INTERVIEW IN

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE NEWSPAPER

Wednesday August 23, 2006

PERSONAL FINANCE

MY WEBSITE PROMOTES MY WORKS

You can do same too

 Interview conducted by Gbola Subair, Abuja

Do you now that by writing books, you can improve your financial situation? There are abundant cases of unemployed graduates in the country today who are simply living on books writing, there are others in paid employment who are simply supplementing their income with royalties recovered from books writing. You too can be as lucky as the two groups of people highlighted above.

To teach us the rudiments of how we too can be our own employer through book writing is Mr. Yushau Abdulhameed Shuaib, a graduate of Mass Communications from Bayero University Kano with Post Graduate Diploma in Banking and Finance and a Diploma from International School of Public Relations, London.Our teacher on Personal Finance today is as accomplished author with published books and several articles syndicated in several national media which are also accessible on his website www.yashuaib.com

Mr. Shuaib, who has four published books to his credit namely Nightmare for the rich, Writing for the media, Financial Public Relations, and A dozens tips for Media Relations and a collection of poetry published in most of the national media and popular news website, suggests strategies for authors who want to be published excepts:

What does it take to get published?

We must different between writing and publishing. A writer may not necessarily be a publisher neither is publisher a good writer. A writer is the person who put his thoughts together in writing to convey a strong message, while the publisher is the person or firm engaged in packaging the writing into standard form for the public. Therefore, a publisher’s roles start after the completion of the writing. He/she is responsible for proofreading, editing, publication and marketing of the written works.

Between Self-Publishing and Publishing Firms

Why would one take into self-publishing if the Publishing Houses are ready to take the responsibility? The truth, especially in this part of the world, is that most publishers are looking for established authors and highly influential personality, instead of encouraging and promoting the works of young and new writers. In a situation where the Publishers give unnecessary conditions and unwarranted excuses, it is better to read the handwriting on the wall and take the ultimate decision before delving into self-publishing which also has it minimum requirement like proofreading, editing and review before the publication.

Is Book Publishing Money Spinner?

Yes to some extent. It is unlike other business venture where you expect instant dividends immediately after the investment. Those largely interested on such immediate result are those launching their books every now and then. They can easily make a fortune from the caliber of personalities that grace the occasion. But most of such books after the launching are hardly on the book stand, because they may not be worthy enough for public interest. For example if you happen to be a wife or child of a powerful political office holder, you can even write about how that subject of yours (husband/father) eats daily with such title of “How I eat with my Godfather” and still generate enough fund from the launching. But who in his right thinking mind will be interest in one’s eating habit? With patient and endurance, publishers and author receive their dividends as they get more patronage in form of sales endorsement and participation worthwhile activities like seminars, conferences, exhibition etc.

What is the best way for self-publishers in marketing their works?

The process is quite stressful but not necessarily very expensive in monetary value. It all boil down to leg works and goodwill where mutual understanding is sought with the stakeholders. For instance, press release and briefing may be necessary to intimate the publics and visit to major book sellers and academic environment may also be desirable. Once these requirements are met and the book has much for the readers, there is hope of success.

What are the requirements on self-publishing?

To achieve success, self-publishers or authors must take the pain to make sure their work is thoroughly proofread and edited by submitting to experts and professionals on the field for vetting. There is also need for huge discount or in the alternative; the book should be affordable to poor students and ordinary citizens in addition to providing complimentary copies for editors and reporters for Review in the media. An attractive title, creative cover design and superior printing quality are added marketing advantages for a best seller.

How do you market your book?

Well I have a website www.yashuaib.com where it introduces visitors to my writings and other links to some of my published articles, poetry and books. The relevant webpages also feature comments and endorsements from renowned scholars, editors and respected columnists. Consultation with the booksellers, academic environment and other relevant outfits are necessary in the overall success of the circulation. You too can do the same by opening a website

Don’t you lost revenue for displaying your work on the internet?

Internet technology is the best tools for promotion and marketing of literary works and other creative products. Reputable broadcast and print media are today on the internet. You can read all their pages from the web, yet they make their profit from hard copies. The same apply to my work where I have received several request abroad for printed copies even when they have access to the works on the internet. But mark you; there is possibility that you may need permission to other sites within the website.

What is your interest in writing and publishing?

Though people have different reasons for going into publishing, as a writer my joy is to share ideas and make knowledge easily accessible to the society. One of the greatest blessings of this century is the emergence of information technology where from your room; you can work, edit, publish, circulate and market your works through the computer to the global community. If we can easily access voluminous information on the internet why do we need to make our works so exorbitant for others? I think it is immoral to be stingy with idea, inspiration and knowledge which are gift from God for the benefit of others.

What is the fear of Author?

The fear of piracy discourage making from publishing. I still believe, the relevant authorities concerned can take stringent measures to address the cankerworm if they are given the necessary cooperation. Authors and publishers too can beat pirate to the game if they make the cover prices very competitive and affordable.