Renowned Denmark-based fashion designer and author, Dady de Maximo Mwicira-Mitali, has embarked on a new journey of literature while unveiling "Éditions Dady de Maximo - AKAGOZI KA BUGINGO KABUZA U RWANDA GUCIKA," a publishing house aimed at supporting authors in Rwanda.
The new venture was posted on his X platform on April 5, where he revealed his commitment and vision to redefine the publishing industry in Rwanda, primarily to bridge the gap between aspiring writers and traditional publishing hurdles, while offering a platform for countless voices to be heard.
According to him, Rwandan authors often express numerous complaints about the publishing industry, highlighting many challenges writers face.
"I want to inform you that starting in May, I will officially begin discussing and providing guidance on book writing. I will collaborate with a group of language experts to combine ideas and assist individuals in writing and publishing books. We will also be accepting manuscripts from Rwandans who aspire to write and publish their own books," he said.
"Éditions Dady de Maximo will market authors and reach readers through print, electronic, and audio formats, accessible to everyone."
He noted: "The House aims to create and release special books on education and various sciences, along with smaller publications like scientific journals and books about people's lives. These materials focus on connecting authors and readers from different fields to encourage dialogue and mutual benefit."
He continued, "Rwandans require a publishing house that supports them in sharing their experiences and solutions, including stories about their past, actions, thoughts, talents, and everything they take pride in."
Mwicira-Mitali highlighted common issues of authorship rights and limited opportunities for publication where many Rwandans writers find themselves at the mercy of publishing houses.
"This leads to writers being despised or disrespected. Authors often have no choice but to accept contracts, losing rights to their own books despite investing sleepless nights and energy," he said.
He noted: "Some authors may risk everything they have or agree to publish the book, yet they should have had the right to refuse. Many are blocked, some fail to grasp the writer's depleted energy, lacking guidance."
"Some may retrieve their work, only for it to be destroyed. Years spent seeking opportunities, yet all efforts futile. Even if successful, one is compelled to endure harassment," he added.
"You all, your warm welcome. Let's write while the fingers are still able to identify letters that make the word and write it, resulting in sentences, notes, pages, the first chapter, until the book is complete," he urged.