Being an indie author in South Africa is really tough work. You spend your life hearing a lot of, “Yeah, I still need to read your book. I’m just busy finishing this new James Patterson novel,” from your friends and a lot of, “Your book doesn’t fit our marketing plans,” from publishers. (Well, the reason why is because it’s far more lucrative for the publisher to be marketing James Patterson!)
I think the real reason for the lack of support, however, is due to the lack of a decent community and vibe around indie authors. That sort of thing has to start with the authors themselves, I’ve realised. Which is why I’m so grateful that author, Carlyle Labuschagne (author of The Broken Trilogy, and others) has started the SA Indies Rock (SAIR) Book Festival, which kicks off for the first time this Saturday. The festival includes a bunch of workshops with some very interesting guest speakers, and an awards ceremony in the evening. From 2pm it’s open to the public where you can come meet some fantastic local indie authors (details below).
And all that is just fantastic.
I’m excited to be there. Janet Wallace from the U.S. is one of the guest speakers and she will be speaking on “Thoroughbred Marketing & Branding in a Hybrid World”. Wallace is the owner of Social Deviants, which specialises in social marketing for authors and entrepreneurs. Other speakers include filmmaker and successful writer, Gareth Crocker; award winning author and publisher, David Robbins; and David Henderson, founder of myebook.co.za.
I’m also going to pitching my sci-fi ghost story thriller, The Butcher’s Shadow, to a panel of six publishers. I’m nervous and excited about that and am very keen to hear some honest, professional input.
Best of all, the SAIR Book Festival is all happening in Johannesburg. When I first heard of it I thought, “It’s probably happening in Cape Town.” That’s where all this cool sort of stuff happens. So what a great surprise!
Where: Modjadji House
Florida Hills Roodepoort
Johannesburg Area – South Africa
28 March 2015 from 9am – 9pm
Here’s who you can meet from 2pm:
Carlyle Labuschagne
Jo Watson
Rachel Morgan
Annette Kinnear
Dave de Burgh
Lea Cherry
Addriene Woods
Joan de la Haye
Dave Robbins
Monique Snyman
I’m not on the official list, but I’ll be there. So if you want to meet me too, well just look out for me 🙂
Tweet about it. Use #SAIR.