Indie Book Fair: A publishing revolution in the making

By Darren Gilbert

There is a revolution going on in the local publishing industry and it has its roots in Johannesburg. Let me introduce you to African Narratives. A Section 21 company, it wants to change your opinion on independently published books.

It is a massive task, yes. It’s also a daunting one. After all, we’re talking about changing entrenched opinions and long-held beliefs. That is not something that can happen overnight. But, according to Porcupine Press’ GM, Clare-Rose Julius, it’s more than possible.

“The current problem that we are facing in South Africa is that there are so many small- and medium-sized self-publishing entities,” says Julius. “Many of these publishers seek distribution services but what they produce is not of a high enough standard to be moved into a bookshop.” That is why someone needs to step in. In South Africa’s case, that someone is African Narratives.

Described as the future of self- and independent publishing in South Africa, it’s an important organisation. Yet, on its own, it will undoubtedly fail. It needs avid support. Julius certainly knows this. So do her colleagues, which is what has led to the establishment of another South African first: the Indie Book Fair.

Taking place at the Sunnyside Hotel in Johannesburg from Friday, 20 to Saturday, 21 March, the Indie Book Fair is for anyone interested in independent and self-publishing. In other words, it’s a celebration of independent publishing, publishing and distribution.

“The idea [for the Indie Book Fair] started inside Porcupine Press between myself and David and Gail (Robbins),” says Julius. “There is not really a platform in South Africa for independent authors to promote their work and sell to the public. We needed to change that.” And what better way to do that than to have a specific platform to drive that change.

The local publishing industry certainly needs it. While it is currently small, with the increased availability of local writing, be it from independent or commercial publishers, the South African book market will grow. “South Africa is just waiting to explode with local talent,” points out Julius. “It is just waiting for us to tap into it.”

In the past, these aspiring authors would be lost to the publishing world. That’s not because they weren’t talented enough but rather because no one gave them a decent chance. Not anymore. Where African Narratives aims to be the voice of independent publishing, the Indie Book Fair intends to act as the pulpit on which it can stand and project its message. It’s about time.

The inaugural Indie Book Fair takes place on Friday, 20 and Saturday, 21 March at the Sunnyside Hotel in Johannesburg. For more information, www.indiebookfair.co.za.