The Brave New World of Self-Publishing

Self-publishing is the process of publishing a book or other content independently, without using a traditional publishing house. Instead of handing over control to a publisher who manages editing, design, printing, distribution and royalties, the author takes the reins. You can choose your team, timeline, budget and creative direction.

Here’s how it usually works:

• The author writes and edits the book (sometimes hiring professional editors).
• They may commission a designer for the cover and layout.
• They select how they want to publish, i.e. print, digital or both.
• The book is published through a platform (like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark or via a professional printer like Lebone Litho if they want high-quality litho-printed hard copies).
• The author also markets and sells the book themselves or with hired help.

Self-publishing allows complete creative control, faster timelines and direct access to readers. For African authors, especially those tackling unique cultural themes or writing in indigenous languages, it’s a powerful path. Once the manuscript is done, high-quality litho printing transforms it into a book readers can hold, share, gift and treasure.

It’s time to celebrate five trailblazing authors.

Tomi Adeyemi – The Nigerian Star of YA Fantasy

Though Tomi was born in the USA, her Nigerian heritage pulses through her writing. Children of Blood and Bone, a richly imagined West African fantasy, began as a self-driven passion project. Before her work was picked up by a traditional publisher, Adeyemi built a fan base by blogging and sharing her work online. Today, her trilogy has topped the New York Times bestseller list and optioned for a movie by Disney. She represents what happens when African heritage meets the freedom of self-publishing.

Thando Mgqolozana – Changing The Rules From Within

South African author Thando Mgqolozana made headlines when he turned his back on mainstream publishing and literary festivals. Instead, he created the Abantu Book Festival – a space celebrating black literature for black audiences. His novel A Man Who Is Not a Man, originally self-published, explores masculinity and initiation rites in Xhosa culture. Mgqolozana proves that storytelling autonomy can shift pages and paradigms.

Zukiswa Wanner – A Self-Publishing Powerhouse

Kenyan-based South African writer Zukiswa Wanner is a literary force. After finding success in traditional publishing, she turned to self-publishing for more creative and financial control. Her novel Hardly Working: A Travel Memoir of Sorts was independently produced and became a sensation. 

In 2020, she became the first African woman to receive the Goethe Medal for cultural contribution. Her publishing initiative, Paivapo, now supports other African authors in self-publishing their works too.

Leye Adenle – Crime Fiction With A Lagos Beat

Nigerian-born Leye Adenle writes noir with a distinctly African flavour. His breakout novel Easy Motion Tourist was rejected several times before he turned to self-publishing. The risk paid off – he won acclaim from The Guardian and The Financial Times for his gritty depiction of Lagos nightlife. His journey is a reminder that self-publishing isn’t just about access, it’s about resilience and trust in your story.

Troy Onyango – Curating A New Literary Culture

From Kisumu, Kenya, Troy Onyango is a writer and a literary curator. After self-publishing his short stories and building a loyal following, he launched Lolwe, an online magazine showcasing African literary voices. His debut collection, For What Are Butterflies Without Their Wings, was self-published and went on to receive praise across the continent. He exemplifies how self-publishing isn’t just personal; it can lift a whole community of voices.

Bringing Stories To Life With Lebone Litho

Once a manuscript is complete, the next transformation begins, turning your dream into something beautifully tangible. That’s where we step in. At Lebone Litho, we print full colour, high-quality books using professional litho printing methods that ensure consistency, sharpness, and vibrancy, page after page.

Whether it’s memoirs, poetry, educational materials or novels that shift the literary landscape, we give African authors the physical format their stories deserve. Through our expertise in book printing, binding and finishing, we turn vision into volume.

Bring your story to life with bold litho printing magic at Lebone Litho!