Why international publishers are overlooking Arabic books

International publishers often overlook Arabic books due to a lack of awareness about the diverse range available, according to Sherif Bakr, general manager of Cairo's Al Arabi Publishing and Distributing. Bakr aims to bridge this gap through the newly launched Arab Voices website, which highlights contemporary literature from across the Arab world.

This initiative, funded by the EU and launched in July 2020, showcases books in various genres, including fantasy, crime, women's literature, and chick lit, among others. Currently featuring 200 titles from 22 countries, Arab Voices intends to expose more writers from across the region.

While expanding the variety of books is crucial, Bakr stresses that the selection must also align with what international publishers seek. He emphasizes that an open directory without proper curation would fail to help buyers identify books suitable for their markets. Bakr suggests that publishers should focus on literary prize shortlists and winners, as well as select books that might not have received such recognition but could still appeal internationally.

He also highlights the importance of actively participating in international book fairs to network, negotiate rights, and showcase titles, despite the additional costs involved.

However, Bakr notes that international publishers are not always receptive to Arab publishers. At a Frankfurt discussion on publishing industry challenges, he shared how publishers from the Middle East often feel overlooked and underestimated by their foreign counterparts. Additionally, logistical challenges faced by regional publishers, such as expensive contractual obligations and the need to send free copies to authors, agents, and rights holders in multiple countries, can further strain their resources. Bakr recalls struggling to transfer money for rights purchases due to banking system differences.

Although restrictions have eased, Bakr acknowledges that even a $100 transfer can still incur significant fees. He plans to expand Arab Voices' international outreach post-Frankfurt and turn the platform into a hub for publishing news and links to other initiatives. Bakr is cautious about measuring the platform's success solely by the number of translation deals, emphasizing that the goal is to increase the visibility of Arabic literature and build soft power.