Friday, June 7, 2024

APSS Nigeria Set to Hold Webinar on Book Sales today, Featuring APSS Executive Director Brian Jud

 APSS NIGERIA SET TO HOLD WEBINAR ON BOOK SALES TODAY, FEATURING APSS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRIAN JUD



The Nigerian Branch of the Association of Publishers for Special Sales (APSS) under the leadership of Mrs. Awele Ilusanmi is excited to announce a groundbreaking webinar focused on enhancing book sales strategies. 


Themed “How To Sell Books In Bulk to International Organizations and How Authors Can Apply The Concepts To Their Prospective Buyers,” the webinar is scheduled for today, June 7, 2024, at 6 PM Nigeria Time (12 noon US Time, 1 PM Eastern Time). Interested participants can join through the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89378777539


The keynote speaker for the event is Brian Jud, Executive Director of APSS and CEO of Book Marketing Works. Brian Jud is renowned for his expertise in the book marketing industry, particularly in the niche of non-bookstore sales channels. As a thought leader and seasoned professional, he will share invaluable insights and strategies to help authors and publishers expand their market reach and maximize sales.


Mrs. Awele Ilusanmi, the convener of the webinar and President of the Nigerian Branch of APSS, is an author and literary agent. Her extensive works in promoting authors and their works has made significant impacts in the industry. Awele's dedication to fostering an environment where authors can thrive is evident through her leadership roles and her prolific contributions to book marketing literature.


Brian Jud's contributions to the field include his work as President of Book Marketing Works, where he advises independent publishers on how to effectively market their titles beyond traditional bookstores. His television series, The Book Authority, and his frequent speaking engagements at prominent events such as IBPA's Publishing University further establish his reputation as an industry expert.


Awele Ilusanmi's multifaceted career stressed her commitment to the literary arts. She serves as the President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria and is the Founder of Book Marketing Class Africa (BMACA). Her publications, including "Book Marketing Strategies That Work," "Comforting Arms," "Launch Money," and "Profitable Pages," have been instrumental in guiding authors toward successful marketing practices.


The webinar promises to be a highly informative session, designed to equip authors and publishers with practical knowledge on selling books in bulk to international organizations. This approach can significantly enhance their revenue streams and expand their global reach. Participants will learn how to identify potential buyers, tailor their pitches, and close large-scale sales deals.


The Nigerian Branch of APSS continues to play a pivotal role in supporting and empowering authors. Under Awele's leadership, the organization has hosted numerous events and workshops aimed at providing authors with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the competitive book market. Today's webinar is a testimony to their ongoing commitment to the literary community.


In addition to the lecture, the webinar will feature a Q&A session where participants can directly engage with Brian Jud. This interactive component is designed to address specific queries and provide tailored advice, making the session highly beneficial for all attendees.


The APSS Nigeria webinar is an unmissable opportunity for authors looking to enhance their sales strategies and tap into new markets. With the expert guidance of Brian Jud and the visionary leadership of Awele Ilusanmi, attendees are set to gain transformative insights that will elevate their book marketing efforts.

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Sesan Akinola's Play "Two of A Kind" Premieres Tomorrow in Lagos

SESAN AKINOLA’S PLAY “TWO OF A KIND” PREMIERES TOMORROW IN LAGOS



By Wole Adedoyin


Theatre enthusiasts in Lagos are in for a treat as the highly anticipated stage play “Two of a Kind – What You See is Not What You Get” by renowned playwright Sesan Akinola premieres tomorrow, Sunday, June 2nd, 2024. Directed by the esteemed Mister Rain, this hilarious and thought-provoking production promises to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience at the PinPoint Media Studio, located at No 30, Community Street, Off Ogunlana Drive, Allen-Ikeja. The performance is set to begin at 5:00 PM prompt.


The play, a joint production by Theatre on the Mainland Series and Theatre Hub Africa, explores themes of identity, perception, and the often deceptive nature of appearances. Akinola’s masterful storytelling, combined with Mister Rain’s visionary direction, brings to life a narrative filled with humor, wit, and unexpected twists. “Two of a Kind” is expected to captivate audiences with its sharp dialogue and dynamic performances.


Tickets for the premiere are available at a discounted rate of N7,000 for early bird purchases, while tickets at the door will be priced at N10,000. Given the buzz surrounding the play and the limited seating at the intimate PinPoint Media Studio, theatre lovers are encouraged to secure their tickets early to avoid disappointment.


Sesan Akinola, celebrated for his unique voice and contributions to contemporary Nigerian theatre, has once again crafted a play that not only entertains but also challenges societal norms and personal biases. “Two of a Kind” delves into the complexities of human relationships and the façades people maintain, making it both a hilarious and introspective experience for the audience.


Director Mister Rain, known for his innovative approach to stage direction, brings his expertise to this production, ensuring a visually and emotionally engaging performance. His collaboration with Akinola is set to be a highlight of the Lagos theatre season, showcasing the talents of some of Nigeria’s finest actors and stage professionals.


Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting premiere. Join us at the PinPoint Media Studio tomorrow at 5:00 PM for an evening of laughter, reflection, and stellar performances. For ticket purchases and more information, please contact Sesan Akinola on 09046469906.

Publishizer CEO Bethany Marshall To Headline Webinar On Crowdfunding A Book Publishing Deal

PUBLISHIZER CEO BETHANY MARSHALL TO HEADLINE WEBINAR ON CROWDFUNDING A BOOK PUBLISHING DEAL



Publishizer, a leading crowdfunding platform that connects authors with publishers, is excited to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Bethany Marshall, will be headlining a one-day webinar titled "How Authors Get Their Books Noticed and Receive Publishing Deals." 


This virtual event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 12:00 PM (USA Time) and 6:00 PM (Nigerian Time) and will be hosted via Google Meet. Interested participants can join the webinar through this link, https://meet.google.com/aoh-fzkq-yhm?hs=224, PIN: 145815292. 


The event will be coordinated by Awele Ilusanmi.


Bethany Marshall brings a wealth of experience to the table, with 15 years of expertise in the book publishing industry. Before becoming the CEO of Publishizer, she served as the Publishing Director at Morgan James Publishing in New York, where she successfully managed the release of 250 titles annually. Her comprehensive understanding of the publishing landscape allows her to create and implement systems that ensure an optimal experience for authors. Bethany's contributions to the industry have been recognized by Publishers Weekly, where she was honored in the 2019 StarWatch program.


The webinar promises to be a valuable resource for authors seeking to understand the intricacies of getting their books noticed and securing publishing deals. Publishizer's innovative approach offers an alternative to traditional and self-publishing methods by leveraging a tech platform that focuses on pre-orders and data analysis rather than conventional royalties. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Amsterdam, with additional offices in New York and Virginia, Publishizer continues to revolutionize the way books are published.


Awele Ilusanmi, the coordinator of the event, is a well-respected figure and literary agent in the literary community. She is a published author and a Connect Nigeria Award-winner, recognized for her significant contributions to the Nigerian literary scene. Awele has been a prominent speaker and panelist at various literary events, including the 2019 Connect Nigeria Writers' Conference and the 2023 Lagos Books and Art Festival (LABAF). She is dedicated to supporting authors and frequently writes about book marketing strategies, sharing her extensive knowledge and experience.


Awele's commitment to helping authors succeed is evident through her numerous roles. She is the President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria and the Founder of Book Marketing Class Africa (BMACA). Her published works, including "Book Marketing Strategies That Work," "Comforting Arms," "Launch Money," and "Profitable Pages," are highly regarded in the literary community. 


Awele's educational background includes a Master's degree in Publishing Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.


Bethany's participation in this webinar stressed Publishizer's dedication to empowering authors. 


Under her leadership, Publishizer has facilitated numerous successful book campaigns, connecting authors with publishers through innovative crowdfunding models. 


This webinar will provide authors with practical insights and strategies to enhance their visibility and attract publishing deals.


The virtual nature of the event allows for a global audience to participate, making it accessible to authors from different parts of the world. 


This inclusivity aligns with Publishizer's mission to democratize the publishing process and support authors in their journey to success.


As the literary landscape continues to evolve, events like this webinar are crucial in providing authors with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the publishing industry. 


Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available through crowdfunding and how to effectively leverage these opportunities to achieve their publishing goals.


Authors interested in attending the webinar are encouraged to register early and prepare questions for the Q&A session, which will provide direct access to Bethany's expertise. This is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the industry's leading figures and gain insights that could significantly impact their publishing journey.

A Likeable Piece From Adebowale

 *A LIKEABLE PIECE FROM ADEBOWALE* 

Ebika Anthony



 _UP FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE_ , an autobiographical novel written in the style of faction is soon to come out with the beauty of spellbinding. Written by Bayo Adebowale, the author of  _Out of His Mind, The Virgin_ and _Lonely Days_ , this new novel is set in Adeyipo Village where Dr. Bayo Adebowale holds the traditional chieftaincy title of Asiwaju, and where African Heritage Research Library is situated.


In his literary excursion with adventure stories in _UP FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE_ , Bayo Adebowale, a former Deputy Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, excelled as a fine creative author whose imageries are purely African without dilution.


In respect of Bayo Adebowale's _UP FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE,_ Prof. Lekan Dairo and Prof. Lekan Oyeleye, two highly respected literary scholars adjudged the novel as excellent. While Prof. Dairo writes the novel as an "elegant storyline containing page-turning episodes, dazzling diction and plots so beautifully crafted with a touch of artistry", Prof. Oyeleye writes: "This is an engrossing novel, and yet another masterpiece from the gifted pen of an acclaimed African novelist."


This autobiographical novel depicts the countryside, but Adebowale allowed the city to peep into it for readers to relish the beauteous blend of rural and urban happenings.


A very likeable creative piece by a writer with a lively and lovely sense of descriptive prowess, _UP FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE_ is another great work of Bayo Adebowale very worthy of international celebration and reckoning.