E-books, audios are in, more people are reading via their phones, laptops – Digital author, Akah

What is the focus of your recently published e-book? "Living in Gidi", just as the name reads, is about Lagos, from the eyes of an ardent observer. It is a collection of short, witty stories about life here. It follows the accounts on the streets, providing insight into this intrigue that is a city. It […]

What is the focus of your recently published e-book?

"Living in Gidi", just as the name reads, is about Lagos, from the eyes of an ardent observer. It is a collection of short, witty stories about life here. It follows the accounts on the streets, providing insight into this intrigue that is a city. It is written with a lot less seriousness than the city connotes. The street photos in the pages help project the images the stories are trying to paint. I wrote this book because I lived these experiences—most of them. I thought it would be interesting to people who don’t live here, and nostalgic (at least) to Gidi folks. I also wanted to make people laugh.

What does it feel to be an internet author where people talk more of hard copy books?

Internet authorship is a term that has come to stay, especially as all the publishing houses can’t publish us all. It feels pretty important for me to be recognised and celebrated for my eBook. Because, the people who read the paperbacks are the ones who read e-books, too. Their recognitions and regards for the book are universal. I feel cool when they say, yeah, Bro, the work is cool.

How can a writer get piece published online and attract market?

There are many platforms to publish your work online as an eBook. You just have to find which one suits you best, and which of them have good number of followers. These platforms accept ePUB formats and a cover image. That’s basically all you need. And it is at zero cost for the author. My book is on Amazon and Okadabooks.

About getting it to readers, the avenues are plenty. For me, the social media is king. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and blogs are the platforms where I promote my book; it is free, and the right people will key in. If your work is interesting, even unknown persons could become your promoters online. This is what “Living in Gidi” is riding on. There’s also the need to have followers yourself. You get them by constantly writing little things for them to read on your timeline.

Do you see digital and audio books audio taking over traditional print in Nigeria soon?

Digital books and audios are already the thing. More people than you know do their reading via their phones and laptops. And there’s a reason why these formats will be a lot more in our faces. They don’t hold restricting guidelines, and the platforms don’t do risk assessments before having an author published. You don’t have to be an author with a name to attract a publisher. You’re mainly your own publisher. So, more authors will toe this path. And with that, more readers will follow. Yeah, I think these forms are mainstays in our world now.

How do e-books affect reading culture, since smart phones are trending?

E-books are especially suited for this time. People are with their cell phones a lot more than they are with anything or anyone else. Why not get your work to them right there? Back when a guy holds a book, and he becomes an attraction to girls. Now that that is no longer the case, these little adjustments, digital books and digital audios, are a necessity. So yes, eBooks help sustain the reading culture of Nigerians and people everywhere. And sure, the debates about published works online help stimulate more interest.

What must young people do to become successful authors?

My advice to younger writers stays the same. Write as much as you can when your basic needs are still someone else’s to carter. When you become your own caregiver, responsibilities treat your muse like an unwelcomed guest. But if you’re already ready to publish, don’t think too much about getting fed from the returns. Get a job, or get something going. Most people who say they can’t wait for your book to drop are joking with you. Too few are serious about purchasing it. It can only get better though. We get big with time.