'It's a real battle': African authors fight for publishing independence

Francophone African books are still very often published by French imprints, which can make them hard to get at home. But there is a growing push for changeWhen Cameroonian author Daniel Alain Nsegbe first saw his debut novel for sale in his home city of Douala, the price was so high “you would have to ask someone to stop eating for two days in order to buy the book”. It was around 16,000 CFA francs (£20); the average monthly salary in Douala is £150. The book, Ceux qui sortent dans la nuit (Those Who Go Out at Night) was published by Grasset, a French imprint.This is not uncommon: Francophone African authors, whether classic or contemporary, are often published by French, not African presses. This arrangement began in colonial times, but continues because of a number of factors that are particular to France. Publishers frequently push for world rights for all books written in French. Many African writers operate without agents, who would usually divide up rights territories on their behalf. Agents are still a new feature on the African literary landscape, meaning that many classics, such as 1953’s L’enfant noir (The African Child) by Guinean author Camara Laye, and Algerian writer Kateb Yacine’s 1956 novel Nedjma, are owned by publishers in France (Plon and Éditions du Seuil respectively). As French publishers continue to control distribution and pricing, classic authors go missing from bookshelves while contemporary authors struggle to get their books in the hands of... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2020-05-14 09:59:14 UTC ]
News tagged with: #rights territories #local readers #sub-saharan africa #books written #world rights #debut novel

Other Publishing stories related to: ''It's a real battle': African authors fight for publishing independence'


'It's a real battle': African authors fight for publishing independence

Francophone African books are still very often published by French imprints, which can make them hard to get at home. But there is a growing push for changeWhen Cameroonian author Daniel Alain Nsegbe first saw his debut novel for sale in his home city of Douala, the price was so high “you would... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2020-05-14 09:59:14 UTC ]
More news stories like this | News stories tagged with: #rights territories #local readers #sub-saharan africa #books written #world rights #debut novel


How Independent Publishers Can Fight the Google-Facebook Duopoly

The digital advertising ecosystem comprises an unlevel playing field vastly favoring the duopoly of Google and Facebook. Controlling 85% of media spend and 80% of referral traffic to independent publishers, this duopoly sets the rules and uses undue influence. Publishers and marketers alike... Continue reading at Advertising Age

[ Advertising Age | 2017-02-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
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What Does Facebook’s New Tool for Fighting Fake News Mean for Real Publishers?

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[ Editor & Publisher | 2015-01-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Independent bookstores and self-published authors are increasingly teaming up

Previously, independent bookstores tended to stay away from marketing self-published authors, but in the age of Amazon, some are embracing local authors no matter how they released their work. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2013-12-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Publishers should use authors to help fight piracy

Written By: Philip Jones Publication Date: Thu, 12/05/2011 - 09:31 Publishers should not overspend in the fight against piracy, and should use their authors to present a "human face" in the battle for hearts and minds, a panel discussion at the World e-Reading Congress declared. The industry... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2011-05-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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African publishers should publish more books in African languages, says Ngugi wa Thing’o

African publishers should publish more books in indigenous languages to stop their disappearance and to increase the awareness of African writers in their own countries, the celebrated Kenyan writer and activist Ngugi wa Thing’o told delegates at the second International Publishers Association... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2019-06-13 23:53:47 UTC ]
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Are Self-Published Authors Still Indie Authors?

The publishing landscape is rapidly changing—as is the way self-published authors are viewed. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2020-04-10 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Nine Criteria for Hybrid Publishing from the Independent Book Publishers Association

The IPBA has released a 9-point outline for hybrid publishers with author-subsidized business models to operate reputably and maintain quality standards. The post Nine Criteria for Hybrid Publishing from the Independent Book Publishers Association appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2018-02-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The publishing company that's only publishing female authors in 2018

One publishing company has taken up a challenge to put out only books by female authors this year. Continue reading at BBC News

[ BBC News | 2018-02-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Are small independent publishers doing the work for big publishers?

While the giant firms sink huge sums into fleeting fads, the commitment and passion of the smaller imprints leave a larger impression in the long termIndependent publishers pick the books they loved and wished they published in 2015Here’s an observation: it sometimes feels as though smaller... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2015-12-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Can Independent Publishers Rescue in South Korean Publishing?

Independent publishing and bookstores that offering indie press books are lone bright spots in an otherwise depressed South Korean publishing landscape. The post Can Independent Publishers Rescue in South Korean Publishing? appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

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Are African Writers Trumping African-American Authors?

In the NYTimes, Felicia R. Lee asks if the 'new wave of African writers' with an international appeal are drawing attention away from African-American voices. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2014-07-03 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Ether for Authors: Are Publishers on a Tightrope with Author Solutions?

In Ether for Authors, Porter Anderson looks at the ties many publishing companies have with Author Solutions, at Amazon debates, and at drinking on the job. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2013-07-23 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Small Publishers’ Catalogue Offers Listing of African Publishers and More

The 2013 Small Publishers' Catalogue Africa offers more than just a listing of small African publishers: it's a guide to inspire small publishers from around the world. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2013-07-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The independent publisher making a business of celebrity book imprints

Independent publisher Zando's highest-visibility imprints are its collabs with celebrities, which are part of its mission to change the institutional racism that has plagued American publishing from its start. Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2024-04-24 18:02:25 UTC ]
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Zodiac Academy Authors Launch Publishing Venture

Sisters Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti will rerelease their self-published Zodiac Academy romantasy series in paperback under their newly-formed company, Dark Ink Publishing. On April 23, Dark Ink released 'Restless Stars,' the ninth and final book in the series, with an announced print... Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2024-04-24 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Author T L Swan Launches Publishing Venture, Keeperton

In its first year, Keeperton will publish 10 titles—four of them by Swan, whose Miles High Club series is a BookTok favorite—under its romance imprint, Arndell. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2024-04-04 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Fast-Growing Independent Publishers, 2024

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[ Publishers Weekly | 2024-03-22 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Libraries struggle to afford the demand for e-books, seek new state laws in fight with publishers

Libraries across the U.S. are struggling to cover the cost of e-books, which have grown in popularity Continue reading at ABC News

[ ABC News | 2024-03-12 14:54:40 UTC ]
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Three Publishing Veterans Form a New House, Authors Equity

Madeline McIntosh, Nina von Moltke, and Don Weisberg—most recently at Penguin Random House US and Macmillan, respectively—have joined forces to form a new publishing company. As its name implies, the publisher will operate outside of traditional publishing business models. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2024-03-05 05:00:00 UTC ]
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