By: Ayo Oyoze Baje
“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, Literary Authors Cooperative (LITACO)
Over the decades, I have come to recognize the growing importance of engaging with exceptional peers who stand out in their fields. These innovators bring fresh ideas and serve as role models for younger generations of Nigerians. They act as a moral compass, guiding others safely through life’s storms toward career fulfillment.
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 of America, 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 also the Vice-President of the African Woman Summit, USA. Her prestigious honors include being a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (FANA) and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Trinity Writers and Publishers Network. Interestingly, she is also the first Nigerian woman to become an Assistant Editor at the Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice at Stephen F. Austin State University in the 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, whom I met for the first time at Abule-Egba, Lagos, was truly intriguing. When I mentioned Dr. Awele’s name as someone to market his new book – a copy of which he showed me – he beamed, instantly praising her efforts. He confessed that as soon as he posted the book cover on a writer’s platform, she sent him money to bolster his book marketing. With that support, he 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, and promotion. I just believe that I have to position myself to be blessed and be a blessing, locally and internationally. Having a Honorary Doctorate 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.” Isn’t that inspiring? 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 a positive difference by the Grace of God Almighty.”
With regards to her awards she stated: “I feel excited. I thank God Almighty. Honestly, I see all awards and upliftments that I receive as an opportunity to serve. To use my 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 divine grace.
“When you sincerely give your best to help humanity, the universe in turn will surely reward you. I started promoting reading culture since 2004. My first book was published in 2004. I have been putting efforts to see that people love books and benefit from it. People see and the world watches. I am very grateful and thankful for the awards I receive. 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 to heal, bless and comfort myself and others. 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 might want to discourage you, but stay strong and hold on. You will surely make it. Tough times don’t last. Only people who stay strong and believe survive.”
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 include knowing who you really are, identifying your talents, and turning them from rough iron ore into steel, no matter the heat you face.
Furthermore, we should think about the larger picture as she has done, by moving from Lagos, Nigeria, to Texas, United States, and leveraging the enabling and clement climate for writers, authors, publishers, and marketers.
Not left out, of course, is giving back to society that nurtured us and being a shining light to the younger ones coming behind us, to guide them on the best way forward.
Ayo Oyoze Baje, President Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN) writes from Lagos.
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