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1/5 True, but much also depends on the author's commitment to ensuring the book is available locally. I refused to sign my contract with @CUPAcademic before they inserted a clause my book about Solomon Mujuru https://www.rexnhongo.com would be available at a cheaper price locally. https://twitter.com/kgosinyathi/status/1275991721684451328
2/5 Then came the leg work. I visited every local bookstore with information about the book (content, price, where and how to order, etc). So today you can buy my book via any recognised local booksellers @Innov8Bookshop @WeaverPress @BYOgallery
3/5 Also important for authors to stay engaged with booksellers during the ordering process & facilitating orders where one can. After books arrive check on sales & help promote the book locally - if it does well, it boosts local sellers' capacity to stay afloat @Innov8Bookshop
4/5 Authors receive gratis copies, which (in addition to copies I purchased from local sellers in order to support them) I donated to all local public libraries, major universities and high schools in my hometown Bulawayo @Innov8Bookshop
5/5 But at $25 the book is still pricey given state of local economy. Also didn't help that at one point state intelligence services confiscated a consignment of the book at RG Mugabe Airport: https://www.newzimbabwe.com/cio-confiscates-book-on-solomon-mujurus-life-and-death/ It wasn't wise to do a series of local book launches after that
