Publishing
By Nyatichi Verity Despite books being painstakingly developed through months or even years of research, writing, editing, and financial sacrifice, the Kenyan publishing industry is increasingly under threat from book piracy. The vice has emerged as one of the most…
By Dorris Munguti Few experiences are more disheartening for a writer than receiving a rejection message. Every year, countless manuscripts are turned away by publishers, not because they lack merit, but because they do not fit a publisher’s commercial priorities…
By Miriam Nyandika It is widely acknowledged that every generation stands on the shoulders of those who came before it, drawing on the wisdom, experiences, and lessons passed. It is, however, commonplace for those who have occupied positions of great…
By Elijah Mbalaria One of the biggest barriers between a finished manuscript and a published book comes down to financial constraints. African authors have to contend with the audacious task of penning chapter by chapter, conquering self-doubt, and enduring midnight…
By Tessy Adhiambo Media coverage is a decisive factor in the success of any book launch. Beyond simply attracting initial readers, strategic media alignment ushers long-term author credibility, drives retail sales, and firmly positions your book within wider cultural, national,…
By Mercy Kalee After spending months, perhaps years, pouring your thoughts, research, and creativity onto the page, finishing a manuscript is a serious achievement. But as the initial excitement slows down, a critical question takes its place: Who is actually…
The power of lifestyle content, paid ads, and building a community readers want to buy into. By Dorris Munguti Social media has fundamentally changed how books are discovered, discussed, and sold. Gone are the days when authors and publishing companies…
By Nyatichi Verity One thing a publisher will tell you is that the first six months after a book is launched are often the most critical in determining its market performance. During this period, books either gain momentum through sales,…
By Lucy Atieno A colleague of mine in the publishing industry recently shared a story while we were comparing notes on book sales, and it perfectly illustrates the crisis facing many new writers. “Two years ago, an aspiring author rang…
By Lee Kamutu The Kenyan publishing industry is steadily opening up. Thanks to technology, aspiring authors no longer have to toil over rare typewriters or draft long manuscripts by hand. Today, personal computers allow authors to compose materials on the…