Over the next couple of weeks I’ll be sharing a series I call #QuestionswithBookamoso. Where I’ll be profiling a few of the lovely people I’ve met in the book space since I began Bookamoso. The first profiles will be from local book distributors I have encountered or met at book events who have become a familiar face whenever I attend book launches. Some I haven’t met yet – but we know each other through social media. The aim of this feature is to shine some light onto the characters that contribute to the book industry in their own way. I hope that you will be encouraged to support these people, follow them and refer the people in your lives who love reading to use their services.
First up is Xolie MaNgcobo Langa. I hope the below will give you a glimpse of the amazing woman I always encounter.
Tell us about who you are, what inspires you and how did you get into the book selling business?
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: I’m Xolie. A 44 year old mom of one and a lovely granddaughter. Zenazi Media is coincidentally a combination of their names, Zenani and Zinhle. I got into the space by pure luck. I did journalism in school but a year into practicing I knew I didn’t belong. My kind of fun was not about chasing stories. A good friend of mine Dudu Dube wrote the Hlomu Series and I would tag along whenever she delivered her books or had pop-ups. I realized actually this is what I like. Interacting with people. Seeing their happy faces, answering them about the books etc. In the first year before the series really blew up, we also traveled all over the country and I thought finally, maybe this is what I’m meant to do. I knew I was unhappy in my day job but was not really sure what made me happy. During this time, with the help of very special people in my life, I had my AHA moment. Book selling was what I love. I get to read, meet awesome people and have gin and tonic with no guilt.
Tell us more about your store, including its history and areas you focus on/location. Also, what types of books does your store stock and specialize in?
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: My store is literally run from the boot of my car or a basket I bought at the beach on holiday in Durban. I never go anywhere without my books. I sell books from the minute I wake up until I go to bed. Wherever I go, I never fail to mention that that’s what I do. My first sales are usually at gym after my run. I sit on this couch and dare you say hello to me, I tell you what I do and almost always clinch a sale. I deal with mainly self-published authors, well that’s where I started but I can source anything mostly African cause that’s where my passion lies. First publisher that gave me a break was Thabiso of BlackBird Books, who gave me a chance on our first meeting. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Who is your market? Who contacts you for a sale/the people who buy from your online profile?
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: My target market is anyone who reads but I love mostly those that will say “I don’t read, I just don’t have the time or the funds”. Nothing fulfills my life than getting feedback and regular sales from people that never read. My hashtag is #BlacksRead. I don’t buy the story that blacks don’t read. We just never had our stories and fortunately these days, there’s plenty material.
What is it that you love about your work with books? And what don’t you like 😊?
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: After being office bound for years in an environment that was literally choking me, I get to be on the road daily. I get to meet people from all walks of life. I get to travel our beautiful country, if authors ask me to tag along. It can be exhausting and very demanding because not all people are the same. I sometimes miss out on book launches which are part of my job cause by the end of the day I’m exhausted but I’m not complaining. Also, the driving around can be a bit daunting at times because of traffic or people not showing up on time for appointments but I’d say I’m mostly happy. I have thought of going online but I still prefer this personal interaction with people.
What are the challenges you’ve gone through in the time you’ve been operating? What characteristics do you think one has to have to run a successful book business?
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: There’s not that much money in books, but I’ve never been about the money. Bad I know cause bills need to be paid right. But I hang in there because at the end of the day, nothing satisfies me than sourcing a book that one has been looking for for a while. I sometimes feel bad that some authors don’t do well as others. If it were up to me, I would make sure that all the books I sell are number 1.
What sets you apart from other local book distributors?
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: I really think I’m generally a happy soul who aims to please. I go out of my way to deliver on time. Unfortunately I can’t afford to be sick or not in the mood. I believe the customer is always right. Unfortunately though rare people take advantage of this. I try to always look for the positive in every situation.
What lessons have you learnt from book selling in South Africa?
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: You won’t be a millionaire overnight, books are still expensive. Always let the customer know when you can’t deliver on time. Keep your authors informed as well when you can pay them for whatever reason. I also liaise with other indies. Nonku Magi-Africa of Afro Kulcha has been a great help when I’m stuck. Bobo Lukhele from Bookhive, African Flavor Books literally took me under their wings when I first started. Bridge Books sometimes come to my rescue, Sbahle from My African Buy. Authors as well. The pie is big enough for all of us. Together we can make it.
Which book has sold way past your own expectations? And why do you think so?
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: When Zulu Wedding came out, I was legit exhausted. I’m mobile remember? I must have sold like 100 books in 4 days. I was so exhausted and had no life those two weeks. Everyone wanted a book.
Why is it important to support self-published authors in your business?
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: When I first started they weren’t stocked by your mainstream book shops so I was focusing mainly on them. I’m glad and a bit sad that they are now all over but I’m loving how we are reading our own stories. Our grandchildren hopefully will be reading only our stories and that gives me so much pleasure.
What in your opinion due to your book sales is the appetite for South African fiction currently?
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: Love stories that are relatable to us. We are going through so much as a country especially economically, socially and otherwise. It’s so nice to escape reality once in a while and live in a fantasy world. We might not afford to go to the US, Dubai etc but at least with our stories you know one day you might go to CT, Durban, MP etc.
Social Media Account/where you prefer to be contacted:
Xolie MaNgcobo Langa: I’m mainly on Facebook. I know could do so much better but I find twitter so fast for me and love Facebook. I’m looking at ways to grow through Instagram though.
