In this digital age, several writers in Uganda are breaking free from traditional publishing barriers and tapping into lucrative global markets by utilizing newly discovered access to self-publishing international platforms. These platforms grant writers, wherever they are based, reach to audiences across continents and enable them earn more than they had initially thought possible. And to mention that no upfront fees are required, only an agreement to share a fixed percentage off each copy sold, depending on whether it is original content or a public domain work, only makes this option all the more attractive.
Traditional publishers in Uganda are shrewd business entities that are more inclined to engage in academic publishing than creative writing. The conventional publishers’ mindset is that owing to our reading apathy, financial returns from investing in publishing the creative writer are abysmal. The cost of going the traditional route for the novelist is prohibitive, and a down payment on the higher end of the final quotation is most often demanded.
With self-publishing platforms, the author has the liberty of deciding how much the book will cost. Since payment is mostly in foreign currency, often in Dollars, Pounds, or Euros, the author is better positioned to earn much more than if they used the traditional publishing approach alone.
Although the emergence of Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Smashwords, Draft2Digital, Lulu, BookBaby, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Google Play Books, CreateSpace, IngramSpark, Dog Ear Publishing, and other such international self-publishing platforms happened a few years ago, Ugandan authors are fast catching on and can now bypass local publishing industry limitations, accessing millions of readers worldwide. A more locally targeted platform, Africabooks.com, was recently set up.
The African self-publishing landscape is ripe for growth. With strategic marketing and quality content, African authors can compete globally.
As digital platforms bridge geographical gaps, African writers are poised to capitalize on the lucrative global market. Join the ranks of successful self-published authors and unleash your literary potential.
Crafting compelling and globally relevant content and stories that transcend cultural boundaries, and address universal themes is key for one to succeed in this market. Universal themes, causes, and courses like addiction, self-help, cooking and recipes, and the environment resonate with readers across the globe.
It is not enough to get self-published and then sit back, leveraging social media and online communities goes a long way in driving up one’s sales and ensuring a bigger paycheck.
Taking it a notch further and translating your work into multiple languages can help you reach non-English speaking markets. A number of free online language translation platforms exist, including Google Translate and TranslatePress. Many of these platforms have a feature that allows you to monitor and analyze your sales data, enabling you to refine your marketing strategies.
Some resources available to authors looking to self-publish are online support and guidance from the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) community, workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities provided by associations like The Alliance of Independent Authors and African Writers Trust. And online forums like Self-publishing Subreddit (r/self-publish) and Indie Authors.
One thing is for sure, to ensure the quality of your self-published book, sharing your manuscript with honest critics is important. Do not share your work with a cheerleader, who would rather win your short-term favor than give feedback the way it is.
Being fast and with a variety of free features at the writer’s discretion such as book cover designs, templates and themes, free International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs), book conversion to multiple formats, marketing support, distribution, royalty tracking, and reporting, author profiling, professional editing and access to customer support, it is not hard to see why self-publishing is gaining traction in Uganda.
Self-publishing is transforming Uganda’s literary landscape, offering authors unprecedented control and opportunities. By harnessing translation tools, online resources, and supportive communities, writers can now reach global audiences and refine their craft.
As self-publishing continues to thrive, Uganda’s literary future promises diversity, innovation, and increased accessibility. Embracing this shift, authors can confidently bring their stories to the world stage.
Uganda’s self-publishing revolution is not just a trend, but a testament to the nation’s vibrant literary spirit. With every new title, local authors assert their presence in the global literary market.
While self-publishing platforms and resources evolve, Uganda’s writers are poised to make their mark, sharing unique perspectives and stories that resonate with readers worldwide. The future of Ugandan literature has never looked brighter.
2 thoughts on “Uganda’s Literary Gold: How Viable is Self-Publishing on Global Platforms?”
So true, these self publishing platforms can truly boost Uganda’s creative writing space…if utilized and marketed by exceplary writers.
I remember a few years back when amazon KDP had first rolled up, I was young and had this short novella I really thought was exceptional. Fueled by the young vigour and confidence I self published … didn’t get a single coin from it(and I lost the KDP password) but hey, at least I have a published novel to my name 😂
Of course, I have now learned that my writing was that of a senior one kid, whose prior experience writing for mixakids magazines and winning young writer’s contests in through out upper primary had covered my visage to reality; frankly speaking, that book sucked.
On that note, for anyone aiming to self publishing please do emphasize marketing. You dont have to pay marketeers outright, use Facebook pages, Instagram even TikTok; just get it out there, literally advertising your work. That’s the only way you will see sales from self publishing. And of course, don’t forget X, formerly Twitter. Writer spaces are everywhere, and they are great at supporting their own.
I couldn’t have put it better.