Community Digital Publishing Empowerment – Enabling Free Publication of Books and E-Books

"Community publishing project by Asia Globe: Free book/e-book support for vulnerable groups, building on digital training with AI for writing, design, "

Ambrosius Suminto shows his book published by Asiaglobe

The initiative is anchored in the production usage stage of van Dijk's sequential model of digital access (2005), which emphasizes transformative usage where individuals not only consume but also produce digital content. This progresses beyond basic skills access to strategic and creative application, fostering agency in the digital ecosystem.

Furthermore, it aligns with Jenkins' concept of participatory culture (2006), where low barriers to artistic expression and civic engagement enable communities to share creations, supporting stronger social connections and knowledge dissemination. In the Indonesian context, where vulnerable groups often lack platforms for voice amplification, this approach counters digital exclusion by promoting user-generated content as a form of empowerment (Ragnedda & Muschert, 2013). Integrating AI tools democratizes publishing, reducing traditional gatekeeping barriers and enhancing accessibility, as evidenced by studies on AI-assisted creativity in underserved populations (Amabile, 2020). This theory-driven extension ensures participants transition from learners to creators, amplifying marginalized narratives.

Target Populations

The program targets participants from prior digital literacy initiatives, including:

·       Women and rural residents seeking to document local stories or knowledge.

·       Persons with disabilities, with adaptive tools for inclusive creation.

·       Elderly individuals preserving cultural heritage.

·       Other marginalized groups, such as ethnic minorities and low-income communities.

Priority is given to those completing foundational training, ensuring continuity and skill reinforcement.

Program Objectives

1.       Enable community members to produce high-quality written works using digital tools.

2.       Facilitate professional layout, design, and formatting, including AI assistance.

3.       Support free publication of physical books (via print-on-demand) or e-books (digital platforms).

4.       Promote distribution and visibility of published works.

Key Activities

The program comprises four integrated components, building on prior training:

1. Advanced Writing and Content Creation Training Workshops on structuring narratives, research, and AI tools (e.g., generative models for drafting or ideation).
2. Digital Layout and Design Guidance Hands-on sessions using free software (e.g., Canva, LibreOffice, or AI-enhanced tools) for cover design, interior formatting, and illustrations.
3. Production and Editing Support Mentorship in revision, proofreading (AI-assisted), and final preparation for multiple formats.
4. Free Publishing Assistance Coordination with partners for ISBN allocation, upload to platforms (e.g., Google Books, Amazon KDP), and limited print runs. All costs covered by Asia Globe.

Implementation Timeline

·       Months 1-4: Recruitment from existing programs and advanced training.

·       Months 5-12: Creation, design, and production phases.

·       Months 13-18: Publishing, distribution, and impact evaluation.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Indicators include number of published works, participant feedback, download/print metrics, and qualitative stories of empowerment. Regular assessments ensure iterative improvements.

Expected Outcomes and Sustainability

Participants will gain lifelong publishing skills, producing diverse works that amplify community voices. Sustainability is achieved through train-the-trainer models and open-resource repositories, positioning the program as a scalable model for digital creative empowerment.