Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Focus on details key for Khmer publisher

Focus on details key for Khmer publisher

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Lek Chumnor, managing director of Khmer Book Edition. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Focus on details key for Khmer publisher

Although there are many Khmer language publishers in the Kingdom, there is a serious disparity in the quality of the work they produce. One of the most popular – with both authors and readers – printing houses is Khmer Book Edition.

Lek Chumnor, managing director of the publishing house, which he established in 2017, shared his theories as to why the company enjoyed such popularity and attracted so many authors.

“The main reason I founded Khmer Book Edition was to create opportunities for Khmer writers to get their work published more easily, with a high level of quality. We prepare each of our books carefully to make sure they are attractive and easy to read. We are as happy working on technical documents, compilations of other writers, or profiles of individuals and institutions, as we are working on novels,” he said.

He believes that what sets his printing house apart is the quality and passion of its staff.

“My co-founders were all intellectuals, some from the Kingdom and some from abroad. Since our inception, we have provided editorial and design services for more than 100 titles,” said Chumnor.

In addition to its core business of Khmer language texts, the company has coordinated the design of seven management guides in English and Chinese. It has also handled texts on the Constitution, and arranged publication of work for several well-known institutions.

Capturing the meaning and tone of an author is one of the things Chumnor takes most seriously, which means each font is carefully selected.

He is passionate about ensuring that everything is spelt correctly throughout, as common misspellings could make their way into common use and dilute the majesty of the Khmer written word.

Matching the font to the right grade of paper is also of the utmost importance, as unclear text can strain the eyes of a reader, causing headaches.

“It is this level of attention to detail that sets my printing house apart,” said Chumnor.

“From the managing director to our editorial and design teams, all of our staff are passionate. They are driven to ensure we produce only the highest quality publications,” he added.

Each member of the team is fully qualified, with Master’s degrees or Doctorates, from Cambodia and abroad.

MOST VIEWED

  • 12th Cambodia int’l film festival to see return of Hollywood star

    Phnom Penh is set to come alive with the magic of cinema as the highly anticipated 12th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) takes centre stage. Boasting an impressive line-up of 188 films from 23 countries, including captivating shorts, feature films, documentaries and animation, the festival promises an

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Struggling Battambang artist dreams of staging full-scale gallery exhibition

    Leav Kimchhoth, a 55-year-old artist from Battambang province, is a familiar face to locals and tourists alike on the streets of the riverside in Phnom Penh. The one-armed painter and illustrator often hawks his work near the night market on weekends and public holidays. He

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • New Law on Taxation comes into effect

    Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime’s compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom. King Norodom

  • PM warns of int’l election interference

    With the national election scheduled to take place in less than two months, Prime Minister Hun Sen has warned foreign nations and their diplomats not to interfere into Cambodia’s domestic affairs. He also hinted that their statements on court verdicts handed down to any