Each year, Publish’d Afrika Magazine sponsors the editing, proofreading, manuscript development and ultimately publication of three aspiring authors’ works, at no cost to them. These are aspiring authors that we identify independently, whose works in our opinion stand out and show promise. The authors also have to be willing to be mentored further on the craft.
This year, the indications are that we will increase the number to 10 writers. In March 2025, these writers will form part of PUBLISH’D AFRIKA Magazine’s annual Spoiling The Broth anthology (Volume 3) launch and workshop, where a number of industry experts will further help to hone their craft.
The idea is not only to help the 10 writers to publish their books, but to also inculcate in them the skills to build a fan base, and to develop themselves into brands synonymous with literature. While there is no age limit to writers who are accepted into the program, preference would be given to:
Writers under the age of 35.
Manuscripts must be written in English
Novels
YA Fiction
Short story collection
Memoirs/autobiography
Self-help books
Only open to SADC countries
We will not accept poetry or religious manuscripts at this time.
The PUBLISH’D AFRIKA’s Adopt-An-Author Program was established in 2021, with the publication of, amongst others, Zeripah Amoni’s book, I Am Also A Woman. The project was wholly funded by Mr Success Moripa, of Moripe Group of Companies. The project gained momentum with the publication of Matumelo Mafoko’s book, Through The Silent Tsunami. Matumelo’s project was funded by PUBLISH’D AFRIKA, after a sponsor pulled out.
Anathi Kom’s poetry anthology, A Tree of Life, soon followed. This was a collaboration between PUBLISH’D AFRIKA and the University of Fort Hare. Anathi has gone on to make a name for herself, also becoming a contributor to PUBLISH’D AFRIKA Magazine’s Spoiling The Broth anthology Vol1.
How to get spotted by PUBLISH’D AFRIKA Magazine scouts? In this day and age, writing talent alone is not enough to guarantee success as an author. Authors now have to unashamedly market their crafts to death. You no longer just have to sell your book, but also sell yourself as a brand. Put yourself and your work out there. Get tongues wagging, be in people’s faces and hog the spotlight, in a positive way of course.
Those are the people we are looking for; scribes who do not think publishing a book alone is enough. Writers who have laid the foundation and now need to be met halfway. Writers who are prepared to work equally hard for the success of their projects.
Unsolicited manuscripts will not be accepted. However, writers are welcome to send us a synopsis of their work (no longer than two pages, Times New Roman or Calibri 12), along with one chapter, an author bio and a detailed marketing plan they have put together.
Do you have numbers that you can show us? A fan base or following that would readily consume your work should it be published? Basically, can you show if there will be a return to the investment PUBLISH’D AFRIKA might make on you and your work?
Submissions open on 18 June 2024 and will close on 18 August 2024. Send your submissions (synopsis, one chapter, an author bio and detailed marketing plan only) to Sukoluhle Nontokozo Mdlongwa at info@publishdafrika.com.
PUBLISH'D AFRIKA 