5-Part Interview Series with Digital Book Platforms Founders in Africa.
We are pleased to introduce our five-part “Conversation Series” with African digital founders innovating in publishing. These innovators are enhancing access to books on digital platforms and helping publishers reach a wider audience. The market size of e-publishing in Africa is projected to reach US$1,250 million by the end of 2024 (Statista). Each segment will cover their platforms, contributions to the literary landscape, support for brick-and-mortar publishers, and opportunities for emerging authors.
Our fourth conversation is with Adebayo Jacobs-Amoo, Nigeria, the founder of MyLibri Books, a subscription-based online library that affords users access to books all over the world covering ranges of different genres.
What unique features or aspects set your digital book space apart from other platforms in the literary world?
MyLibri Books product/solution is the key difference. The provision of books across different sectors to diverse types of users across distinct stages of life.
Could you share how your platform collaborates with publishers, and what advantages publishers gain from working with you?
All the books on our platform are directly sourced, and agreements made with the respective publishers. Our direct agreement with publishers/authors gives them a competitive edge and access to several users.
When curating content for your platform, what factors guide your selection process?
Highlighting the books/authors/publishers we have on our platform and to satisfy the wishes of our users. A properly curated list, influenced by our users and drives accessibility to much sought after books.
Maintaining content quality is crucial. How do you verify the authenticity and quality of the books featured on your platform?
We source our books directly and get the sign off on from publisher and authors. Our app also gives room for our users to request for certain books, hence providing users inputs into the books we host on our App.
Could you elaborate on the support services or tools you offer to authors and publishers within your ecosystem?
Free Promotion of their books and other services, spotlight mentions and publicity where necessary.
In terms of author development, how do you assist writers in growing their readership and establishing their brand?
We promote all the books on our platform, which is not limited to Nigeria. Some of our authors are first time writers and we are supporting them by publicising their books on all our social media channels, including featuring their books across competitions we host.
Can you tell us about any specific publishing services or collaborative opportunities you extend to authors?
We currently do not publish books.
Ensuring fair treatment for authors and publishers is crucial. How do you safeguard their rights and manage royalties?
Their royalty is guaranteed and regular (regardless of the performance of their books).
Could you outline the various revenue models your platform employs, such as commissions or subscription-based models?
We use the Subscription Model, but we have different plans for different class of users.
When it comes to revenue sharing, how do you allocate earnings between publishers and authors?
We have a structured payment plan.
From your perspective, how does your platform contribute to the evolution of African literature and its impact?
History. Keeping our history in literature for the generation yet unborn. Affordability. Bridging the gap between affordability and availability for students to reduce the number of students not able to further their education due to the cost of books. Finally, we cannot continue to chop down trees because we want to make papers and books, we are digitalising this product and making them available. They are cheaper and cause less harm to the environment. Help us save our trees while we ensure our pupils are well prepared for tomorrow.
