Having lived through and enacted it, i think publishing only women writers is a hugely political act, particularly if you think about the way publishing is owned, media is owned, who gets to make the decisions, and how women are represented. Im only in the second month of this project and im already behind on publishing the pieces on the books that ive read. Modjaji books was started in 2007 by colleen higgs, it is an independent press that. Modjaji books is a small independent press that publishes southern african women writers. Modjaji books is an independent publishing company based in cape town, south africa. Colleen higgs is the publisher and passionate, dynamic force behind modjaji books, a small independent press based in cape town, south africa. Submit your manuscript for publication by modjaji books. Publishing involves teamwork, motivation, conflict resolution, marketing, and the creativity of. Modjaji books is a south african smallscale independent publisher. Publish a book with penguin penguin books south africa. I have found new authors i didnt know about, and new books by established writers. Allocate a previously allocated isbn to a new book 2.
One of the benefits of metrorails delays and break downs is more reading time on the way to work. Started in 2007 by colleen higgs, it is an independent press that publishes the writings of southern african women. Womens, feminist, and lgbtq publishers the office of the. Womens, feminist, and lgbtq publishers the office of. Modjaji books fills a gap in southern africa by providing an independent outlet for serious writing by women.
As a writer, she has published poems and stories in literary magazines in south africa since 1990. If you as a published author, reader or publisher agree that books should be seen as essential services during lockdown, please add your name to this appeal, follow the link to sign. Modjaji is doing a wonderful job of publishing south african literature. You have consistently championed small independent publishing before modjaji and since in her time as information manager for the centre for the book in cape town, higgs managed the awardwinning community publishing project and have written on and been involved in numerous projects promoting writer development. Each option gives you wonderful discounts and provides support for modjajis ambitious publishing programme. Read on to discover the launches, author appearances and new titles that are in store in march. Bontle senne is a book blogger and literacy advocate. Jul 18, 20 the small publishers catalogue 20 by katie reid on 18 july, 20 3 this year sees the new edition of modjaji books small publishers catalogue, which updates the first edition of 2010. Colleen higgs publishing director modjaji books linkedin. Then publishing becomes a work of transformation, turning the manuscript into a particular book. Modjaji books south africa modjaji books is an independent feminist press that publishes southern african women writers. The first three book covers were done by hannah morris. It was shortlisted for the sunday times fiction award at the time and has continued to attract readers.
It would be unfair of us to make you put your project on hold while we take time to decide things. Fools gold is an anthology of selected short stories, all of which were previously published in an individual writers collection or in either stray or the bed book of short stories. What does it take to succeed as a selfpublished book. South africas feminist press modjaji books turns 10. You will need to submit a covering letter that contains a brief bio especially that which is relevant to you as a writer. We understand the important role that the publishing industry plays in the.
She can also be invited to do workshops for groups anywhere in the country. Higgs was information manager at the centre for the book for over seven years, where she managed projects such as the awardwinning community publishing project and writer development, and brought out a series of pamphlets on writing and publishing. Worldreader publishers who believe in ebooks for literacy. Next up on this small series about making covers is the cover of whiplash by tracey farren, the first novel we ever published.
Worldreader strives to work with our publisher partners in a way that matches our mutual ambitions. We sat down with nyana kakoma, whose gogetter attitude and ascendant career trajectory is something to behold. Higgs was information manager at the centre for the book. The back of the catalogue contains articles and short essays about the publishing scene in mostly, but not only anglophone africa. This independent feminist press is currently seeking manuscripts for publication. Many others players are publishing the kinds of books that at first were only published by modjaji. The women in the book are from diverse settings, and their stories reflect not only the multiple roles that women play in society, but also the obstacles they face as a result of race. Modjaji has a proud history of publishing debut short story collections that are successful in literary and sales terms. Colleen higgs, the publisher and founder of modjaji books, who is set to give a seminar on selfpublishing at the book lounge in february 2020, is also a keen proponent of. We understand the important role that the publishing industry plays in the ecosystem of literacy and know that the success of our readers is tied to the success of publishers. We spoke about her beginnings, her new publishing house and challenges facing the business end of african literature. Modjaji books was founded in by colleen higgs modjaji books is based in cape town, publishing books written.
Launches dont forget about these upcoming launches. Colleen higgs is a publisher extraordinaire not only does she know the writing. Amadodakazi endlovukazi umodjadji is the first in a planned childrens book series for 712 year old girls that features african women whose lives inspire. You should be familiar with our list and have read at least a couple of modjaji titles relevant to the category that you are submitting in. Publishing is an arena that directly contributes to the shaping of culture, changing minds, offering new ways of being in the world. But in the series of posts i want to convey something of how we get to a cover. You can support modjajis groundbreaking work by choosing one of the options below. Nov 10, 2017 modjaji books addressed this inequality by publishing books that are true to the spirit of modjaji, the rain queen. Nyana, i have watched you go from an intern at modjaji books, to a blog for short stories and poetry to now a publisher. It is great to know that you can rely on a publisher to always publish amazing books. Colleen talks to stephanie kitchen about running an independent feminist press in south africa. Allocate the right isbn but the book is printed with the incorrect barcodeisbn on the back cover so that the isbn on the imprint page and the back of the book arent the same 3.
There are few other publishers who take the risk of publishing debut short story collections. The list of frequently asked questions below should cover most queries new authors have about the submissions process. Publishing in hardcover or paperback with a traditional publisher only and not selfpublished or ebookonly, please and thank you. Love, adoption and parenting while white by martina dahlmanns with contributions by tumi jonasmpofu. Colleen higgs born 1962 in kimberley, south africa is a south african writer and publisher. The small publishers catalogue 20 by katie reid on 18 july, 20 3. Modjaji books, south africa modjaji books was started in 2007 by colleen higgs, it is an independent press that publishes the writings of southern african women. Modjaji books is republishing in tangier we killed the blue parrot, which was first published by jacana back in 2004. Modjaji books was founded in by colleen higgs modjaji books is based in cape town, publishing books written exclusively by southern african women. We understand that, as an author, you want as great a chance to have your manuscript published as possible. Mothers milk books england mothers milk books is a small, familyrun press that publishes highquality, beautiful books for adults and children that normalize breastfeeding and celebrate femininity and empathy. Modjaji has opened the door for writers and new publishing ventures.
Independent, feminist publisher of southern african women writers. Modjaji wants counter the prevailing position of books as commodities, reading as consumption. Many modjaji titles have gone on to be nominated for and to win prestigious literary awards both in south africa and internationally. Colleen higgs publisher modjaji books africa in words. Ya books publishing october 20 this is only for young adult book publishing in october 20. We spoke about her beginnings, her new publishing house and. There are also items and innovations that are of interest to writers, booksellers, publishers, librarians, and all of those who are interested in the world of african publishing and book. Modjaji books was started in 2007 by colleen higgs, it is an independent press that publishes the writings of southern african women. Modjaji books addressed this inequality by publishing books that are true to the spirit of modjaji, the rain queen. Also this was the first book we published back in 2007. Modjaji books is an independent publishing company based in cape town.
Publishing in hardcover or paperback with a traditional publisher only and not self. Modjaji books is a singular publishing house which only publishes work by women and people who identify as women, and only those who live in southern africa, or who are. Publishing involves teamwork, motivation, conflict resolution, marketing, and the creativity of getting it all to work together. Thoughtful, eyeopening, heartopening collections of poetry and prose from women an amazing publi. If she is not available, she can put you in touch with other reputable writing teachers and courses.
Love, adoption and parenting while white by martina dahlmanns. If you do not submit a full manuscript, please state as such in the manuscript description portion of the form. Colleen higgs is the publisher and passionate, dynamic force behind modjaji books, a small independent press based in cape town, south. Colleen talks to stephanie kitchen about running an. Yewande omotosos novel bom boy is published by south africas modjaji books the awesome independent publisher that will be publishing balthasars gift later this year and. Mothers milk books england mothers milk books is a small. Started in 2007 by colleen higgs, it is an independent press that publishes the writings of. From the start, modjaji has had enormous goodwill and enthusiasm showered on her. Modjaji books fills a gap by providing a platform for serious and groundbreaking writing by new and established women writers with brave voices. Young modjaji fan reminds us why books like a to z of amazing south african women need to exist. In a recent new york times article, nigerian writer tricia nwaubani argued that western publishers still determine the type of african fiction to be published and this is often for. Sa booksellers the value of small and micro publishers.
Colleen higgs is a publisher extraordinaire not only does she know the writing business inside out, she is also an astute and unflappable businesswoman. As a publisher, she is both renowned and respected as the founder of independent publishing house, modjaji books. Modjaji books book 4 strange fruit helen moffett poetry. Modjaji books wants to fill a gap by providing an independent outlet for serious writing by women. Please note that we generally do not accept work that has been previously published or selfpublished in book form. Itis a mesmerising novel which draws the reader into the creative, erotic and exiled minds of paul and jane bowles. There are also items and innovations that are of interest to writers, booksellers, publishers, librarians, and all of those who are interested in the world of african publishing and book development. Modjaji books is a tiny fish in a smallish pond, yet it has made an impact on the continent and internationally as a feminist publishing house. She is a former managing director at the puku childrens literature foundation, a trustee of read educational trust and a part owner of. Jun 02, 2014 yewande omotosos novel bom boy is published by south africas modjaji books the awesome independent publisher that will be publishing balthasars gift later this year and has been shortlisted for the inaugural panafrican etisalat literary award. Demeter press is the first book publisher focused specifically on the topic of mothering motherhood. Publishing perspectives have called this one a beauty, and indeed it is, in concept and design.
Higgs was information manager at the centre for the book for over seven years, where she managed projects such as the awardwinning community publishing project and writer development, and brought out a series of. Colleen higgs started modjaji books in 2007 as an independent feminist press that publishes southern african womens fiction, poetry, and biographies she felt african women deserved to tell their stories on an authentic and conscientious platform. She begins with her work as a writer motivated by a wish to join in the conversation of. Lucky enough to work at the centre for the book for over seven years from 2001, where she learnt a huge amount about the book trade in south africa, ownerpublisher colleen higgs started. Modjaji books international alliance of independent publishers. Having lived through and enacted it, i think publishing only women writers is a hugely. We publish short stories, novels, memoir, biography, poetry, essays, narrative nonfiction, reference books and relevant nonfiction. Modjaji books and the book lounge are thrilled to invite you to the launch of modjajis latest memoir, a person my colour.
Publishing is not just a business, although it can be. Colleen is an inspiration to writers, poets and business people connected to the publishing industry. Apr 19, 2017 modjaji books is a singular publishing house which only publishes work by women and people who identify as women, and only those who live in southern africa, or who are originally from southern africa, or whose work reflects a major relevance to southern africa. The first of a small series about designing covers for modjaji books titles.
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