Why international publishers are overlooking Arabic books

International publishers are frequently overlooking Arabic books, according to Sherif Bakr, the general manager of Cairo's Al Arabi Publishing and Distributing. Many foreign buyers lack knowledge of the diverse range of Arabic literature available, as Bakr explains during a presentation at the Frankfurt International Book Fair. To address this issue, Bakr launched the Arab Voices website in 2020, initially featuring a printed catalogue of 32 Egyptian books before expanding to an online platform this year.

Funded by the EU, Arab Voices showcases a wide selection of contemporary literature from across the Arab world, including works by Palestinian author Bassem Khandaqji, Egyptian novelist Adel Esmat, and Nora Nagi.

The platform aims to provide foreign publishers with a curated list of titles that are more likely to appeal to their markets, rather than an open directory of all Arabic literature. Bakr emphasizes the importance of selecting books that have the potential to succeed in international markets, even if they have not received recognition through literary prizes.

He also highlights the need for Arab publishers to be more active at international book fairs, where the primary focus is on networking, rights negotiations, and showcasing titles. Bakr acknowledges the additional costs associated with participating in these events but believes that the investment can yield significant returns.

However, international publishers are not always receptive to Arab publishers, as Bakr notes during a separate discussion at the Frankfurt Book Fair. He describes instances where publishers from the Middle East feel overlooked or not considered important by their foreign counterparts. Additionally, foreign publishers and agents may underestimate the 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.

These challenges can result in substantial shipping bills that are often greater than the cost of producing the books themselves.

Despite these obstacles, Bakr remains committed to expanding the reach of Arab Voices and increasing international outreach after the Frankfurt Book Fair. He is reluctant to measure the platform's progress solely by the number of translation deals, emphasizing that the goal is to expand the visibility of Arabic literature and contribute to the soft power of the Arab literary world.