ITAN Global Publishing: Giving Africans Writers the Platform They Deserve

Focus:

• The story behind ITAN's creation
• The gap in traditional publishing and foreign platforms
• How ITAN centers African voices and stories

ITAN, a Yoruba word meaning for "story" or "tale," perfectly encapsulates the essence of ITAN Global Publishing. More than just a publishing house, ITAN Global Publishing was born out of a profound necessity – the urgent need to provide African authors with the platform they deserve, a stage upon which their rich and diverse narratives could finally resonate without compromise.

This is the story of ITAN's creation, the glaring gaps it aims to fill in traditional and foreign publishing landscapes, and its unwavering commitment to centering African voices and stories.

The Genesis: A Seed Planted in Frustration

The idea for ITAN Global Publishing wasn't conceived in a boardroom but rather in the quiet frustration shared by countless African authors. For years, the journey for a budding writer on the continent often felt like navigating a labyrinth designed by others.

Traditional publishing houses, often burdened by legacy structures and risk aversion, frequently overlooked manuscripts that didn't fit neatly into preconceived notions of what "sells" or what appealed to a Western audience.

The gatekeepers, consciously or unconsciously, often favored narratives that confirmed existing stereotypes or were easily digestible by a foreign readership, rather than those that genuinely reflected the multifaceted realities of African life.

Foreign publishing platforms, while offering a wider reach, presented their own set of challenges. Authors often faced an uphill battle in gaining recognition amidst a deluge of international submissions. Marketing and distribution, particularly within Africa, became a Herculean task.

Furthermore, the editorial process, while professional, could sometimes subtly or overtly push for revisions that diluted the authentic African voice, nudging narratives towards a more "universal" appeal that, ironically, stripped them of their unique cultural nuances.

Royalties, when they materialized, were often significantly reduced by international transaction fees and unfavorable exchange rates.

It was against this backdrop of disheartening rejections, editorial compromises, and logistical nightmares that the founders of ITAN Global Publishing, a group of passionate writers recognized a critical void.

They understood that the problem wasn't a lack of talent or compelling stories in Africa; it was a systemic lack of accessible, equitable, and culturally sensitive avenues for these stories to reach the world.

The seed for ITAN was planted in this shared frustration, nurtured by a collective desire to empower African writers and reclaim the narrative.

The "gap" in traditional publishing and foreign platforms, which ITAN Global Publishing ambitiously set out to bridge, is multi-layered and deeply rooted in historical power imbalances.

Firstly, the gatekeeper mentality:

Traditional publishers often operate on a model of scarcity, selecting only a minuscule percentage of submitted manuscripts.

For African authors, this often meant competing not just on merit, but against an unspoken bias that prioritizes certain themes or styles. Publishers, sometimes inadvertently, perpetuate a narrow view of "African literature," leading to the rejection of diverse genres, experimental narratives, or stories that challenge established tropes.

2. Lack of cultural understanding:

Foreign platforms, despite their global reach, often lack the nuanced cultural understanding essential for truly appreciating and marketing African stories.

Idioms, proverbs, historical contexts, and social dynamics that are deeply embedded in African narratives can be misinterpreted, downplayed, or even removed in the pursuit of "clarity" for an international audience. This can lead to a loss of authenticity and the very essence of the story.

Thirdly, marketing and distribution limitations: Even when an African author secures a deal with a foreign publisher, the marketing and distribution efforts often fall short within the African continent itself.

Fourthly, unfavorable financial models:

The financial realities for African authors often involve navigating complex international payment systems, high transaction fees, and unfavorable exchange rates, significantly eroding their earnings. Traditional models often leave authors with a small percentage of royalties, making a living solely from writing an almost unattainable dream.

ITAN Global Publishing was designed from the ground up to address these very issues, offering a publishing ecosystem that is both robust and deeply empathetic to the African author's journey.

Centering African Voices and Stories: The ITAN Philosophy

At its core, ITAN Global Publishing is an embodiment of the philosophy that African voices deserve to be heard, unadulterated and in all their richness. This commitment manifests in several key ways:

* Afrocentric Editorial Lens:

ITAN’s editorial team is comprised of individuals with a deep understanding and appreciation of African cultures, languages, and literary traditions. They approach manuscripts not with a desire to "globalize" them, but to enhance their authenticity.

The focus is on preserving the integrity of the author's voice, ensuring that cultural nuances are celebrated, not diluted. This means understanding the power of local dialects, the significance of specific historical events, and the subtleties of social interactions within an African context.

* Diverse Genres and Narratives:

ITAN actively encourages submissions across a wide spectrum of genres – from speculative fiction rooted in African mythology to contemporary realism, historical fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. They are keen to dismantle the notion that African literature must conform to a single, monolithic style or theme. The goal is to showcase the vast tapestry of African storytelling, reflecting the continent's dynamic and multifaceted realities.

Empowering Authors Through Fair Practices:

ITAN is committed to transparent and equitable financial models. They prioritize fair royalty splits and clear payment structures, ensuring that authors receive a just return for their intellectual labor.

Furthermore, ITAN invests in author development, offering guidance on manuscript refinement, marketing strategies, and career sustainability.

* Robust African and Global Distribution:

Recognizing the importance of reaching both local and international audiences, ITAN has established robust distribution networks. They prioritize making books readily available within African markets, working with local bookstores, online retailers, and educational institutions. Simultaneously, they leverage digital platforms and strategic partnerships to ensure global reach, ensuring African stories find their rightful place on the international stage.

* Building a Community:

Beyond publishing, ITAN fosters a vibrant community of African authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts. Through workshops, literary events, and online platforms, they create spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support, nurturing the next generation of African storytellers.

In essence, ITAN Global Publishing is more than a business; it is a movement. It is a defiant response to historical marginalization and a resounding affirmation of the power and beauty of African narratives.

By centering African voices, addressing systemic publishing gaps, and fostering a supportive ecosystem, ITAN is not just publishing books; it is building bridges, igniting conversations, and ultimately, ensuring that the rich, diverse, and compelling stories of Africa finally receive the platform they have always deserved.

It is, quite simply, giving African authors their voice back, louder and clearer than ever before.

Are you an author looking for where to publish your fiction, reach a wider audience, and earn fair royalties?

Visit: https://publish.itan.app/ and start your publishing journey today.