Bringing Important Stories From Manuscript To Readers

Great books have the power to educate, inspire, preserve culture, and transform communities. However, many meaningful stories never reach readers because authors face challenges accessing professional publishing support.

The Read To The World Publishing Sponsorship Programme supports selected Zambian and African authors by helping transform valuable manuscripts into professionally published books that can reach schools, libraries, communities, and individual readers.

By supporting authors, the programme strengthens the availability of quality reading materials while contributing to literacy development, cultural preservation, and the growth of Africa’s publishing ecosystem.

About The Programme

Creating Books That Build A Reading Culture

The Read To The World Publishing Sponsorship Programme is an initiative focused on strengthening the creation and availability of quality, locally relevant books.

We believe that building a strong reading culture requires more than providing access to books. It requires ensuring that readers have books that reflect their experiences, preserve their stories, encourage learning, and inspire future generations.

Through this programme, selected authors receive publishing support while their books become part of a wider literacy ecosystem connecting authors, schools, libraries, communities, and readers.

Why This Programme Matters

Many Stories Deserve To Be Read

Across Africa, talented writers carry important stories, knowledge, and ideas, but many face barriers that prevent their work from reaching readers.

Limited Publishing Opportunities

Many emerging authors lack access to professional publishing guidance and industry support.

Financial Barriers

The cost of editing, design, printing, and publishing can prevent valuable books from being created.

Need For African Voices

More locally written books are needed to represent African experiences, cultures, histories, and perspectives.

Access To Quality Reading Materials

Schools, libraries, and communities need relevant books that encourage learning and lifelong reading habits.

Programme Objectives

Our Goals

The Read To The World Publishing Sponsorship Programme aims to:

✓ Increase the availability of Zambian and African-authored books.

✓ Support writers creating educational, cultural, inspirational, and knowledge-based works.

✓ Reduce barriers preventing important stories from being published.

✓ Expand access to locally relevant reading materials.

✓ Strengthen Zambia’s creative and publishing industries.

✓ Support literacy initiatives with quality books.

How The Programme Works

1. Author Application

When submissions open, authors are invited to submit manuscripts or book proposals for consideration.

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Quality and originality of the work.

• Educational, cultural, or social value.

• Relevance to readers.

• Contribution to knowledge sharing.

• Readiness of the manuscript.

2. Selection Process

A review team evaluates submissions and selects works that align with the goals of the Read To The World Project.

Priority may be given to books that:

• Encourage reading among children and young people.

• Preserve Zambian and African stories.

• Support education and personal development.

• Address important community themes.

• Provide valuable learning resources.

3. Publishing Support

Selected authors may receive publishing support including:

✓ Professional editing

✓ Book cover design

✓ Interior formatting and typesetting

✓ ISBN registration

✓ Publishing guidance

✓ Printing support where applicable

✓ Digital publishing support

✓ Marketing and promotional support

4. Connecting Books With Readers

Supported books may become part of the Read To The World literacy ecosystem through:

✓ Schools

✓ Libraries

✓ Reading clubs

✓ Community literacy programmes

✓ Bookstores

✓ Digital platforms

This ensures that supported books contribute directly to expanding reading opportunities.

Priority Categories

Children’s Literature

Supporting books that encourage imagination, curiosity, early reading habits, and learning among children.

Examples:

• Children’s stories

• Picture books

• Educational books

Youth Development

Supporting books that inspire young people through:

• Leadership

• Personal development

• Career guidance

• Life skills

• Entrepreneurship

African Heritage & Culture

Supporting works that preserve and promote:

• African history

• Traditions

• Languages

• Indigenous knowledge

• Community stories

Education & Knowledge

Supporting books that contribute to learning and knowledge sharing.

Examples:

• Educational resources

• Professional development books

• Academic materials

• Practical guides

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support The Creation Of Books That Matter

Organisations, businesses, and individuals can support the programme by investing in the creation and distribution of meaningful books.

Together, we can ensure that important African stories are not only written, but published and experienced by readers.

Sponsor An Author

Support an emerging writer whose work has educational, cultural, or social impact.

Sponsor A Book

Fund the development and distribution of a book that can reach schools, libraries, and communities.

Sponsor A Reading Initiative

Support literacy activities by helping place books where they are needed most.

Sustainability Model

Building A Programme That Lasts

The Read To The World Publishing Sponsorship Programme is designed for long-term sustainability through:

• Corporate partnerships.

• Sponsorship funding.

• Book sales.

• Author contributions.

• Strategic partnerships.

• Community acquisition models.

Our goal is not only to publish books, but to create a sustainable ecosystem where more African stories continue reaching readers.

Measuring Our Impact

Tracking Our Contribution

The programme will measure:

📚 Number of books published

✍️ Number of authors supported

🏫 Schools reached

📖 Books distributed

👥 Readers impacted

🌍 Communities served

🤝 Partnerships established

Join The Movement

Help Us Bring More African Stories To Readers

Whether you are an author with a story to share, an organisation seeking meaningful social impact, a school seeking reading materials, or a supporter of literacy development, you can help strengthen Africa’s reading culture.

Authors

Submit your manuscript and become part of a growing community of African storytellers.

Partners

Support the creation of books that educate, inspire, and transform communities.

Schools, Instituitions & Libraries

Connect with us to access locally relevant reading materials.