Calling prospective Namibian authors

NAMIBIA has a rich culture of verbal storytelling, not to mention a fascinating history that is largely unknown outside its borders.

And while bookshop shelves may groan under the weight of nature guides and coffee-table volumes, many Namibian writers still struggle to get their work published.

It may be simplistic to assert that this is due to the high cost of books, Namibia’s small population, a lack of a ‘reading culture’ or the lack of local publishing houses, as several local writers have seen their work published with great acclaim, including Rémy Ngamije and the late Neshani Andreas.

This indicates that there is clearly not only a wellspring of Namibian-based talent waiting to be tapped into, but also a readership eager for local narratives.

‘From Planning to Print: A Workshop for Namibian Writers’, presented by Samuel Mayinoti and Mel Kelly on 1 August, will explore a number of strategies available for getting finished manuscripts out into the world, such as online journals and magazines, self-publishing, print-on-demand, e-books and more.

Mayinoti of Africa Blossom Publishers has already hosted several workshops for prospective writers exploring the current publishing landscape, particularly those wishing to produce autobiographical or ghost-written material.

He has also authored several well-received books, including a biography of the recently deceased archbishop Ezekial Guti.

Having had her short-story collection, ‘A Bed on Bricks’, published recently by Modjaji Books in Cape Town to wonderful reviews, local editor and author Kelly has seen an upswing in the number of people approaching her with ‘an idea for a book’.

With Mayinoti and Kelly’s combined experience, they will help Namibians who are struggling to see their writing projects come to fruition.

Kelly will offer her perspectives on the challenges of the creative process, from drafting to proofreading, followed by Mayinoti, who will walk budding writers through the process of actually getting their work into print.

Other topics to be discussed include the complexities of copyright, royalties, intellectual property law, and other barriers to publication, as well as cost-effective production and distribution.

The workshop takes place at the Namibia University of Science and Technology Hotel School.

Space is limited and can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis by contacting africablossomcc@iway.na or 081 338 0036.

The deadline for applications is Monday, 24 July.