ABSTRACT

This research project is aimed at estimating the quality of publishing houses in Nigeria. Relevant literatures were reviewed in determine the state of art on the topic. Various findings / conclusions were drawn based on the data collected using appropriate data gathering instruments and the analysis of such data as shown in the research methodology and data analysis respectively.At the end of the study, conclusion / recommendation were made on ways of improving the state of the industry.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

This research work appraises publishing processes and techniques with spring field publishers as a case study.Publishing is the process for production and dissemination for literature or information. The activity of making information available for public view.Traditionally the term publishing refers to the distribution of printed works such as books and newspapers. With the advent of digital information systems and the internet, the scope of publishing has expanded to include electronic resources, such as the electronic versions of books and periodicals, as well as websites, blogs, games and the like.Publishing is the activity that involves the selection, preparation and marketing of printed matters. Be it in form of books, periodicals, pamphlets, or booklets. This publishing house is therefore one that performs the above activities / publishing functions. The history of publishing is characterized by a close interplay of technical innovation and social change each promoting the other. Hence, the innovation of printing by a German “John Gutenberg” was regarded as one of he greatest technological innovations that marked the beginning of publishing.In Nigeria, publishing was first introduced by Christian missionaries who also led the foundation of Nigeria’s educational system. This was slightly noted by (Oduagwu, 2005 p.5). The missionaries established the first printing press in Nigeria in 1849 and were able to produce five hundred copies of the bible. As time went on, publishers started establishing branches all over the country.

1.2 BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SPRINGFIELD PUBLISHERS OWERRISpring field publisher, Owerri, started humbly in 1996 at 289 Okigwe Road, Owerri. The managing Director / Chief executive officer of the Springfield’s, Odey Emmanuel Godslight disclosed however, that the industry relocated to NO. 29 Douglas road Owerri, in 1998 as a result of space constraint, further relocations were made to No. 6 Ejiaku Street, Owerri. The publishing house moved to its present site at plot 9 and 11 housing area behind the federal secretariat complex, when its operations could no longer be accommodated in a three bedroom flat. The industry has a lithographic machine that has considerably reduced their production period.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF STUDYThe overall objective of this research is to estimate and know the process and techniques involved in publishing.Specific Objectives• To examine the procedures involved in publishing• To know also the techniques in publishing.• To identify the problems facing publishing houses.• To identify comparison between process and techniques in publishing• To proffer solution that can aid curb the identified problems.

1.4 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMThere is no organisation with out problem. Without doubt, the advent of publishing has actually played immeasurable role in the proliferation of knowledge against what was obtainable in the ancient days.Some factors has been x-rayed and proven to be the major bane of publishing. They include:i. Importation constraints: One of the undisputable problems produces materials that are irrelevant to our educational and cultural objectives. Because publishers are only interested in sales.ii. High cost of printing machine: The high cost of these printing machines (such as the cylinder machine used for printing proper, the hot print machine use mainly for designing book covers, and the Guillotine machine used for cutting of papers as well as trimming of books after binding) required for easy and efficient publication hampers smooth running of the business.iii. Legal deposit law: Most publishers in the course of averting the legal deposit law get their products which would have been marketed nation wide restricted to only the locality within which they operate.iv. Language difficulties: These have result to a cultural problem especially in schools.

1.4 SCOPE OF STUDYThis research study was undertaken to cover only items listed on the objectives of the study. Major emphasis was laid on identifying the factors militating against the efficiency of publishing processes and techniques.Our publishing house was studied i.e. spring field publishers Owerri. The findings were however generalized to cover all publishing processes in the country.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDYThis research work will be of tremendous benefit to publishing houses and publishers as the findings and recommendations were aimed towards improving the industry.To students, researchers and all embarking on further research or assignments on the topic or related fields of publishing, this work will be of invaluable aid. This study will also be of significant aid to government, academics and those involved in making policies concerning Nigeria’s delusional system improvement.

1.7 RESEARCH QUESTIONSThe following questions would be answered by research results.i. Has publishing actually justified its existence in our present day circumstance?ii. Are there some factors hampering the growth or effectiveness of publishing.iii. Is there any different between publishing process and techniques.iv. What is being published?

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMSPublishing: According to Oduagwu 2005, publishing is the trade of publishing books, this includes negotiations with authors or agents, design of books in conjunction with authors or their agents, design of books in conjunction with printers, book production, publicity and sales through book whole sellers and retailers.Processes: This is a method of doing something. It is a method of publishing. An order of doing things to achieve a particular result.Techniques: Techniques has similarities with processes. It is a particular way of doing things especially one in which you have to learn special skills. It is the skill in which people are able to do something practical.

1.9 METHODOLOGYThe method to be used in carrying out this work is oral interview and questionnaire.

REFERENCESEpstein, Jason (2000); Book Business Publishing Past, present and future. New York; Haper and Row Publishers.Oduagwu, E. A (2005): Publishing processes and techniques. Owerri; Demmac consult Nig.Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia: www.wikipedia.com.