Self-publishing of academic textbooks in South Africa : fact or fiction?

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore the nature and the reasons behind the self-publishing of academic textbooks in the higher education environment of South Africa. Through the collection of secondary data the authors describe the academic publishing landscape in relation to current trends in higher education in South Africa and explain what constitutes self-publishing as an alternative publishing model. Primary data obtained through surveys proves many of the myths associated with self-publishing false and establishes that academic authors have valid and just reasons for opting to self-publish. Some final conclusive findings could assist the commercial academic publishing sector in acting accordingly on this increasing trend in the higher education environment. It is important to note that the concept of self-publishing in this research extends to the publishing of academic textbooks only and does not include electronic publishing on the internet and the publishing of scholarly or research-based publications.