By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Darren August started Inspired Publishing after seeing writers pay more than R450,000 to release their books.
- His programme helps authors finish their books, sell hundreds of copies and turn their writing into a business.
Darren August, founder of Inspired Publishing, says too many South Africans are giving up on their dream of becoming authors because the publishing world feels too complicated and expensive.
At a 2015 event, he saw writers spending more than R450,000 to publish their books. Some even cashed in policies or sold belongings just to cover the costs. That, he says, pushed him to offer a better way.
“I vowed to help South Africans do this at a fraction of the price, using what I had learned from my own journey,” he said.
His programme focuses on strategy and clarity, which he believes are the missing pieces for most writers. “Writing a book is the easiest part. Selling it is much harder. Strategy is what solves that problem,” August explained.
His coaching has already produced success stories. One author from the Eastern Cape battled for six years to finish her book but, with guidance, completed it in two months and sold nearly 1,000 copies in three months.
Another case that stood out for him was an older woman with more than 30 years of ministry experience. Although she had been travelling and speaking for decades, she only launched her first book recently, and sold about 800 copies in just one month.
August said the biggest mistake new authors make is believing their story alone is enough. “You have to package it in a way that serves the reader,” he said.
He also encourages authors to treat their books like a business. Inspired Publishing sets itself apart by focusing on each writer’s unique voice and message, instead of a one-size-fits-all model.
His advice to anyone who wants to publish is to simply start writing but get the right help early.
“Have a proven process, a supportive community, and ongoing coaching. That is how you turn your dream into a published book,” August said.
Pictured above: Darren August.
Image source: Darren August Facebook
