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Communication is a fundamental human right, so everyone who has a story to tell should be able to do so. However, the gatekeeping processes involved in the traditional model of publishing do not make it possible for every voice or story to end up as a book in the hands of readers. This practice is firmly rooted in the "survival of fittest" syndrome which ensures that only manuscripts that assures profits for publishers make it to the book market. As a reaction, marginalized authors at the receiving end of this practice are leveraging on digital technologies to by-pass publishers and connect directly with readers, leading to an increasing rise in self-publishing. While past studies have captured the role of digital technologies in reducing the intermediating role of book publishers between authors and readers, how this intermediation sets the pace for and enhances self-publishing practice in a developing African country like Nigeria has received scant attention. Based on the argument that democratized book publishing promotes literary diversity, this study reviews trends in self-publishing in Nigeria. Analysis reveals that self-publishing has become firmly established as a digital-led publishing model in the country. Recommendations are offered on standardizing self-publishing in the emerging Nigerian digital economy, including the relevance of strategic digital and social media marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the work of Okadabooks, a Nigerian e-book publishing and reading platform and its impact on the Nigerian publishing industry, exploring the complex and overlapping relationships between writing online, self-publishing and e-book publishing. Drawing on interviews as well as an institutional analysis of Okadabooks, the article traces the emergence and evolution of Okadabooks as a way of documenting an important and growing sector of literary publishing in Nigeria. By examining book distribution challenges in Nigeria, and exploring the ways e-book publishing offers solutions in terms of ease of publication, it shows how the platform enables writers to make money from their writing, and reach more readers. Consequently, it shows how Okadabooks is opening up spaces for homegrown Nigerian literary talent in a way that creates both cultural and economic value. Finally, the article highlights the innovative ways in which Okadabooks works both online and offline, through partnerships, social media campaigns and community social responsibility, to build communities of readers and writers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Book publishing will constitute a wasted effort if worthy books are not placed in the hands of readers. The signs are that Nigeria is under-served and the potential book market largely untapped. Although various reasons could be adduced for unwholesome book reading development, publishers need to play their own part in changing situations by publishing books that readers can read and make sure that readers want to read them, and then put them within readers' reach. Book marketing (and publishing) in Nigeria leaves a lot to be desired. To create a reading nation, Nigerian publishers need to operate within the marketing concept in their pursuit of profit and survival by satisfying readers. By so doing, the publishing industry should witness a tremendous change. A change that is not only beneficial to the book industry as a whole but the nation as well, since a reading nation is also a development-oriented nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]