Community Publishing Project
The Community Publishing Project (CPP) was launched in August 2001 by the Centre for the Book and NB Publishers in Cape Town, funded by Nasboek, which has since become Via Afrika.
Nasboek donated R150 000 over three years to pilot this exciting new publishing project. It has opened up entry points into publishing, and has created new opportunities for new and marginal voices. Even writers and writer publishers who have not worked through the project, have been encouraged by it, because of using the draft small scale and self publishing booklet.
Commercial publishers can't always justify the publication of books that would probably only have limited markets, especially in a country like South Africa where the book-buying market is very small. A project such as this makes possible the publishing of more marginal works.
Writers who have not been published are often critical of publishers' lack of interest in their writing. However, working as small publishers means writers will begin to understand the collaborative relationship that publishers, writers, booksellers and other actors in the book chain need to have. Writers and community publishers learn about the crucial importance of marketing and distribution of books. It is not enough to get a book printed; publishing also means marketing and selling. The project aims to develop new small publishers filled with enthusiasm and imagination in the marketing of the books they produce.
What you get if you are selected to be recipient of a Community Publishing Project grant
You will receive mentoring from editors at NB Publishers, and a small grant which will cover the costs of printing a small print run for a first edition. The money you make by selling the books can go towards reprinting, and towards financing a new book by the writer or the writers' group.
The projects being undertaken by the individual writers and writing groups who applied to us are widely varied in form and style, and indicate that writers are generally taking up the challenge to explore themes and concerns of their personal and community lives. Many writers are keen to produce works in the languages of their regions, rather than only English works, and this suggests that there is a realisation among writers of the need to build a readership by reaching out to the majority of South Africans for whom English is only a second or third language.
Small scale and self-publishing: a rough guide --- available in early 2005
By April 2005, we will have this booklet guide available for sale. It is practical guide that offers advice on the full publishing cycle, including finalizing your manuscript, editing, proofreading, engaging with book design, printing options, getting quotes from printers, how to get an ISBN number, marketing and distribution.
The Community Publishing Project (CPP) is proud to say that nine books have been published with the support of its grants and mentoring.
Visit the website at www.centreforthebook.org.za or call them on 021 4232669
Nasboek donated R150 000 over three years to pilot this exciting new publishing project. It has opened up entry points into publishing, and has created new opportunities for new and marginal voices. Even writers and writer publishers who have not worked through the project, have been encouraged by it, because of using the draft small scale and self publishing booklet.
Commercial publishers can't always justify the publication of books that would probably only have limited markets, especially in a country like South Africa where the book-buying market is very small. A project such as this makes possible the publishing of more marginal works.
Writers who have not been published are often critical of publishers' lack of interest in their writing. However, working as small publishers means writers will begin to understand the collaborative relationship that publishers, writers, booksellers and other actors in the book chain need to have. Writers and community publishers learn about the crucial importance of marketing and distribution of books. It is not enough to get a book printed; publishing also means marketing and selling. The project aims to develop new small publishers filled with enthusiasm and imagination in the marketing of the books they produce.
What you get if you are selected to be recipient of a Community Publishing Project grant
You will receive mentoring from editors at NB Publishers, and a small grant which will cover the costs of printing a small print run for a first edition. The money you make by selling the books can go towards reprinting, and towards financing a new book by the writer or the writers' group.
The projects being undertaken by the individual writers and writing groups who applied to us are widely varied in form and style, and indicate that writers are generally taking up the challenge to explore themes and concerns of their personal and community lives. Many writers are keen to produce works in the languages of their regions, rather than only English works, and this suggests that there is a realisation among writers of the need to build a readership by reaching out to the majority of South Africans for whom English is only a second or third language.
Small scale and self-publishing: a rough guide --- available in early 2005
By April 2005, we will have this booklet guide available for sale. It is practical guide that offers advice on the full publishing cycle, including finalizing your manuscript, editing, proofreading, engaging with book design, printing options, getting quotes from printers, how to get an ISBN number, marketing and distribution.
The Community Publishing Project (CPP) is proud to say that nine books have been published with the support of its grants and mentoring.
Visit the website at www.centreforthebook.org.za or call them on 021 4232669
posted by Rose Mokhosi at
8:09 AM
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