Maria Mahat, author, publisher, educator
Image credit: Berita Harian Sg
Singapore’s Malay book publishing industry may be tiny, but I believe it has evolved since I started writing and publishing my first book, a novella, The Truth Seekers @ Haji Lane back in 2015. I went on the self-publishing route via Amazon because I thought I would do it once and be done with it. I didn’t realize then that, that was just the beginning. It led me to set up my own publishing house, Ungu Pen, not only publishing my own books but also for others on a scale that Ungu Pen (a less than 2-person operation) can manage.
The last 8 years have been nothing short of a miracle for me. The challenges of setting up a business in an industry unknown to me were debilitatingly hard. But somehow, the invisible divine pull to be in this “sunset industry” was strong. Even though there were times that I’d like to throw the towel in or had cried my eyes out, I believe He put me in this for a reason.
Over the years, even though no matter how novice I feel in this industry, many people and organizations have also approached me to seek their publishing dreams and projects. When I decided to sink two feet into this, it was no longer a hobby but a venture that would sustain my livelihood – put food on the table, put my children through school, pay the bills, and if there is a bit more, go on vacations. People must know the time, effort, knowledge, skills, money, and brain cells required to publish and market a book. I can’t do so-called catch-ups over coffee anymore for people to seek my publishing advice. Most often, those who sought free advice don’t eventually persevere to carry out their book publishing dream.
I have told people who sought my advice that a book once published does not walk by itself from the publisher to the bookstore. It also doesn’t fly by itself from the bookstore to the readers’ bookshelves. Writing and publishing a book is not the hardest. Marketing is. If you decide to be an author, then you would have decided that you will make yourself known to the public so that they know your book exists and why they should buy a copy and read it. And you have to do it consistently for at least 2 years. If it is just to see your name on the book cover, do it yourself. If it is to publish, and then keep the books under your bed and storeroom, don’t bother. Authors have to be their own book influencers.
I am here to help where I can, but it has to be worth my time. For a start, I’m doing a 2-day course with the Wahap Brothers, From Idea to Print. Details of the course on Ungu Pen’s Instagram Account or go to bit.ly/IdeaToPrint.
Image Credit: Rhaimie Wahap
I want to feature our local authors especially those who write in Malay in Ungu Pen’s blog post. For a start, we will kick off next week with Atikah Hakim. If you would like to be featured and yes, I need photos, not anonymous authors, email info@ungupen.com. This is not the time to be shy.
The day will come when I think I had enough or done enough or have no more financial worries for me to be able to give it all up. That day will come, surely. However, I believe that for now, I am just a vessel for whatever work that He wishes me to do, and I will do it if I believe in it and if it is worth my time. He will guide me, InsyaAllah.
Image credit: Berita Harian Sg
Maria’s list of published works can be found here.