INTERVIEW IN

WEEKLY TRUST NEWSPAPER

Saturday September 30, 2006

“INTERNET PUBLISHING IS GREAT BUSINESS”—Shuaib

Interview conducted by Odoh Diego Okenyodo

Mr. Yushau Abdulhameed Shuaib is a graduate of Mass Communications from Bayero University Kano with Postgraduate Diploma in Banking and Finance and a diploma from International School of Public Relations, London. An award winning writer, he is also an accomplished author with published books and several articles syndicated in several print media and popular blogs which are also accessible on his website www.yashuaib.com. Mr. Shuaib, has four published books: Nightmare for the Rich, Writing for the Media, Financial Public Relations, and A Dozens Tips for Media Relations and also a collection of poetry. Here he suggests strategies for authors who want to be published. Excerpts:

Bookshelf: When did you start writing?
Shuaib: I started in the university to fill the boredom and kill stress by engaging in poetry, short stories and other writings on topical issues. I also established some campus publications like Campus Voice magazine and Campus Express Newsletter. While the magazine was published monthly, the newsletter was published fortnightly but included serious campus gossips and poems. My early writings before establishing the campus publications had appeared in Triumph, Democrat, Concord and New Nigerian. Before I graduated in 1992, I had three unpublished novels which two, The Journey and Young Demonstrators, got missing, while the last, Nightmare for the Rich was published after my graduation.
 

Bookshelf: From the foregoing what took you into publishing may not be an accident. Are you a writer or a publisher?
Shuaib: We must differentiate between writing and publishing. A writer may not necessarily be a publisher neither is a 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.
 

Bookshelf: You publish yourself; don’t you think this limits you in many ways?
Shuaib: 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 personalities, 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 its minimum requirements like proofreading, editing and review before the publication.
 

Bookshelf: Would you consider book publishing money spinner?
Shuaib: Yes, to some extent. It is unlike other business ventures where you expect instant dividends immediately after the investment. Those largely interested in such immediate results are those launching their books every now and then. They can easily make a fortune from the calibre 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 funds from the launching. But, who in his right thinking mind will be interested in someone’s eating habit? With patience and endurance, publishers and authors receive their dividends as they get more patronage in form of sales endorsement and participation in worthwhile activities like seminars, conferences, exhibitions, book fairs, etc.
 

Bookshelf: What is the best way for self-publishers in marketing their works?
Shuaib: The process is quite stressful but not necessarily very expensive in monetary value. It all boils 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 public, and visits to major booksellers and academic environments may also be desirable. Once these requirements are met and the book has much for the readers, there is hope of success.
 

Bookshelf: What do you think it takes to succeed in self-publishing?
Shuaib: To achieve success, self-publishers or authors must take the pains to make sure their work is thoroughly proofread and edited by submitting to experts and professionals in 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.
 

Bookshelf: How do you market your book?
Shuaib: Well I have a website, www.yashuaib.com, which 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. In fact internet publishing and marketing is a new thinking and great business. Almost the Who’s Who and lesser mortals are there exploring the abundant opportunity it provides.
 

Bookshelf: Don’t you lose revenue by displaying your work on the internet?
Shuaib: Internet technology is the best tool 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 applies to my work where I have received several requests 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. I will advise young writers and self publishers too to get acquainted to this new technology to get published.
 

Bookshelf: What is your interest in writing and publishing?
Shuaib: 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 gifts from God for the benefit of others.
 

Bookshelf: What are your fears as an author and publisher?
Shuaib: The fear of piracy discourages potential publishers. 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.