hyun, Kakao's head of social impact. "Authors will also be able to find the publisher that understands their work best."

Meanwhile, the Brunch Writing Contest was launched in 2015 as the "Brunch Book Publishing Project" to support writers who dream of getting published. Notable past winners include "Young ADHD's Sorrow" and "Small, Admirable Misfortune."