The Sharjah International Literacy Agency (SILA) was launched in 2021 aiming to boost regional Arabic publishing, promote Arabic literary and cultural content globally, sell rights on behalf of Arabic-language authors and publishers, and act as a sub-agent for those seeking to sell rights to Arabic publishers. We spoke with Tamer Said, who serves as director of the company.
What was the motivation to launch SILA?
We identified a significant need to elevate and expand the reach of Arabic content, our conviction lying in the abundance of gifted Arabic authors whose creations warrant a wider readership. SILA is committed to empowering and enabling these authors in achieving their publishing goals and, equally vital, in introducing Arabic literature to a global audience.
What services do you provide?
We offer a comprehensive suite of services to support both Arab authors and publishers, regardless of their location. These include rights representation, to facilitate the sale of authors’ works to publishers worldwide and expand their global reach, and editorial and translation services, collaborating with skilled editors and translators to make Arabic literature accessible to a diverse global audience.
Our expertise includes marketing and promotion, where we work in close partnership with authors and publishers to elevate their creations to a global readership. We are also deeply committed to fostering knowledge and growth within the industry by providing workshops and educational programs designed to empower authors and publishers, equipping them with invaluable insights into the intricacies of the international publishing landscape.
What type of books and authors do you represent?
Arabic literature encompasses a diverse range of genres, and although we are eventually looking to cover all these formats, SILA’s immediate emphasis focuses on fiction, children’s literature, and graphic novels, catering to a wide spectrum of the market.
What are the challenges and opportunities of selling Arabic books to international audiences?
Bringing Arabic books to readers around the world comes with its unique set of challenges and exciting prospects. Among the hurdles are the limited global presence of the Arabic language and the relatively low awareness of Arabic literature in many corners of the world. We are not deterred by these challenges. Instead we are inspired by the possibilities, and with the global publishing market on the rise, there’s a burgeoning interest in Arabic culture and literature. It’s a mission close to our hearts, and we’re committed to sharing the beauty of Arabic storytelling with the world.
What are your thoughts on the future of Arabic publishing?
The sector continues to make great strides, especially when it comes to cross-lingual exchange through translation services. Coupled with the transformative potential of digital publishing, these factors create new avenues for Arabic authors to connect with a broader international audience. At a local level, the U.A.E. has devised a strategy for literature and publishing, placing a central focus on the promotion and elevation of the Arabic language, aiming to bolster its status and influence.
Is there something that you feel people get wrong about the Arabic literary community that you want to correct or disavow?
One misconception about the Arabic literary community is the notion of it being homogenous, or that the reading trends in the U.A.E. are the same as in other Arabic speaking nations. In reality, the Arabic literary landscape is richly diverse and dynamic. It encompasses a multitude of genres, styles, and voices hailing from various corners of the Arab world. It is my hope that people will embrace this diversity and explore the multifaceted nature of Arabic literature.
