Sharjah Book Authority launches new literary agency to stimulate Arabic publishing market

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has launched the Sharjah International Literary Agency (SILA), the first-of-its-kind in the UAE and the region, which aims to facilitate communication among publishers, authors, translators and creatives, and regulate their operations in line with prevailing frameworks.

SILA will ensure that the rights of publishers and writers are protected, and will stimulate the Arabic publishing market, while also promoting Arabic literary and cultural content globally.

It will represent Arab authors by selling publication rights of their works to Arab and overseas publishers, and multimedia companies, including those in film, television and gaming verticals, reported news agency WAM.

Arab publishers who own the translations and media adaptation rights for their list of authors will also be represented by the new entity. The agency will also function as a sub-agent to publishers and literary agents seeking to sell translations rights of their foreign language authors to Arab publishers.

SILA will also work towards discovering young creative talents and assist them with establishing a presence across the region, and will offer consultative services and financial support too to these authors and content creators.

“The book industry is an integral pillar of Sharjah’s cultural project. The launch of SILA reinforces SBA’s commitment to support the industry locally and regionally, and actively promote the role of books, writers and creatives in society,” said Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chairman of SBA.

“SBA will continue to support Emirati and Arab publishers and promote their offerings globally through SILA, to turn the spotlight on the key role of books and knowledge in reinforcing cross-cultural communication. Under Sharjah’s cultural project that commenced more than 40 years ago, hundreds of Arab writers have participated in varied literary activities, leading to a fruitful exchange of ideas and expertise, and uplifting the cultural scene in the emirate. SILA will continue this ongoing support for authors and creatives while also safeguarding their rights and interests,” added Al Ameri.

From May 27-June 5, SBA organised the Sharjah Virtual Reading Festival which allowed writers and authors from around the world to connect virtually and included a number of cultural, literary and poetry sessions and workshops.

Read: Sharjah Book Authority launches virtual reading festival