Introducing one's literary creation to readers is always a challenging process for authors on their literary journey, especially for new, young writers. On the occasion of Kim Dong Publishing House launching its Young Writers' Book Collection, the story of the difficulties in writing and publishing books is once again brought up with much emotion.
Young Writers' Bookshelf
The Young Writers' Bookshelf launches with its first two works: the short story collection "No Rain on the Riverbank" by Huynh Trong Khang and the travelogue "Steps, Taiwan" by Tran Minh Hop. Coincidentally, both Huynh Trong Khang (born in 1994) and Tran Minh Hop (1988) are currently living and working in Ho Chi Minh City. They are also two recipients of the Young Writers' Award from the Ho Chi Minh City Writers' Association.
According to writer Phan Hon Nhien, Deputy Director of Kim Dong Publishing House's Ho Chi Minh City branch, with "De Ngan Without Rain," Huynh Trong Khang presents a collection of short stories full of exploration and experimentation in writing style, rich in cinematic qualities. "Steps, Taiwan" is the result of Tran Minh Hop's time studying writing abroad, with distinct hallmarks: professional, modern, and closely connected to life.
Even before the launch of the Young Writers' Book Series, Kim Dong Publishing House had already begun efforts to create opportunities for young writers through the second Kim Dong Literature Award (June 2025 - December 2026). Besides works for children, the award also includes works by young authors. This is truly good news for young authors, because after the 20th Anniversary Literature Award ceased in 2022, the literary platform for young writers almost disappeared.
As one of the authors with many published works, writer Giai Du (born in 2001) frankly shared that, before gaining recognition, young authors often find it difficult to receive publishing support and become known to readers… “The appearance of the Young Writers' Book Collection and its separate award can be considered timely, helping young people to test their abilities, find opportunities to interact and express themselves,” writer Giai Du said.
Overcoming the challenges of the times
However, according to writer Giai Du, such opportunities are still too few compared to the number of young writers today. If writers only rely on book collections or a few rare awards, the path to bringing their works to readers will become even more arduous. “The younger generation, while facing many new challenges, also has its own advantages. Thanks to the internet and digital platforms, their works will reach a wider audience.”
The digital platforms that Giai Du refers to are the current online platforms for publishing literary works on social media. Not limited by printing and publishing costs, and not overly expensive for promotion and media, these literary platforms provide young writers and new authors with the opportunity to introduce their works to readers.
“These websites usually have their own writing criteria and a loyal readership. New writers can choose websites that suit their writing style to submit their works. If the work is of good quality and resonates with readers, the author will have the opportunity to be noticed by book publishers and publishing houses, invited to collaborate, and in fact, many young writers have entered the literary world through this path,” shared Khanh Linh, who manages a writing fan page on Facebook.
A new challenge facing contemporary authors is the proliferation of works created using artificial intelligence (AI). While AI-generated works were previously easily detectable, a recent international literary competition saw an AI-generated work win an award. The deception was only discovered when the author revealed that the judges were unable to distinguish between a human-written and an AI-generated piece.
While acknowledging that AI is having a strong impact on young writers, author Phan Hon Nhien asserts that, in any era, writing remains the simplest and most effective way to engage in dialogue with oneself and the world . “No matter how advanced AI becomes, writers will still have their own place. Of course, the demands will be higher, more refined, and the competition will be even fierfier,” Phan Hon Nhien stated.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/co-hoi-cho-nhung-tac-gia-tre-post854240.html
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