In today’s digital age, the influence of social media goes far beyond casual interactions and culture. Its influence has spread to the field of literature, fundamentally altering how literary texts are created, consumed, and interpreted.
Whether positive or negative, the rise of a thriving social media space has had long-term consequences for many businesses around the world. To begin, social media has made literary texts available in the dynamic world of social media conversations, rather than just printed pages. Today, readers can engage in real-time discussions about books, poetry, and literary themes, creating a participatory literary culture. Authors are now adopting cutting-edge forms to tell stories that appeal to readers who are aware of digital culture.
Young people like following trends, and they discover that reading has once again become enjoyable and addictive due to the influence of social media. It’s an endless cycle where users are always looking for new books to discuss and share on apps like BookTok, InstaBook and YouBook.
Although BookTok has emerged as the most widely used platform for book promotion, the above-mentioned follow respectively. These apps have also proven beneficial for authors and publishers.
Before the internet, People read books for pleasure and entertainment. Many young people read for pleasure, while others watch television. But reading drastically decreased as the digital era and social media emerged in the early 2010s.
According to a 2018 study by the American Psychological Association, 82% of seniors in high school were daily users of social media in 2016 and one in three did not read a book for pleasure.
According to the study, only 60% of seniors in high school in the 1970s reported reading a physical form of print, such as a book, magazine, or newspaper. This percentage has been falling for years.
The advent of the digital age meant that people who read for pleasure were making more purchases online thanks to the internet, which increased the number of Amazon users. This meant that publishing houses, chain bookstores, and independent bookstores all faced significant challenges as a result of the Internet. Sales at these companies were plummeting.
My name is Peter Deng. I am the owner and creator of Africa World Books, based in Australia. As a publisher with many years in the industry, I can attest to how traditional forms of publishing struggle to compete with the instant gratification and convenience provided by digital channels. This shift has impacted authors’ and publishers’ livelihoods, but it has also had a significant impact on the quality and variety of literature available to readers.
I believe that African writers have rich stories that, if properly recorded, published, and marketed, can impress and impact the world in unprecedented ways. I’ve told my own story both orally and in books, and thanks to the power of technology, many people have interacted with it and connected with me further.
In 1996, I became a refugee from South Sudan. My education began in Kenya in fourth grade at the Kakuma Refugee Camp. I received additional assistance from my paternal uncle, Dr. Lual A. Deng, which allowed me to attend boarding school at the Kakuma Ariad Zone Primary School in the Turkana region. Later, I was transferred to the Katilu Primary Boarding School in Turkana.
As the head boy of my elementary school, I gave a speech warning other students in Kenya to think about their words and actions toward South Sudanese people because their choices could have a positive or negative impact on our country and its people. It could either curse or bless Kenya. The speech was well received, and many young people’s perceptions of South Sudanese people changed.
A few years later, Marit Hernaes, a generous NPA employee, provided me with financial aid, allowing me to attend Weaver Bird High School in Kitale. There, I became the leader of the New South Sudanese Student Union and achieved success in both school and the community.
In 2006, I moved to Australia. I first lived in Western Australia before relocating to Melbourne. I graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in international business and later pursued a Master of Business Administration. In 2011, I achieved independence.
My publishing journey began when I looked for an out-of-print book about my father, a tribal chief. The book was titled “South Sudan’s Struggle for Liberty.”Following that, I was able to assist other members of the South Sudanese Diaspora in obtaining books and other materials. I wanted to capture the story from the conflict-torn region. My other primary goal was to assist in reuniting families who had relocated with children. Many of them misplaced their original paperwork and keepsakes.
I have overcome adversity with the unwavering support of so many people, and I am working to build a future in which literacy is a fundamental right for all. As I continue to work, I plan to reach out to others to promote literacy and advocate for the power of words. I am grateful to South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his government for promoting free speech and expression. I would also like to express my gratitude to the people of Kenya.
We specialize in publishing books written by people of African descent. As a company, we have been supplying books to countries in Africa’s eastern region and worldwide. In South Sudan, we encourage people to express their anger through writing, rather than taking up arms and killing one another, as is common in many African countries. I am confident that the African continent’s publishing sector will be able to raise literacy rates, promote traditional literature, and preserve oral traditions.
Throughout my career as a publisher, my goal has been to eliminate illiteracy and promote a culture of reading and the preservation of information at risk of being lost. Even with the tireless efforts of outstanding individuals, authors, and publishers, the fight against illiteracy remains ongoing. I am grateful to all of the authors who have dedicated their time and resources to helping me with my business and literacy efforts. Reading habits are scarce in today’s society, and many people are still struggling financially. The authors with whom I collaborate give freely of their time and resources. They play an important role in motivating and educating others. We all enjoy sharing knowledge and encouraging a love of literature.
Even with such great efforts, African authors must embrace the conveniences of the digital age if they are to reap significant benefits from their publishing endeavours. In Australia, where we are based studies show that:
l Despite technological advances, nine out of ten young people prefer to read physical books over digital versions.
l Almost 10% of reading around the world is done on digital devices, a figure that is steadily increasing.
l 70% of Australian authors in all genres have altered their publishing methods due to technological advancements.
l Two-thirds of Australian authors interact with their readers through new technologies like social media.
l More than half of Australian authors believe that modern technologies offer new ways to publish original paid work.
The studies mentioned above have significant implications for the African continent, particularly for technologically advanced countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria. Such a trend will soon engulf the continent as a result of collaborations between regional blocs such as the EAC, ECOWAS, and SADC, which primarily focus on economic development, with technology seen as a driving force behind such progress.
Because of technological advancements that have liberalized almost all industries, internationally established companies can now profit from the African market without ever setting foot on African soil. As a result, African publishers and authors must rise to the occasion to capitalize on the changing market landscape brought about by the influence of social media. To avoid extinction, the African Publishing industry must be aware of the following:
l Publishing companies must now focus on creating, marketing, and selling both digital and physical versions of their titles. Consumers have quickly adopted new technologies such as smartphones, e-readers, and tablets.
l Publishers must now focus on both physical and digital formats.
l Physical formats have been influenced by a push to make the industry more sustainable, and as a result, better manufacturing developments are now being used.
l Social media has enabled publishers to connect directly or indirectly with other people and companies in the industry.
l Publishers can anticipate industry trends and produce titles that better meet the needs of their customers by using data gathered from social media.
l Book consumers now believe they can make their voices heard by using social media, particularly for book reviews on the Good reads platform. In addition, many consumers enjoy following industry experts across multiple platforms.
l Consumers may even contribute by adding book-related content and building their following.
l Consumer feedback will influence the film industry’s decision on which books to adapt into movies.
l New technological developments have resulted in an increase in digital formats such as ebooks and audiobooks, both of which have proven popular among consumers.
There is hope for African writers, and their rise can only be accelerated by embracing the benefits of the digital age.
Sincerely,
Peter Deng
Phone: +61861122989
Address: Unit 3, 57 Frobisher St, Osborne Park, WA 6017
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