Write.

Do you love to write? Do you dream of being a published author?

From Socrates who complained that "the kids of today are going to ruin the world" to Dilbert's blog, I believe that writers and authors have guided human civilization. Using humour, logic and emotion they show us "what was" and "what might be".

The publishing industry doesn't treat authors well. What used to be a collaborative venture, is now a power struggle with a few large publishing houses holding the industry and authors to ransom. Advances are pitiful, royalties just a few percent, and the author often gets no say in the cover design, marketing material or distribution. Books in "low volume" languages like Afrikaans are almost impossible to get published, and South Africans living in Australia, Europe, the UK and Canada struggle to find books in their own language, about familiar people and cultures.

The technology of electronic publishing has given readers all over the world an opportunity to access books that are written for niche markets. The evolution of eReaders has presented authors with opportunities they have never had before - a chance to have greater control over their creative work and the income generated from it.

As always with opportunity comes responsibility - writers will no longer be mothered and chased by editors, and they will need to make decisions about marketing, cover design and other areas previously left to the publisher. That means writers need to learn more about business, marketing their work and branding themselves - this website offers insight into these fields based on our knowledge of the risks and rewards of both "traditional" and "new" publishing practices.

The opportunity, freedom and promise of money from electronic or digital publishing will also attract a new set of parasites - knowledge will provide you some immunity. If you plan to self-publish, this site will provide advice and warnings from authors, and help you take the first steps in relative safety.

We are always on the lookout for English or Afrikaans books that tell great stories - whether they are classics or new manuscripts. If you are a writer looking for a place to publish your work and earn an income from writing, please join our writers community.

If you are a South African with a prospective manuscript, or wish to volunteer to mentor authors or edit manuscripts, please contact Kindle Books South Africa.

IMHO* South Africa needs more good writers