Rights & Partnerships
Partner with us
Understory Editions is actively seeking exceptional works for English-language translation and publication. We welcome inquiries from publishers, literary agencies, and authors worldwide.
What We're Looking For
We acquire selectively and intentionally. Every title on our list was chosen because we couldn't imagine not publishing it.
Literary quality
Literary fiction and narrative nonfiction of exceptional quality — writing that earns its place in any language.
Proven in market
Works that have demonstrated success in their home market: bestsellers, award winners, culturally significant titles with proven readership.
Primary languages
Korean and Japanese — with openness to expand as we grow.
Genres
Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, philosophy, self-development, cultural studies, memoir.
What We Offer Partners
High-quality English translations
Every translation is produced by qualified literary translators and reviewed by a bilingual editor against the original text. We do not cut corners here.
Strategic market positioning
Each title is positioned thoughtfully for English-language readers — with cover design, catalog copy, and marketing language that respects the original while speaking clearly to a new audience.
Comprehensive marketing
Review outreach, bookseller relationships, digital presence, and targeted press. We treat every title as a debut worth making noise about.
Global distribution
Through Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, we reach readers, bookstores, and libraries in over 40,000 outlets worldwide — from independent bookshops to national library systems.
Transparent business practices
Professional contracts, clear royalty structures, regular reporting, and consistent communication throughout the publication timeline.
Grant expertise
We are familiar with LTI Korea, KPIPA, Japan Foundation, and other translation support programs. We incorporate grant funding into our publishing model, which benefits both the quality of the translation and the reach of the final book.
Author collaboration
We work closely with original authors — sharing translations, welcoming their notes, keeping them involved in cover and marketing decisions. Their voice is central, not incidental.
Regular communication
From the first rights conversation to the day the book ships, we keep our publishing partners informed. No black holes. No surprises.
Get in Touch
Rights inquiries
For rights and acquisition inquiries, please email us at rights@understoryeditions.com or use the form below. We respond to all inquiries within five business days.