Publishing services
Talk through the professional services that turn a manuscript into a finished book.
- Manuscript appraisal
- Editing
- Ghostwriting
- Book design
- Typesetting
- ISBN assistance
- Printing
Sotrane Consultancy & Publishing Services
Learn With Dr. Sydney Muponda
Dr Sydney Muponda, PhDPublisher · Literacy Expert · Columnist
Whether you are planning your first book, finishing a manuscript or deciding how to publish and sell it, book time with Sotrane for guidance shaped by years of publishing in Zambia.
Booking is free 2h 30m complimentary Time counted only while a session runs
About your consultant
About Dr Sydney Muponda
Dr Sydney Muponda is the Managing Director of Sotrane Publishers and an educator, writer and advocate for literacy and development. He believes deeply in the power of words and education to shape societies and uplift communities.
He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy and Development from the Zambian Open University, alongside a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts with Education from Kwame Nkrumah University.
His writing focuses on literacy, identity and cultural narratives. Through academic and creative work he contributes to dialogue on education, social transformation and African knowledge systems.
At Sotrane Publishers he is committed to publishing impactful Zambian literature, mentoring emerging writers and supporting national literacy initiatives.
Consultancy areas
Help at every stage of a book's life
From the first idea to a book in readers' hands, and the career that follows it.
Writing & manuscript development
Coaching and mentorship while the book itself is being written and shaped.
- Book Writing Coaching
- Manuscript Development Mentorship
- Book Proposal Development
- Synopsis Development
- Fiction Writing Coaching
- Non-Fiction Writing Coaching
- Poetry Development
- Children's Book Development
- Research-to-Book Coaching
Publishing strategy & guidance
Choosing the right route to publication and getting each step of it right.
- Publishing strategy
- Author consultancy
- Self-Publishing Guidance
- Traditional Publishing Guidance
- Amazon/KDP Publishing Guidance
- International Publishing Preparation
- eBook Publishing Guidance
- Audiobook Strategy
- Publishing Business Setup
- Publishing Project Troubleshooting
Marketing, sales & author platform
Reaching readers, selling copies and building a lasting presence as an author.
- Author Branding Strategy
- Book Marketing Strategy
- Book Sales Strategy
- Book Launch Planning
- Distribution Strategy
- Author Platform Development
- Social Media Strategy for Authors
Mentorship & learning
Longer-term guidance and structured learning about publishing.
- Author Career Mentorship
- Publishing Industry Mentorship
- One-on-One Publishing Classes
- Group Publishing Masterclasses
Institutional & corporate
Publishing and literacy work for schools, organisations and companies.
- Institutional Publishing Consultancy
- Corporate Publishing Consultancy
- School and Literacy Programme Consultancy
Publishing services
Talk to us about the work your book needs
Book a free consultation about any of these, and we will scope exactly what your book needs before any work begins.
Manuscript appraisal
Discuss an assessment of your manuscript's content, language and readiness for publication.
Book freeEditing
Talk through structural editing, copy editing and proofreading for your manuscript.
Book freeGhostwriting
Explore having your story or expertise written into a book on your behalf.
Book freeBook design
Plan cover artwork and the look of your book with the people who will make it.
Book freeTypesetting
Discuss interior layout, trim size and the details that make a book easy to read.
Book freeISBN assistance
Get help with ISBN registration and properly identifying your title.
Book freePrinting
Talk through print runs, paper, binding and finishing for your book.
Book freeHow it works
Four steps, and no booking fee
Sign in or create an account
Use your Sotrane account. Authors already have one; anybody else can register in a minute.
Choose a service and a time
Pick what you need help with and a time that suits you, and tell us about your project. Booking is free.
Your consultant confirms
You are notified when it is confirmed, with the video link, phone call or meeting room, and reminded beforehand.
Meet, learn and track it all
Time counts only while your session runs, complimentary time first. Notes and resources follow in your dashboard.
Token pricing
Simple, transparent consultation time
1 token = ZMW 10 = 18 minutes of service time.
Starter
5 tokens1 hour 30 minutes of service timeA focused session, or a top-up when you need a little more time.
ZMW 50Standard
10 tokens3 hours of service timeRoom for a fuller consultation or several shorter sessions.
ZMW 100Pay with Airtel Money, MTN MoMo or Zamtel Kwacha from your token wallet. Tokens are only used while a session runs, and you can see every minute in your transaction history.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to book a consultation?
No. Booking is always free. You choose a service and a time, and reserving it never costs anything. Consultation time is only counted once a session is actually running.
What is the complimentary time?
Every Sotrane account receives 2 hours 30 minutes of complimentary consultation time, given once. It is used first, in consultations and guided learning, so you can experience the service before buying anything.
What is a token?
A token is a fixed amount of professional service time. 1 token = ZMW 10 = 18 minutes of service time. Your wallet shows your balance as tokens and as hours and minutes, and you only use time while a session is running.
What happens if my time runs out during a session?
You are warned before it happens. If it does run out, the session pauses and everything is saved. Add tokens and you can resume where you stopped.
Can I move or cancel a booking?
Yes. You can move or cancel a booking from your dashboard up to 12 hours before it starts. Closer to the time, contact Sotrane and we will help.
How do I pay for tokens?
With Airtel Money, MTN MoMo or Zamtel Kwacha. You approve the payment on your phone, and your tokens are added as soon as the network confirms it. Sotrane never sees your PIN.
How do consultations take place?
By video call, by phone, or in person at the Sotrane office in Lusaka, depending on the service. Your consultant confirms the details when they confirm your booking.
Is what I share kept private?
Yes. Your request and any files you attach are visible only to you, your consultant and the Sotrane office.
Ready to talk about your book?
Book a free consultation today. Your complimentary time is waiting in your Sotrane account.