An authorpreneur is an author – traditionally or self-published – who adapts the savvy ways of an entrepreneur in order to build a business and grow multiple revenue streams around their book. In this guest post, Dave has asked me to share with you guys how I’ve managed to build a business around my debut novel Umbilicus, which I self-published in 2016.

What happens when you round up a gaggle of talented South African authors and let them loose in a brewery? Laughter (with some snorting), sharing of ideas and a few classic Facebook posts. Oh, they might have sold some books too. 

Sunday the 10th September the sprawling grounds that house the Black Horse Brewery in Magaliesburg was home to reprobates of a different kind. The parking lot hugging the Italian-esq architecture of the brewery was overflowing with people hungry to peruse the cream of South African Indie literature whilst simultaneously sipping an ale. 

This is the summarised story of my dad’s publishing journey. I know how important your time is and I promise it will be worth the read. I wanted to share my dad’s story on our blog for a few reasons, not all of them selfish. First, the obvious. My dad is an amazing man and a great father who I love and respect. Second, his journey and frustrations with the traditional publishing system is what inspired me to start a business that empowers authors. Without my dad having experienced first-hand the inner workings of an archaic publishing model I would never have been inspired to provide an alternative.

Have a read. If you have an inspirational story of your own to share – Let us know – We would love to share your publishing journey.