Traditional Book Publishing Process in Nigeria

If you want to publish a book in Nigeria, you have diverse options to choose from. It is either you go through the traditional book publishing process or self-publishing. Traditional publishing has to do with the process of finding an agent or a publisher that you will entrust your work to and such publisher will have to accept your manuscript and take responsibility for the production, distribution, and marketing of your book.

In a nutshell, self-publishing has to do with the process of doing everything yourself or hiring professionals to help you with the task. For any author, having an in-depth knowledge on the traditional book publishing Process is essential.

We’re going to guide you through the traditional book publishing process to enable make the rightful decision when you are ready to transform your manuscript into a book. Nevertheless, let us first, go through the meaning of traditional book publishing and self-publishing to have a full knowledge of what it means.

What is Traditional Publishing?

Traditional book publishing involves a publisher offering an author a contract to handle the printing, publishing, and distribution of their book through booksellers and retailers. Essentially, the publisher acquires the rights to publish the book and provides the author with royalties based on sales.

For those seeking traditional publishing, securing a literary agent is often a necessary step. To find the right agent, writers need to categorize their work appropriately. Non-fiction authors typically need to present a book proposal, which includes three sample chapters and a detailed synopsis for each chapter. Fiction writers should complete their manuscript before approaching agents.

After completing these preparations, the next step is to craft a query letter to send to potential agents. A well-structured query letter should include a brief synopsis of the book, a summary of the chapters, information about the target market or audience, and a description of the author.

What is Self-Publishing?

When we discuss the History of Book Publishing in Nigeria, self-publishing will always be mention due to its impact in the Nigeria publishing industry. Self-publishing involves authors independently funding and managing the publication of their work without the need for a traditional publisher. This approach typically pertains to written materials, including books and magazines, which can be produced either as eBooks or physical copies using print-on-demand technology.

Although, self-publishing has been around since the 18th century, it has evolved significantly in the digital age. The advent of the internet and new technologies has expanded the options available to authors, making self-publishing a substantial industry worth $1 billion.

The key advantages of self-publishing your book is that you control when the book is published, you keep all rights to your book, and you take 100 percent of the profits.

Key Differences Between Traditional Book Publishing and Self-Publishing

When it comes to traditional publishing, the publisher is responsible for marketing, distribution, and warehousing of the book, with all associated costs covered by them. This approach is known as traditional publishing because authors do not incur expenses, and the publisher profits from the book’s sales.

In contrast, self-publishing requires authors to handle most of the work and cover all related costs, depending on the publisher or platform chosen. The main benefits of self-publishing include having control over the publication timing, retaining all rights to the book, and keeping all profits from sales.

Regardless of the publishing method, you can choose the format in which your book will be available, including printed books, e-books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more.

E-books, which are digital versions of books accessible on e-readers and electronic devices, offer the advantage of instant downloads, the ability to be translated into various languages, and permanence in print. However, as e-book formats and file types evolve, conversion to new formats may be necessary.

Traditional Book Publishing Process in Nigeria

The traditional book publishing process in Nigeria has greatly evolve over the years but largely follows a standard sequence, similar to global practices. Here’s an overview of the traditional book publishing process in Nigeria:

#1. Manuscript Submission

The journey of a book begins with the author submitting their manuscript to a publishing house. In Nigeria, this process can vary slightly depending on the publisher, but it typically starts with the author sending either a complete manuscript or a proposal.

Publishers review these submissions to assess their alignment with market demands and their potential to resonate with readers. Given the competitive nature of the publishing industry, the initial manuscript submission is a crucial step in the traditional book publishing process.

#2. Manuscript Review and Approval

Once a manuscript is submitted, it undergoes a thorough review process. In Nigeria, publishers conduct an initial review to determine if the manuscript fits their catalog. For academic texts, peer review is often a part of this stage, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the content.

The editorial board of the publishing house then makes the final decision on whether to accept the manuscript for publication. This stage is vital in the traditional book publishing process, as it sets the foundation for the book’s development.

#3. Contract Agreement

If the manuscript is approved, the author and publisher enter into a contract. This publishing contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including royalty rates, copyright ownership, and marketing obligations.

In Nigeria, royalty rates can vary but are generally lower due to economic factors. The contract agreement is a formalization of the partnership between the author and publisher, marking a significant milestone in the traditional book publishing process.

#4. Editing and Proofreading

Editing and proofreading are crucial stages in the traditional book publishing process. The manuscript first undergoes content editing, where an editor works closely with the author to refine the text.

This is followed by copy editing to correct grammatical errors and ensure consistency. Finally, the manuscript is proofread to eliminate any remaining errors. In Nigeria, this stage is often collaborative, with editors playing a key role in shaping the final manuscript.

#5. Design and Typesetting in Nigerian Publishing

After editing, the book moves to the design and typesetting stage. The design team works on the cover design and interior layout, ensuring the book is visually appealing and marketable with innovative book design.

Typesetting involves formatting the text for readability, a process that is essential in the traditional book publishing process. In Nigeria, while some publishers use advanced digital tools for this, others may rely on more basic methods, reflecting the diverse nature of the industry.

#6. Printing

Printing is one of the most critical stages in the traditional book publishing process. In Nigeria, the decision on the print run is influenced by market expectations and financial considerations.

Publishers often opt for conservative print runs due to the high cost of printing and lower purchasing power. The actual printing can be done locally or overseas, depending on the quality and cost considerations.

#7. Marketing and Distribution in Nigeria

Marketing and distribution are vital for the success of any book. In Nigeria, traditional book publishing processes involve various marketing strategies, including book launches, media promotions, and community events.

Distribution is typically done through bookstores, schools, libraries, and increasingly, online platforms. However, challenges like poor logistics and an underdeveloped retail network can impact the effectiveness of these efforts.

#8. Sales and Royalty Payments

Once the book is in the market, publishers track sales through their distribution networks. Authors receive royalty payments based on the sales figures, as outlined in the contract.

In Nigeria, these payments can sometimes be delayed due to cash flow issues faced by publishers, a common challenge in the traditional book publishing process.

Challenges in the Traditional Book Publishing Process in Nigeria

The traditional book publishing process in Nigeria faces several challenges, including infrastructure issues, high production costs, and piracy. Despite these hurdles, the process remains a vital part of Nigeria’s cultural and educational landscape, contributing significantly to the dissemination of knowledge and literature.

Conclusion

The traditional book publishing process in Nigeria is a detailed and structured approach that has adapted to the unique conditions of the local market. Despite the challenges, it plays a crucial role in bringing Nigerian stories and knowledge to the world. Understanding this process is key for anyone looking to navigate the Nigerian publishing industry.