Abdullahi Bulle, an ex-banker, could have continued working in the world of finance—handling transactions, offering advice, and assisting clients in managing their money. However, Bulle chose a different path, one that aligned with his passion for literature and empowering African voices. Today, Bulle is the driving force behind Nuria Books, an innovative bookstore based in Nairobi, Kenya. Instead of being confined to a bank’s sterile office space, he spends his days advising aspiring authors, helping them self-publish their books, and assisting readers in discovering authentic African literature. This transition from banking to book publishing is one that has not only transformed Bulle’s life but also revolutionized the way African authors approach publishing.
The Birth of Nuria Books: From Banker’s Desk to Book Advocate
In 2015, Abdullahi Bulle left behind his banking career to pursue his dream of supporting African authors. It started with Nuria Stores, which he initially launched as an online bookstore. What began as a humble Facebook page quickly evolved into a powerful platform for self-published African authors. By identifying a major gap in the market, Bulle created a space for African writers to share their stories and offer their works to a global audience.
Within a year of starting the online store, Bulle realized that many Kenyan and African authors were being overlooked by traditional bookstores. These large stores typically favored politicians, celebrities, or well-known figures, while ordinary authors struggled to get their books on the shelves. This gap in the publishing industry ignited Bulle’s passion to provide self-published authors with a voice—a platform where their works could be seen and appreciated.
Today, Nuria Books is known as the “Home of African Books,” attracting both Kenyan authors and writers from all over Africa. The platform has grown to support over 1,800 self-published authors, with the majority of them hailing from East Africa—Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Somalia. By creating a decentralized publishing system, Bulle allows authors to bypass traditional publishing houses, providing them with the freedom to retain creative control and ownership over their works.
The Rise of Self-Publishing in Africa: Giving African Authors a Voice
One of the most significant developments in the African literary scene in recent years has been the rise of self-publishing. With the internet and affordable technology, more and more African authors are choosing to self-publish their works, bypassing the restrictions of traditional publishers. This movement has not only opened doors for aspiring writers but has also diversified the types of literature being produced, offering readers new and unique perspectives on African culture, history, and life.
Self-publishing has given African authors the opportunity to write and publish works that might otherwise have been overlooked or rejected by mainstream publishers. Empress Ciku Kimani Mwaniki, a four-time self-published author from Kenya, witnessed the growth of the self-publishing movement firsthand. According to Mwaniki, when she first began self-publishing in 2014, she was one of only a handful of authors taking that route. Today, the landscape is vastly different, with hundreds of African authors embracing self-publishing as a viable and profitable option.
Mwaniki’s experience highlights the significant improvements in self-publishing quality over the years. Today, self-published books can rival the works of traditional publishers in terms of content, design, and production quality. As more authors join the self-publishing revolution, they bring with them new ideas, innovative approaches, and fresh voices that are reshaping the literary world.
Addressing the Challenges of Self-Publishing: How Nuria Books Supports Authors
While self-publishing offers numerous advantages, it is not without its challenges. One of the major obstacles that aspiring authors face is navigating the complex process of publishing, from editing and book design to marketing and distribution. In response to these challenges, Bulle and Nuria Books have created a supportive environment that guides authors through each step of the self-publishing journey.
Nuria Books has developed a decentralized system that connects authors with independent editors, book designers, and printers. This system enables self-published authors to retain control over the entire publishing process while accessing professional services that help them create high-quality books. With this platform, authors can self-publish their works in both digital and print formats, ensuring that their books reach a wide audience.
By providing an accessible and affordable publishing model, Nuria Books has empowered many African authors who would have otherwise struggled to get their works into the hands of readers. The platform has become a beacon of hope for writers who want to bypass the gatekeepers of traditional publishing and take their literary careers into their own hands.
The Impact of Self-Publishing on African Narratives: Celebrating Local Voices
One of the most important outcomes of the self-publishing movement is the amplification of African voices. For years, African literature has been dominated by Western perspectives and European publishers. However, with the rise of self-publishing platforms like Nuria Books, African authors are now able to share their stories on their own terms, celebrating the richness and diversity of African cultures.
Self-published authors are not only showcasing local histories and traditions, but they are also addressing contemporary issues and offering practical solutions to everyday problems. In Kenya, for example, readers are increasingly turning to books on financial literacy, business, self-help, and personal development, many of which are written by local authors. This shift is empowering African readers to engage with literature that is relevant to their lives and challenges.
Nuria Books’ Pay-As-You-Sell Model: A Revolution in Author Support
A key aspect of Nuria Books’ success is its innovative pay-as-you-sell business model. Unlike traditional publishers who often operate on a royalty-based system, where authors receive payments months after their books are sold, Nuria Books pays authors on a real-time basis. When a book is sold, authors receive their earnings within an hour, making the platform incredibly appealing to self-published authors.
The store operates on a 30% commission model, which means that authors receive 70% of the sale price directly in their bank accounts or mobile money accounts. This transparent and efficient payment system has made Nuria Books one of the fastest paymasters for authors in Kenya. By offering prompt payments, Bulle and his team have created a sustainable and reliable revenue stream for self-published authors, empowering them to focus on their writing and growth.
Affordable Self-Publishing: Breaking Down Barriers for Aspiring Authors
Self-publishing has become more affordable and accessible in recent years, thanks to the rise of print-on-demand services and the increasing availability of editing and design tools. In the past, authors were often required to print thousands of copies of their books, which made the process prohibitively expensive. However, print-on-demand services now allow authors to print as few as 10 to 50 copies, significantly lowering the upfront costs.
Additionally, the cost of self-publishing services, such as editing and design, has become more reasonable, especially when compared to traditional publishing fees. Authors can now access professional editing services for as little as $0.0039 per page, making it possible for anyone with a manuscript to turn their ideas into a published book.
Looking Ahead: Nuria Books’ Vision for the Future
As Nuria Books continues to grow, Abdullahi Bulle’s vision remains focused on one goal: to bring African books to the global stage. The store is committed to building a strong reading culture in Kenya and across Africa, inspiring more authors to write and more readers to engage with literature. In partnership with major publishers like Oxford and Spotlight, Nuria Books is working to ensure that African authors receive the recognition they deserve.
Looking to the future, Bulle aims to expand the reach of self-published African authors, helping them achieve greater exposure and sales. With a growing community of writers and readers, Nuria Books is poised to become a key player in the global literary market.
Conclusion: Empowering African Writers and Shaping the Future of Publishing
Abdullahi Bulle’s journey from banker to book advocate is a testament to the power of self-publishing in Africa. Through Nuria Books, he has created a platform that empowers African authors to take control of their careers, share their stories, and contribute to the rich tapestry of African literature. As self-publishing continues to grow, it is clear that the future of African literature is in the hands of its authors, and platforms like Nuria Books will play a crucial role in shaping that future.