1.0 Introduction
Publishing is to make public according to Grannis (1967) to send forth among the people, the words and pictures the creative minds have produced, the editors have worked over, that printers have produced, also according to him, the term publishing is applied to book publishing.
Publishing activities involves the manufacturing of newspapers, magazines, books, newsletters, journals, report and many other printed materials. There are many processes involve in making the work of an editor accessible to the public, they are as follows:
Selecting, editing, designing, illustration, production, distributing and marketing. They are complementary and none is more important than others.
Book designing is the art of incorporating the content, style, format, design and sequence of the various components of a book into a coherent whole.
It can also be viewed as the conception, planning and specifying of the book. On the other hand, illustration means to explain but not just an ordinary explanation but involves diagrammed, maps and pictures. Illustration is a visible mark on paper that communicates without the use of words.
Just as every house has a designer of the house, every book also has a designer, it may not be an architect, and the book designer is to the printer what an architect is to the builder. The book designer decides on how the book design will be and then the printer prints. The book designer may be a staff of the publishing house or an outsider.
Furthermore, illustration communicates knowledge, the quality of illustration on a well made book is very important.
1.1 Background of the Study
By the mid 50s, officials of the Macmillan and company limited in the United Kingdom stated making occasional business trip to Nigeria. Such visits were undertaken principally to explore the book market of Nigeria for the growth of the brutish company, these visits however created demands for their books which were met through the few major bookshops then operating in the country. The publications of Macmillan and company limited London, grew steadily in popularity but as colonialism was drawing to an end in Nigeria, the need for suitable publications by capable indigenous authors who reflect the Nigeria cultural setting became overwhelming. This therefore necessitated the establishment of Macmillan in Nigeria.
Macmillan Nigeria publishers limited is an offshoot of Macmillan and company Nigeria limited. Incorporated on 23rd April 1965, the company has grown over the years to become one of the household name among the publishing companies in Nigeria today.
The Philosophy of the Company
Macmillan Nigeria publishers limited are committed to the building of:
- A free and democratic society
- A just and egalitarian society
- A united, strong and self reliant nation
- A great and dynamic economy and
- A land of bright and full opportunities.
In achieving this set philosophy, the company has always carried out business of publishing in the most lawful manner while striving to maintain its traditional leading position.
Macmillan Nigeria distributorship strategies
With over thirty five years of Macmillan Nigeria publishers limited in the publishing industry, there are placed to fit squarely into the distribution channels of all educational materials being procured by the national primary education commission.
Today, the publication of academic professional books is another landmark in their publishing endeavors as Nigerian academic writers are being encouraged to disseminate their knowledge through books published in Nigeria especially now that imported books are difficult to come by. Macmillan Nigeria publishers has a wide range of academic books and journals in all subject, disciplines and professions.
The company has come a long way in publishing of fiction and creative works. Popular series include pacesetters, winners, past and present. These are best sellers today. It is no gain saying that the series has come to be associated with the standard of fiction writing in the country. The company has attained unparallel recognition for production of high quality atlases and wall maps. Their success in this area has continued to be a reference point for other publishers.
Operational Objectives of the Company
Macmillan Nigeria publishers is principally a publisher of educational books. Operationally, the company has amongst others the following objectives:
- Promote and stimulate reading culture among Nigerians.
- Stimulate indigenous authorship and promote excellence in publishing.
- Promote textbooks tailored to the needs of student and seek the general educational needs of the society.
- Provide regular employment for the citizenry
- Promote regular materials for the socio-economic needs of Nigerians, encourage cultural movement through reading materials.
The Management Profile of the Company
Dr. A.L. Adelekan-managing director, he holds a doctorate degree in education, he has a wide range of experience in publishing.
Mr. Yinka Olaniyan-executive director, he is publishing and printing guru. He has attended several courses in designing, publishing and production of textbooks and other educational materials.
Mr. Ropo oluwemida- marketing manager, he is a professional marketer with many years experience in sales and marketing. He holds both bachelors and master degrees from the University of Ibadan.
Mr. Bola Fasasi-internal auditor a qualified chartered accountant with many years experience. He has worked in various establishments before joining Macmillan as the internal auditor.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Book designing and illustration depends not only on money but also on the perception that it enhances the growth of the nation and the use of the material by the audience especially when more value is placed on book designing and illustration.
In Nigeria today, there are many problems facing the publishing houses which include: inadequate power supply, lack of qualified personnel in book designing, financial problems and unavailability of raw materials for book designing and illustration. All these contribute to poor production. If care is not taken, book designing may face the danger of extinction if the death of book illustration and designing continues.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The broad objective of this study is to determine the extent of book designing and illustration in Nigerian publishing houses.
1.4 Significance of the Study
The study will serve as a valuable information source to publishing houses and organizations who may wish to venture into this aspect of business as a kind of feasibility study. The study on completion will basically add to the literature of library and information science particularly in the area of book designing and illustration.
1.5 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is on enhancing book designing and illustration in Nigeria publishing houses with a particular study high light the intricacies and problems involves in book designing and the prospects for those involved in this arm of publishing with particular reference to the Macmillan plc.
1.6 Research Questions
- What are the method through which publishing get what they publish?
- What type of materials does the company publish?
- Does the company have the needed personnel's in book designing and illustration?
- What are the problems encountered in getting raw materials for designing and illustration?
- What factors will promote book designing and illustration in Nigerian publishing houses?
1.7 Definition of Terms
Book:
A non-periodical printed publication with not less than 49 pages.
Designing:
The art of deciding how something will look, work by drawing plans, making models.
Illustration:
A drawing or picture in a book, magazine especially one that explains something
Illustrator:
A person who draws or paints pictures for books.
Designer:
A person whose job is to decide how something will look by making drawings, plans, pattern.
Publishing:
The profession or business of preparing and printing books, magazines and selling or making them available to the public.
House:
A company involved in a particular kind of business. Examples, banking, publishing.
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