Got a story in you? Here's how to publish your book on AfricaRead.
Publishing on AfricaRead is free. Sign up as an author, select Start new submission, set your price, and upload your manuscript as a Word file or EPUB. Add your book's details, choose your plan, upload your cover, and select Submit for free review. Once our team approves it, your book goes live in the bookstore.
Watch the short video, or follow the steps below.
Why publish on AfricaRead?
AfricaRead is a bookstore and reading app that puts your book in front of readers, on the web and in the AfricaRead app for iPhone and Android.
- Publishing is free. There are no upfront costs, and you keep up to 90% of every sale.
- Upload your manuscript as it is. We turn your Word file into an ebook you can preview before you submit.
- Track every sale. See your sales and get paid from your author dashboard and wallet.
Choose your publishing plan
Every plan lets you publish your ebook. Pick the one that suits you, and upgrade any time.
- Launch: free to publish, with a 75% royalty on every sale.
- Grow: add the services you need, one at a time, with a 75% royalty.
- Thrive: everything in one bundle, including every format and regional pricing, with the full 90% royalty.
Step 1: Sign up as an author and log in
Sign up free at africaread.org as an author, then log in.
Step 2: Select Start new submission
From your author dashboard, select Start new submission at the top right.
Step 3: Set your price
E-Book is already selected. Start by setting your book's price.
Step 4: Upload your manuscript
Next, the form asks: "Does your book contain math equations or expressions that must keep exact layout?"
If your book has math equations or a fixed layout, select Yes, and upload a phone-fit PDF instead (up to 95 MB).
For most books, leave it on No, select Choose file, and upload your manuscript as a Word file (.doc or .docx) or an EPUB, up to 300 MB.
Word files are converted into an ebook for you. To get the best result, use headings for your chapter titles. If you'd like help, you can also add Assisted book formatting, a paid service.
Step 5: Preview your ebook
Select Preview ebook to see your book exactly as readers will see it in the AfricaRead app. You can switch between light, sepia and dark themes, change the text size, and page through every chapter.
The book in these screenshots, The Weight of Light by Ama Writer, is an example we made for this guide.
Step 6: Add your book's details
Add your book's title, your author name and the language. You can also add a publisher, an ISBN, the number of pages and a publication date, if you have them.
Then write a short description of your book in About the book. This is what readers see before they buy, so make it count.
Step 7: Add keywords and categories
Add up to three keywords, separated by commas, and choose up to three categories, so readers can find your book.
Step 8: Choose your plan and upload your cover
Choose your plan. Launch is free, with a 75% royalty. Then upload your cover image, as a JPG, PNG or WebP file.
When everything is in place, select Review submission.
Step 9: Review and submit your book
Check your cover, plan, price, details, keywords and categories. Select Edit details if anything needs changing.
When you're happy, select Submit for free review.
What happens next?
Our team reviews your book. Once it's approved, it goes live in the AfricaRead bookstore, on the web and in the app for iPhone and Android.
From then on, you can track every sale from your author dashboard, and get paid from your wallet.
Once your book is live
Here's how to get your book in front of more readers:
- Share your book. Every published book comes with ready-made flyers. Here's how to share your book with readers.
- Create a coupon. Give readers a reason to buy today. Here's how to create a coupon for your book (watch the video).
- Invite other authors and readers. Earn a commission when they get started. Here's how to earn with referrals (watch the video).
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to publish a book on AfricaRead?
Publishing is free. With the Launch plan there are no upfront costs, and you keep 75% of every sale. You can add paid services with Grow, or upgrade to Thrive for up to 90%.
What file formats can I upload?
You can upload your manuscript as a Word file (.doc or .docx) or an EPUB, up to 300 MB. Word files are converted into an ebook automatically, and you can preview it before you submit.
What if my book has math equations or a fixed layout?
Answer Yes to the math and layout question on the New book form, and upload a phone-fit PDF instead, up to 95 MB.
What do I need before I start?
Your manuscript, a cover image (JPG, PNG or WebP), a short description of your book, up to three keywords, and up to three categories. An ISBN is optional.
How long until my book is live?
After you select Submit for free review, the AfricaRead team reviews your book. Once it's approved, it goes live in the bookstore on the web and in the AfricaRead app.
Where do I see my sales and earnings?
Track your sales from your author dashboard, and get paid from your wallet.
Ready to publish your book?
AfricaRead: Bridging authors and readers.
- Website: africaread.org
- iPhone and iPad: Download AfricaRead on the App Store
- Android: Get AfricaRead on Google Play
Follow us for more author tips and tutorials: