NOT by the BOOK

These two bestselling South African authors published their novels themselves under their own brands, and they're flying!

-  ASHLEIGH ROMAN

Jackie Phamotse

PHAMOTSE & COMPANY

START-UP COSTS: 'It cost about R30 000 to produce the first batch of books in 2017. That's what I spent initially to cover printing costs and to pay the editor, proofreader and graphic designer.'

TURNOVER: 'We've earned almost 100% of the money that we put into the start-up over a period of five years. The book is sold in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Kenya.

Jackie wrote her first novel, Bare: The Blesser's Game, and published it herself in 2017. Then she followed it up with Bare: The Cradle of the Hockey Club, which won an adult-fiction award at the 2020 SA Book Awards. Now, the series is set to be adapted for television.

You worked as a model; why did you start writing?

It came from a sad, dark place. I was going through a period of severe depression. My mom had just passed away; I felt so lonely, and I had no idea where my life was headed. Writing about it was really a way to help me cope. My first book is loosely based on my own life.

What made you decide to publish the book yourself, and what are some of the challenges you faced?

I approached traditional publishers, and I was told there was no market for my book. I then started doing research on how to publish it myself, and asked people I knew in the publishing industry for advice. The hardest part of self-publishing is having to handle all aspects of it. I had to get an independent editor, a proofreader, and a graphic designer to design the covers. I had to use my savings to print about 200 copies, which isn't a big print run, but it made me realise the importance of funding. You also have to register a company to produce the project under that name. I read books on business administration and how to run a small business.