Fontainebleau-based organisation African Narratives will host the 2015 Indie Book Fair at the Sunnyside Park Hotel in Parktown on 20 and 21 March.
“Independent publishing represents the future of publishing and the re-emergence of good local literature. There are huge conglomerates working outside of the country but we get tired of reading Harry Potter and we want to hear South African stories,” said David Robbins of Afna.
According to Robbins, there are not enough writers in the country.
“We always encourage people to read and with this project we are encouraging people to read and Afna is encouraging people to write so that South Africans can read stories they can relate to.”
The book fair will be open to all independent small and indigenous publishers, self-publishers, writers, book distributors, libraries, schools, independent bookshops, reading clubs, community development agencies, local authorities, and the general public.
“There’ll be books galore and a display of services from the nuts and bolts of book production to the miracles of digital publishing. There’ll be provocative talks by key players in and around the world of books. There’ll be panel discussions.
There’ll be ample opportunity to meet new people at a special opening breakfast and a special closing cocktail party. There’ll be plenty of facilities for eating and drinking. And there’ll be secluded garden benches for those confidential chats. It’s all part of the unique new wave.”
The Indie Book Fair is a celebration of independent writing, publishing and distribution.
“Afna sees the versatility and small-scale nature of independent publishing as the natural medium to stimulate the production of high quality books through which South Africans will be encouraged to write and read about their specific realities,” said Robbins.
The event costs R10 per person payable at the door. Children under 12 years enter for free. Additional tickets for breakfast and the cocktail party available on first- come-first-served basis at R100 for each event. Exhibitors are also invited at a fee.
Details: Clare-Rose Julius on 011 791 4561.
