So when Yaoi Generation announced its first license, I shipped off some questions to the company president, Thuy Duong. We talked about their first title, Chifumi Ochi’s breath and what kind of production values it will have, as well as the company’s plans for the future.

So hit the jump for all the answers!

Gia Manry: First, can you tell me about Yaoi Generation as a company? About how many people are working in the company? How did it start?

Thuy Duong: YG is a quality conscious publishing company. We publish comics with not only good artwork, but also have a strong storyline to compliment the art. How we started is a long story for perhaps another time.

GM: You’ve announced your first license, breath by Chifumi Ochi, whose first volume is due out in December. Should we expect more announcements soon, or will the company focus on putting out the first book before adding more series?

TD: We do have other titles brewing in the background right now, but once we license a long series, we like to focus on finishing that series first before tackling other projects.

GM: Is breath a hardcore title? Will Yaoi Generation publish mostly or only hardcore, or mostly or only non-hardcore, or a mix? Will you ever publish things that are not yaoi– such as “implied BL” series, or even yuri?

TD: Yes, breath is a hard yaoi title. But what I love about it is that it contains a wonderful, heartfelt storyline that gets better with each volume, which is rare in hard yaoi. Right now we’re only publishing BL, but we’re not closing ourselves from considering other possibilities.

GM: Your first license is with Kaiohsha. Have you struck a deal with them, and/or do you plan on licensing from various companies?

TD: “breath” was the first series that we wanted to license and we’re really happy that Kaiohsha and Chifumi Ochi sensei is willing to license to us. They are a joy to work with, and we hope to continue our wonderful relationship with them. However, if there’s a title that we want to publish from other companies, we’d definitely go after it.

GM: What is your overall plan for Yaoi Generation in terms of publishing volume? The company is just starting out now, but in a year, what kind of publishing schedule do you expect (e.g. how many books and how often)?

TD: We plan on publishing titles with quality content and artworks, so our target publication in the long run will remain small. In doing so, we can ensure that the books we promise to publish will get published in a reasonable time. Our publications will be paperback book form and/or electronic book form, depending on the title and our terms of agreement with the artist/original publisher. (”breath” will be available in paperback book form.)

GM: Will you publish or consider licensing works from countries other than Japan, such as Korean manhwa or European BL comics? Will you publish or consider publishing original English-language works?

TD: Yes. We have already accepted OEL comic submissions from artists and writers who took the initiative and contact us about it, but we will also make a formal announcement on our website along with submission guidelines.

GM: In terms of translation…what are you planning to do with honorifics and sound effects? Will translation notes be included in the books?

TD: We will keep honorifics where they can’t be translated without sounding awkward in English. As far as sound effects, we’ll translate and edit them as long as the artist doesn’t object. Translation notes will be included as needed in the back.

GM: This may end up tying into the first question a bit, but it seems like many BL companies in North America are struggling right now. What made you decide to launch Yaoi Generation now?

TD: I don’t believe the passion for BL is dying, so with a good business plan, I believe we will succeed.

GM: And finally…is there anything else you want to let the world know about Yaoi Generation?

TD: To all yaoi fans out there: We try our best to find and publish works which we believe are unique and would leave a lasting impression. If there’s a title you’re dying to have publish…if there’s something we’re doing that you’re happy or unhappy with, please let us know. We’ll have our forum up soon so please use that tool to let your voice be heard. We will listen to your comments and suggestions.

So, there you have it! I’ve got a few follow-up questions that I’ve sent off regarding ebooks and a couple of other things, so look for those to pop up sometime too.

Tags: bl, breath, chifumi ochi, interviews, yaoi, yaoi generation

8 Responses to “The Next Generation Speaks! (Yaoi Generation, That Is)”

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