This week’s feature is one hard-working gentleman who I met as Zeb. I thought that was his name, he doesn’t know this. He is a pleasant to interact with, very welcoming and just an all-round great person to meet. He’s the man behind a brand I’ve grown to respect on the literary scene as he’s quite busy on the Twitter streets ensuring that everyone gets their hands on a local book. I hope you enjoy learning about the resilient man behind Zeb Media.
Tell us about who you are, what inspires you and how did you get into the book selling business?
Zeb Media: Cebo Nzama is from a small town in Kwa-Zulu Natal called Port Shepstone. In 2013 – I joined Wits Language School to study English Communication which then began my love for books. Afterwards I knew I wanted to be in the marketing space of books. The aim for Zeb Media is to ensure that everyone knows that there’s Yvonne Maphosa, Sihle Bolani, Takalani M out there.
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?
ZM: Zeb Media has a list of orders that I work with, from self-published authors, majority is commercially published authors though. Dudu Busani-Dube started this entire thing because with the release of her book Zulu Wedding, a promise to a group of buyers sparked the interest in delivering books. The concept is to be accessible all over SA, I courier to Durban a lot, KZN people are supportive. Cape Town – Stellenbosch; Walter Sisulu University, University of Pretoria; Free State – University of Free State, and Gauteng. With Johannesburg being the main hub due to the high volume of the population.
Who is your market? Who contacts you for a sale/the people who buy from your online profile?
ZM: Everyone from different backgrounds. Some are new readers, some are old readers who have been reading for years. The way I try to penetrate and encourage this culture of reading because it’s not about reading only, it’s about empowerment. To empower people through reading. I persuade people from different backgrounds. Mostly its women yes, but there are a few male clients. There are so many benefits in reading, it helps your analytics, enhances vocabulary, increases knowledge, the list is infinite.
What is it that you love about your work with books?
ZM: I’m in love with my customers, I enjoy meeting people. Every day I meet people. The conversations we have is out of this world. I go out depressed and come back happy.
What are the challenges you’ve gone through in the time you’ve been operating?
ZM: When authors ask for payments while a person is not even doing anything to market his or her book on their social media accounts.
They (authors) go into media to mention companies who do not even care about them while we go down the streets to create their relevance.
This industry is developing, we need to work together with the publishers, and all parties need to work together. I’d love to see all parties engaging more.
What sets you apart from other local book distributors?
ZM: Zeb Media is here to expose us, as Africans. Africa is developing so within the space of literature, I’m here to say get to know SA, Zimbabwe, etc. through literature. My dream is to get our stories across all borders. I’m here to bridge that gap.
A book can be an access card to any country in the world.
What lessons have you learnt from book selling in South Africa?
ZM: *chuckles* Not to trust some customers. Although I love my customers, certain customers would request a certain book and promise to pay but boom to my surprise they disappear.
Johannesburg has set up a great record when it comes to reading and purchase of books so I love what is happening in Gauteng and I want to see it happening in other provinces as well. If Gauteng can do it, then surely Limpopo can do it as well.
Why is it important to support self-published authors in your business?
ZM: I’m understanding the sacrifices they make to get their work out there. One requires a lot of capital to publish a book. We should support them and admire them. If we do so then I strongly believe that self-publishing is the future and it will also assist at decreasing book prices in SA.
What in your opinion due to your book sales is the appetite for South African fiction currently?
ZM: Had you asked me that question prior to Sihle Bolani’s book, We Are the Ones We Need, I would have said love stories are the ones that sell more. But her book has really sold out. It goes back to book marketing, a good PR person and a great support structure.
I believe that buyers buy an author. So to upcoming writers, please position yourself correctly whether you are sending posts on Facebook or any social media. Be unique and identifiable. Know that you are now a brand, so respect your craft.
Social media/contacts where you can be reached on?
ZM: Zeb Media has launched an online store at the beginning of September. The aim is to reach more people all over South Africa and beyond with this platform.
Check out @Zeb_Media on IG and Twitter in order to place your order. Or get your copy on the brand new website: www.zebmedia.co.za; Email: cebo@zebmedia.co.za or call 0829785430 WhatsApp/Call to place your order and possibly negotiate a great discount 🙂
I’m so glad that I’ve managed to pin this busy man down for this feature. Cebo, thank you very much and I wish you all the best with the website and your expansion plans for Zeb Media. Onwards and upwards!
