Ezeigbo tasks writers on book cover designs

Professor of English at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, has challenged writers and publishers of literary works on the need to produce quality book cover designs. She spoke at the maiden edition of the “Reading Café,” which held recently at the University of Lagos.

The event provided a platform for novels, poems and plays to be read out loud by their authors to the listening pleasure of book lovers and literature students.

Ezeigbo, an author and essayist stressed the need for writers and publishers to enhance the aesthetics of their works with quality book cover designs, adding that good cover designs make their works not only attractive, but also boost patronage.

According to her, “There is need for writers and publishers to devote time for good cover designs. Your books will not attract good sales if the cover designs are not attractive.

Many books produced these days in Nigeria carry poor cover designs. “I had to change the covers of some of my books due to low patronage.

And I discovered that sales improved after I changed the cover designs of the books.” Ezeigbo who read out “Roses and Bullet,” which she authored, urged students to harness the power of writing, which she said could influence the nation positively. “One could be whatever he wants to be in any profession and still be a good writer. But you cannot be a good writer if you are not a good reader,” she said.

At the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Finished Work Enterprise and short stories writer, Lechi Eke, informed that she has written over 30 short stories, which are yet to be published.

She maintained that one of the reasons for initiating the programme was to ensure that students cultivate the habit of reading. She, therefore advised youths to develop good reading habits in order to discover the key issues of life.

Renowned novelist, Toni Kan, in his remarks said that the best skills a writer must acquire is to be a good reader, adding that “Most of my stories come from inspirations and happenings around me. I read a lot.”