{
  "id": 13637710,
  "title": "Why international publishers are overlooking Arabic books",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/why-international-publishers-are-overlooking-arabic-books",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T04:04:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/books/2026/10/11/why-international-publishers-are-overlooking-arabic-books/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nWhile 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.\n\nHowever, 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.\n\nAlthough 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.",
  "summary": "For Arabic publishers trying to sell translation rights abroad, the first challenge is getting foreign buyers to consider their books. Many international publishers have little idea of the range available, says Sherif Bakr, general manager of Cairo's Al Arabi Publishing and Distributing. “They don't know what to expect. They don't know what we have. This is why we as an industry needed to extend…",
  "key_points": [
    "International publishers overlook Arabic books due to lack of awareness.",
    "Arab Voices website launched in July 2020 to highlight contemporary literature.",
    "Bakr aims to increase visibility of Arabic literature and build soft power."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The launch of Arab Voices website shifts the balance by increasing international publishers' access to diverse Arabic literature, potentially benefiting Arab writers and publishers while challenging existing industry dynamics.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Why international publishers are overlooking Arabic books",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/why-international-publishers-are-overlooking-arabic-books-13640466",
        "published": "2026-10-11T04:04:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}