This week in SAIAA/Hive, from me, Lee… yeah, no one sat still. It was full steam ahead, in your face, no time to overthink kind of energy. Things were moving fast. Connections were made. Bonds got stronger. And you can feel it… we’re not just building individually anymore. We rise together. Watch this space. South…
She had lit candles. Seeing the way they danced their flickering light across the walls and ceiling of the sombre dining room brought a wet glimmer to my eyes. It was as if I had forgotten to appreciate the beauty of such small things. Candles, flowers in a plastic vase, a bleached white tablecloth –…
written by Cherise Kotze You open Instagram or TikTok and the first thing you see is an author celebrating their twentieth book. You scroll. Another author announces a four-book deal with a publisher. You scroll again, and someone else has just hit bestseller status on their fifth release this year. And you? You are still…
written by Angela Candler If social media feels like a crowded room where everyone is talking at once, a mailing list is a quiet conversation across the table. It’s slower, more personal, and far more powerful than most authors realise. We all love social media, because it helps us connect, promote, celebrate wins, and find…
written by Angela Candler At some point in your writing journey, a quiet question starts to whisper: Is self-publishing right for me? Not as a trend.Not as a shortcut.Not as a backup plan, but as a real, personal choice. Because behind every book is a human being. Someone with hopes, doubts, dreams, fears, and a…
The story below was a joint writing project by our co-founders and founding members. Each member added up to 500 words to the piece, resulting in this beautiful story. Please note that copyright of this story remains the property of SAIAA and it’s members. “The house had learned how to keep secrets long before I…
written by Angela Candler (Let’s Talk About What’s Actually True) If you’ve ever thought about self-publishing a book in South Africa, chances are you’ve heard a few scary stories. “Self-published books aren’t taken seriously.”“You need loads of money.”“Bookstores will never touch your book.” Sound familiar? Let’s slow things down and talk honestly about what self-publishing…
written by Michelle Hitchens Understanding where and how to publish your book For South African authors, one of the most important decisions after completing a manuscript is how and where to distribute it. The publishing landscape has expanded significantly in recent years, giving authors more control, flexibility, and access to both local and international readers. Each…
ISBNs in South Africa: What You Need to Know Written by Angela Candler If you’ve ever stared at the words “You need an ISBN” and thought…Okay cool but… what even is that? You’re not alone. ISBNs often feel confusing, expensive, and wrapped in publishing-industry fog. But once you understand what they’re for and when you actually need…
By Angela Candler Being an indie author in South Africa is not the same as being an indie author anywhere else. It is especially important for us to find the right mindset to begin treating writing as a business in South Africa. Our market is smaller, access is limited, and bookstores are cautious, and distribution…