Today, we meet Barr. Rosemary Ngozichukwu, a remarkable woman who seamlessly weaves her diverse roles as a publisher, ghostwriter and minister, into a mosaic of literary and spiritual influence.
From penning her first play at age six ,to launching Sparkling Light Publishers during the pandemic, her passion for storytelling is as dynamic as her career.
With an impressive catalogue of nearly 100 titles under her belt, Barr. Ngozichukwu is not only dedicated to elevating new voices in literature but also on a mission to revive the Nigerian reading culture.
Can we meet you?
My name is Barrister Rosemary Ngozichukwu. I am a lawyer, ex-banker, ordained minister of the gospel, ghostwriter, editor, public speaker and publisher. I earned my LL.B. from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, before attending the Nigerian Law School. After completing my National Youth Service (NYSC), I worked in the banking sector in Lagos for several years before delving into other ventures.
When did your zeal for books start?
I began writing as early as six years old. In secondary school, I served as Senior Prefect and wrote a play titled: Girls’ Education Does Not End in the Kitchen. The overwhelming applause it received took me by surprise and to my amazement; it was translated into French and performed by the French Club at an event in Abuja.
My first published book was Online Publishing with Ease, followed by A Supernatural Journey. Next came A Divine Assignment: Mantle of Fire and Humility, which focused on building strength of character. Mistakes to Avoid is a practical guide aimed at helping people navigate common pitfalls in life, while Unmasked Love, a work of fiction explores different personality traits, including narcissism in relationships. In essence, my publishing journey began with my love for writing. I realized I love to see books come alive.
Can you take us through your publishing journey?
I officially began my publishing journey in 2021, launching Sparkling Light Publishers which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). We are committed to providing brilliant and top-notch publication services for authors.
Nigerian publishing , no doubt is struggling due to piracy, low readership, and high production costs. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a publisher, and how where you able to navigate it?
One of our biggest challenges is securing funding for essential equipment and software, particularly for print production. An unreliable electricity supply also disrupts our operations and piracy remains a significant concern. However, we prioritize copyright protection and ensure that all publications have the necessary ISBNs to curb piracy.
Despite these hurdles, we remain committed to supporting writers and authors with editing, formatting and publishing across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and educational materials.
The experience has been rewarding; ghostwriting and collaborating with diverse writers, both locally and internationally, while publishing on platforms like Amazon Kindle, Selar, and Ingram Sparks has made this journey truly enriching.
What key elements contribute to a manuscript’s success prior to publication?
One of the first things that make a manuscript work is originality and fresh perspectives. There is so much information out there; so it is crucial to consider the originality of what you are writing about. Is it well-researched? Have you gone through other prior works?
We are also interested in your target audience. Will they be interested in the topic that you are writing on? A well-edited and structured manuscript is essential. We want something interesting and captivating. Again, is it written in an engaging tone (the use of power words, figurative and concise language)? The tone matters whether it is in British English or American English. These details are crucial, including punctuation, grammar, cover design, title and introduction.
One common mistake authors make is not paying attention to these details. Your title is very significant; is it catchy? Your cover design should be captivating. Everything matters a lot in creative writing and publication, especially in this era of knowledge.
Can you give a rough estimate of how many books you have published since 2020?
Roughly, I would say about 90 books for about 70 authors, mainly online, while the hard copy might be around 40.
Take us through the process from the moment a manuscript is submitted for publication.
The first thing we do is to draw up a contractual agreement and review the manuscript as editors. We ensure it is structured correctly and check the storyline for proper flow. For a work of fiction, we go through the plot, character development, conflict, and the use of figurative language, active voice and cliffhangers. Details are very crucial; everything matters in book production process. We check for the proper flow of the plot because sometimes writers do not realize that each sentence affects the next. For instance, if someone says, “I’m going to the market,” and then in the next line they are in another country, it does not make sense.
We also check the introduction and formatting, which is very essential. We follow advanced formatting styles to ensure everything is done correctly. After that, we obtain the ISBN and copyright, and prepare for online publication. We usually publish as an eBooks or paperbacks.
Publishing online is advantageous due to the distribution channels available. Once we finish, we move to hard copy production, where we do typesetting and create a dummy copy. After that, we print and bind. We also handle cover designs and ensure we use quality materials for book production.
One important aspect is that we laminate the cover design to make it glossy and appealing. We also ensure that the margins are properly aligned during formatting. Finally, promotion and distribution is crucial. You can write the best book, but if it is not well-promoted, nobody will know about it. We take book promotion and distribution seriously.
There has been a drastic decline in physical bookstores in Nigeria. Does this trend results from a diminishing readership or primarily due to unavailability of books?
I think there has indeed been a decline in the reading culture. When I was younger, I was immersed in books. We read the works of Shakespeare, Chinua Achebe, and Ola Rotimi, but today’s youth do not seem to enjoy reading as much. This has impacted bookshops negatively.
Many people read online which is more convenient for them. This trend towards e-publishing is affecting physical bookstores. Most of our books are published online rather than in hard copy because people like reading while on the go.
However, there is hope for physical books, but we need to re-strategise. We need to understand what types of books people want to read. Nowadays, readers are interested in practical and informative books. When people read, they often ask, “What’s in it for me?” They want to learn practical skills, not just be entertained.
What’s your take on the rising self-publishing in Nigeria?
Today, self-publishing gives authors greater control over their work which sometimes results in lower-quality books. Traditional publishing offers advantages such as financial support, professional editing, and distribution channels but can also limit an author’s creative freedom. I have seen books rejected by traditional publishing firms that go on to become best sellers. A partner-assisting or hybrid publishing model strikes a balance, allowing writers to retain some control while maintaining quality. Additionally, this partner-assisting publishing model which we offer in Sparkling Light Publishers also provides valuable support with book promotion and distribution, which remains a key advantage.
Your impact has been felt through books, but how have you touched lives as a minister of the gospel?
Beyond writing, my ministry has allowed me to directly affect lives, particularly through mentorship and outreach. I founded the Revival Evangelical Network to guide young people, especially girls, in building strength of character and moral values, promoting personal growth, and developing a strong sense of purpose.
Having seen many youths straying off the path of purpose, we engage them in schools, universities, and churches, helping them develop self-esteem. Our focus is to help them understand who they are in Christ and equip them with the confidence to make the right choices.
Additionally, we empower young people with practical skills, by teaching digital tools like content creation, creative writing, and social media management. Rather than seeing the digital space as just entertainment, we encourage them to use it as a platform for growth, income, networking and making a meaningful impact.
Who are your role models?
I draw inspiration from Rev. Kenneth Hagin of blessed memory. In fiction, I admire Francine Rivers, Chinua Achebe, and Chiamanda Adichie. While in ministry, Apostle Arome Osayi, Pastor Anthony Richie, and other Pastors in the Remnant Clan have been a key influence. In book, writing and publishing, Jerry Jenkins and Brian Tracy inspire me. I have also read over 20 books by Apostle Rick Joyner, further shaping my perspective.
What are some of your hobbies?
Reading and writing is more than a hobby for me; it is a calling. Lately, I have been drawn to practical skills, seeking books on topics like copywriting and blogging.
I also love public speaking and singing, which is vital to my ministry.
What specific goals do you have for your ministry in the future?
My goal is to expand our impact globally. I plan to set up centers for discipleship, as we currently run a Discipleship Academy online but are looking to establish physical locations.
What further achievements do you aim for in your publishing career?
We want to set up a global writing community to guide local and international writers on their writing journey. We are also strengthening our online presence, focusing on platforms like Thread, TikTok, and LinkedIn while maintaining an active Facebook page under Sparkling Light Publishers. Authors and clients can also reach us via email at sparklinglightpublishers@gmail.com.
A key priority is helping authors build strong personal brands and use digital technology to expand their global reach. We are also passionate about nurturing young talented people. Recently, we published Sydney’s Diary (My Life in a Book) by 13-year-old Ifeanyichukwu Ojianwuna, written in excellent American English and that’s just one of many youngsters we have helped flourish as writers. Encouraging young authors to explore their potential is something we deeply value and should be a focus in Nigeria.
Beyond publishing, we believe setting up reading clubs is a key to reviving the reading culture. To support this, we plan to organise seminars and workshops to promote literacy and engagement with books.
Finally, how do you view the future of the Nigerian publishing industry?
The industry is evolving, and we should not lose hope. Many authors are discouraged because they do not earn royalties commensurate with their hard work, but I encourage them to be patient, improve their craft by going for relevant training, and conduct more research. We are in an information age so all writers must be innovative.
