Eghosa Imasuen, Anwuli Ojogwu birth a narrative dream

The objective is “to be standard bearers that produce superior content and products, bridge the knowledge-to-action gaps on the bookmaking process, and provide continuous economic value through logistics solutions for authors and publishers.”

That was how Managing Director of Narrative Landscape Press Limited, Anwuli Ojogwu, introduced the new offering in the book chain designed to solve most logistics problems associated with writing and publishing at its opening at Anthony Village office, Lagos.

Ojogwu further explained, “Eghosa and I have been in publishing for so long. We have signed writers and nurtured talents to the very end. At the present, we intend giving support, not only to individuals, but also institutions. Book is a wonderful way to leave a legacy and I realise that despite the recession, people are still writing and they have things they want to document. And book is one of the places where you can document lots of things.

“We are starting with Obari Gomba (who teaches English at University of Port Harcourt). He is a talented poet and dedicated to his craft. When I read his poem, I really like it.”

However, Director, Business Development at Narrative Landscape Press Limited, Dr. Eghosa Imasuen (author of To Saint Patrick and Fine Boys), has an eye for the long-term prospect of their new company and took government to task on the menace of pirates to intellectual property in the country. Imasuen urged government not to relent in the fight against piracy, saying it is a huge disincentive to intellectual output. He stated the imperative of addressing piracy could not be over emphasised.

According to him, “Piracy is really affecting the industry. To most people, it is a victimless crime. Unlike food and drug counterfeiting, where the consumer is your main ally, in publishing, the consumer is your adversary because he wants cheap books and music and software. In books and other intellectual property, your major ally is the government. So, the solution is that we must first admit that piracy is a crime, because many people do not see it that way.”

Most organisations try to set up their own publishing outfit, but I think it is not necessary, they can outsource.’

He also advised publishing outfits to be honest with their readers and clients, saying, “When I was with Kachifo, it was run with a high sense of probity. My first and second novels were signed at Kachifo.”

Imasuen said Narrative Landscape Press, which also manages Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Publishing Imprint (OOPL Publishing), is a publishing and publishing-logistics service provider, adding, “We facilitate the process of print production, shipping and delivery of books. Our services include print production management, publishing consultancy, digital services, logistics management and delivery services.

“We assist publishers, self-published authors, media owners, academics, and organisations to turn their books or other media projects into reality by taking on the hassles of printing and logistics on target and on budget.

“Working with us means that you can be assured of a smooth process, exceptional customer service and quality product. And since we facilitate production with a network of vendor printers, in Nigeria and internationally, we ensure that every project meets our quality control standards throughout the production process. We also offer extended services to assist new authors around the pitfalls of book making through our publishing consultancy services.”