A Zambian author's contestation of common perspectives on self-publishing

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Periodical article

Title:	A Zambian author's contestation of common perspectives on self-publishing
Author:	Banda, Sekelani S.
Year:	2014
Periodical:	Journal of Southern African Studies (ISSN 1465-3893)
Volume:	40
Issue:	3
Pages:	615-621
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zambia
Subjects:	literature publishing
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/03057070.2014.909662
Abstract:	In the literature and in Zambia's public life, there exists a dichotomy of perceptions about published works. The works published by mainstream publishers are viewed as prestigious: in cultural circles, in firm opposition to self-published books, they are 'the right thing to do'. This article problematizes such perceptions. It discusses the Zambian publishing environment and the author's own experiences with self-publishing. It also explores ideological perspectives on the commonly assumed axioms that anchor the dichotomy of perceptions about published works. The author maintains that literary products that enter the market should be judged according to their inherent appeal, quality, marketability and profitability, rather than their mode of publication. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]