5 Things I have learned as a Self-Published Author in Kenya

Indulge me this evening as I tell you about my publishing journey. I first explored self-publishing by sharing my stories on Smashwords in 2011, and from there got onto Amazon via CreateSpace in 2014– and in 2019, dealing with delay in shipping and desire to try something closer within the country I got onto print-on-demand and started working with Publish4All Kenya.

In looking at my earlier works, I would recommend reading Pieces– it’s my most downloaded ebook on Smashwords.

So, what are the 5 things I have learned in my self-publishing journey that I’d like to share?

1. Keep refining your work. I write and journal every day- and sometimes I get my older written drafts and review, and share snippets with beta readers to sample and provide feedback- does the story flow? Did I get their attention and keep it throughout the story? Where did I lose them? How can I write better?
2. Talk about your books and your writing. Yes, I struggle with this and I am learning that it is simple- no one will know if you do not tell them.
3. Read widely. This builds on lesson one- how else do you develop a flair for words if you do not read widely, or use those words? I have learned how Writers pace their writing, structure their dialogues and even how they weave facts into the stories by reading.
4. Patience. Wueh! To all my Kenyan people, come closer- this one is for you. Everyone can say they want a copy and like, comment, repost or share a million times- that’s love but it’s not a sale. You had better prepare yourself for the days, months and years you’d go without anyone buying a copy of your book- and this takes us back to lesson number 2. Keep marketing your book- if it’s not in people’s faces and timelines that’s a reader lost.
5. Make a Writer friend or two- it’s always great talking about books and buying books from each other, a community of writers is powerful. Have you connected with Writers Guild Kenya? I’d also recommend that you connect with Elly Kamari– she’s a gem, always sharing insights on publishing and writing in Kenya on her blog.

That’s it from me, so as your March gallops ahead, I’d recommend buying a copy of my latest book “The Longest Way Home,” I’ve heard it makes a great companion while on the road, during the weekend or when you want to brag about having read a book by a Kenyan Writer.

https://nuriakenya.com/product/the-longest-way-home-by-dora-okeyo/