Using WhatsApp, novelists in Zimbabwe write and sell books : Analysis

In Harare, Zimbabwe, Kingston Dhewa sells his novels on WhatsApp while running an outdoor fruit and vegetable stall. Inspired by other Shona authors, he writes in the local Shona language, focusing on traditional African rural life themes. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Dhewa started sharing his stories on WhatsApp and has since written and sold 43 novels. Readers pay for the full book after receiving a few chapters for free. Clever Pada, another reader in Harare, enjoys Pamela Ngirazi’s novel on WhatsApp. Author Ngirazi uses WhatsApp channels for better communication with her followers. Readers pay for the rest of the book via mobile money transfer. The economic crisis in Zimbabwe has encouraged authors to self-publish on WhatsApp to earn money and engage with readers. Traditional publishers face challenges due to piracy and economic factors. The industry’s demise has caused new digital publishers to emerge. Authors can protect their works with copyright laws in Zimbabwe, but enforcement is lax. Self-publishing has led to significant changes in the local publishing industry, with lesser-known authors opting for WhatsApp publishing. While established authors have international success, most local writers struggle for recognition and financial stability. For Dhewa, self-publishing on WhatsApp has allowed him to reach a broader audience and share African culture through his stories. He aspires to achieve literary success and recognition like popular Shona novelist Patrick Chakaipa.

Analysis:
The article discusses the emergence of self-publishing on WhatsApp among Zimbabwean authors like Kingston Dhewa and Pamela Ngirazi in response to an economic crisis and challenges faced by traditional publishers. The information provided seems credible, as it features specific examples of local authors and their experiences with WhatsApp publishing. The article presents a clear overview of how these authors leverage WhatsApp to reach readers and generate income.

The reporting appears unbiased and informative, shedding light on the economic factors driving authors towards self-publishing and the impact on the local publishing industry. It touches on copyright issues and the lack of enforcement, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by writers in Zimbabwe.

However, readers should be cautious as the article mainly focuses on positive aspects of self-publishing and may not fully address potential drawbacks or limitations associated with this approach. Additionally, while the article portrays self-publishing on WhatsApp as an innovative solution for Zimbabwean authors, it does not extensively explore broader implications for the literary landscape or the quality control mechanisms in place for such digital publications.

In the context of the political landscape and the prevalence of fake news, this article appears to be a genuine attempt to highlight the evolving dynamics of the publishing industry in Zimbabwe. However, readers should remain discerning and seek additional sources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by local authors in the digital age. The article’s portrayal of self-publishing on WhatsApp as a solution for economic hardships underscores the resilience and creativity of authors in navigating adverse conditions, but readers should also consider the broader implications and potential risks associated with this trend.

Source: Aljazeera news: WhatsApp novelists use messaging app to write and sell books in Zimbabwe