By Ayo Oyoze Baje
Quote:
“When we see the possibilities and commit to promoting a reading culture, great things happen and lives change for the better.”
-Dr. Awele Ilusanmi ( President of the first Literary Authors Cooperative ( LITACO ))
Over the decades, yours truly has been able to identify the increasing significance of having media engagements with people who stand head and shoulders above their peers; making their marks and impacts in their chosen fields of human endeavour. That is more so, with innovative ideas. As heroes and heroines to the present and younger generation of Nigerians they are the beacon bearers who act as the moral compass to guide others right on the right steps to take against the seasonal storms to the harbour of fulfilment of one’s career vision.
Incidentally, one of such iconic professionals with specific passion for book marketing
is none other than Dr. Awele Ilusanmi, popularly called: ” The Queen of Books”.And that is so, for more reasons than one.
Though our paths crossed at the meetings hosted by the Association of Nigerian Authors ( ANA ) Lagos Chapter in 2018 through which she introduced her LITACO marketing initiative a lot of water has passed under the bridge since
she relocated
to Texas, United States, to hone her skills and express her perspectives on book marketing in the global literary landscape.
She is currently not only the President of the first Literary Authors Cooperative ( LITACO ) in Nigeria, but is the
Vice-President of the African Woman Summit, USA. Amongst her prestigious awards is that of being a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and member, Board of Trustees, Trinity Writers and Publishers Network. Interestingly, she is also the first Nigerian woman to become the Assistant Editor at the Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice at the Stephen F. Austin State University United States.And in May, 2026 she received an international award in Tanzania as one of the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent
A recent encounter with
a new Nigerian writer,
who I met for the first time at Abule – Egba, Lagos was truly intriguing. When I mentioned Awele’s name as someone to market his new book, a copy of which he showed me, he beamed with smiles instantly praising her efforts. He confessed that as soon as he posted the book cover on one writers’ platform she sent some money to him to bolster his book marketing. With that, he has promised to join LITACO.
With these pride-evoking accolades and laurels to her name it became necessary to engage her to provide her thoughts on related issues in the literary field. After all, it always makes more sense to hear from the horse’s mouth. In her words on what inspired her vision,
she revealed that:
” I am very passionate about books, publishing, book marketing, promotion. I just believe that I have to position myself to be blessed and be a blessing, locally and internationally. Having an Doctoral Honoraree Degree I believe it is the Grace of God Almighty and how I contribute positively in the Literary community..
” I love to see authors succeed in their writing careers. I still love reading and getting more knowledge from other authors’ perspectives.
I want to help people to read so I am currently doing my PhD in School Psychology and Health Services”. That is inspiring, is it not? Of course, it is.
. Breaking it down to the essence of LITACO she explained it this way: “To me, book marketing and promotion means that authors receive benefits from their books, readers get the books and their lives are touched positively when they read these books. It is about helping people see possibilities through books. By the grace of God Almighty, I am considered the Queen of Books because I handle books differently. Authors that work with me experience success and they learn a lot to move their careers forward and readers are happy too. With my 36 States and FCT Book Project in Nigeria, it will surely make positive difference by the Grace of God Almighty.”
With regards to her awards she stated that; “I feel excited. I thank God Almighty. Honestly, I see all awards and upliftments that I receive as an opportunity to serve. To use the position to help people learn more and create more opportunities. It is all about sincere service to me. I believe that is why God Almighty is blessing me more. It is just grace.
. “When you sincerely give your best to help humanity, the universe in turn will surely bless you. I started promoting reading culture since 2004. I first published book was in 2004. I have been putting efforts to see that people love books and benefit from it. People see. The world is watching. So with all humility, I feel I deserve the awards that I get. In fact more awards and positions are still coming to me. I promise to serve with them, wholeheartedly by the grace and divine wisdom of God Almighty.” This thought – provoking answer should serve as food-for-thought to fellow writers.
So, what does writing really mean to her? According to Awele: “Writing for me is a form of expression that I can use it to heal, bless and comfort myself and people. It is a way for me to tell people that against all odds, if they hold on to God Almighty and do the needful, believing, they will experience possibilities.”
Next comes out the critical issue of the hitches and hurdles to scale over in the book publishing and marketing world. To her: “Challenges like finance to complete a book project will come but you can overcome it through being a member of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria LiTACO. If your are friends with six successful authors, the seventh successful authors should be you. Seek good mentorship. They should focus on their dreams and avoid negative energies. Some people will want to discourage but stay strong and hold on tight. You will surely make it. Tough times don’t last. Only people who stay strong and believe in.
To the younger generation she has these words of admonition:
“They should continue writing and don’t give up on their dreams. They should believe in themselves and always see possibilities. They should always seek good mentorship too.”
From her insightful response the lessons to learn from her include that of knowing who you really are, identifying your talents and turning such from the rough and rugged iron ore to that of steel not minding the heat you pass through.
Furthermore, we should think big along the larger picture as she has done by moving from Lagos Nigeria to Texas, United States and leveraging on the enabling, clement climate for writers,authors, publishers and marketers.
Not left out of course, is that of giving back to the society that nurtured us and being a shining light to the younger ones coming behind us; to guide them on the best way forward.
