Members get the scoop on self publishing

South African speaker and publisher, Mr Webster Tsenase, hosted the Writers 2000 meeting on April 2.

Mr Tsenase kept members glued to their seats as he explained the process of self-publishing. Although this is a route many authors today follow, it is an area that remains a bit mysterious to those who have not yet used it.

Mr Tsenase is an entrepreneur, author, publisher and speaker, who runs seminars to coach entrepreneurs on achieving their organisational and personal goals.

“The self-publishing process is straightforward but certainly not simple,” said Mr Tsenase. He went on to discuss the distinct and essential steps involved and advised fellow writers to do the following:

•  Research – ensure your book has something to say. Try and be unique, so do the necessary research.
•  Write – be disciplined about your writing process and ensure you write something even on days you don’t feel inspired.
•  Content – once you have written your book, it is essential to have it edited. “This is so important, editing should be the most expensive part of the process,” said Mr Tsenase.
•  Apply for an ISBN number from the SA National Library in Pretoria. Each version of your book (e.g. paperback and eBook) must have its own number.
•  ISBN barcode – all printed books require a barcode so apply for this too.
•  Cover design – this is an essential part of your product, so it is worth having a professional design done.
•  Typesetting and layout – the appearance of the text must be clean and easy to read, so it is worth researching things like what is the best font to use. It is possible to purchase self-publishing software.
•  Prepare a ‘Print Ready’ PDF document.
•  Print your book.

“So is it really as simple as that? In some ways, yes,” he said.

“But this is where the hard work starts as you now have to market your book.”

On September 17, Mr Tsenase will be running a workshop on self-publishing. The cost to attend will be R70 for W2000 members and R140 for non-members. If you want to make a booking, email megganpreuss@gmail.com to request a booking form.

If you want to order a copy of Mr Tsenase’s book, The Author’s Guide to self-publishing in SA or to find out more about his seminars, send an email to webster@webstermotivateme.com

The group’s next meeting will take place on Saturday, April 30, at the Inyoni Creek Clubhouse, Rand Aid Complex, on the corner of Wordsworth and Modderfontein Roads, Lyndhurst. The meeting will start at 1:30pm for 2pm. Author and writing trainer, Ms Judy Barnes, will be the speaker. There is a door fee of R20 payable by visitors.

Email the chairperson, Ms Nicolette Bosman, on w2000@telkomsa.net or phone 082 924 5735 for more information about this meeting or the group.