Published abroad

[Sola Osofisan]

Do you think getting published in the West earns you more "respect" in Africa?

[Kabura Zakama]

Unfortunately, I should think so! Many factors may contribute to that, such as poor quality, poor reading culture and low audience/publicity for the work. I believe that there are many more things that others can add.

[nonso]

Even If i don't think so, lack of publishers here will force me to.

[Emmanuel Monychol]

Low self esteem forces African writers to think that way. I would rather be published in Africa. But who will read me, anyway?

[nonso]

I will. But lets be frank, how many publishers in Africa are interested in creative work? Most go for text books. Unless you will consider self publishing.

[Sola Osofisan]

I have to tell you, as someone living abroad, that publishers abroad are not exactly ecstatically on the lookout for new writers to publish. They care very little, believe me. They're out to make money, and so are on the lookout only for the next bestseller, which comes attached with a writer, that's all. Even that they will not consider unless it is pitched properly by a literary agent.

The only thing easier in America is self-publishing, which many writers are doing now, including the long established names. Technology has made it so easy to achieve quality equal to what the big name publishers can get you, and you can self-promote too. So, why share your profit with?

[nonso]

Then the road to sion is still very far for young writers.

[Sola Osofisan]

Originally Posted by nonso

Then the road to sion is still very far for young writers.

It is far from ANY writer. You can't get bogged down by publishing, Nonso. Spend the time waiting to make your writing the best it can be. When you have a product that's at the top of its game, publishing will work itself out, even if you have to self-publish. Don't swallow all that crap about stigma attached to self-publishing. If you do it well, and it is a well crafted book, everyone will embrace it.

[nonso]

Thanks. Let me still hope that a light is still in the long dark tunnel.

[Emmanuel Monychol]

Then, I later realized that the whole thing depended on my ability to create and create well or craftily if you like. Nonso, we have a long way to go but the whole thing seemed too near if we have the ability to create intelligently. I totally agree with Sola, our brother abroad. Sola by the way, I am reading your short story. What a wait!! (SMILES)